Showing papers on "Human sexuality published in 2010"

A population-based study of sexual orientation identity and gender differences in adult health.

Abstract: Objectives. We provide estimates of several leading US adult health indicators by sexual orientation identity and gender to fill gaps in the current literature.Methods. We aggregated data from the 2001–2008 Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance surveys (N = 67 359) to examine patterns in self-reported health by sexual orientation identity and gender, using multivariable logistic regression.Results. Compared with heterosexuals, sexual minorities (i.e., gays/lesbians, 2% of sample; bisexuals, 1%) were more likely to report activity limitation, tension or worry, smoking, drug use, asthma, lifetime sexual victimization, and HIV testing, but did not differ on 3-year Papanicolaou tests, lifetime mammography, diabetes, or heart disease. Compared with heterosexuals, bisexuals reported more barriers to health care, current sadness, past-year suicidal ideation, and cardiovascular disease risk. Gay men were less likely to be overweight or obese and to obtain prostate-specific antigen tests, and lesbians ...

A meta-analytic review of research on gender differences in sexuality, 1993–2007.

Abstract: In 1993 Oliver and Hyde conducted a meta-analysis on gender differences in sexuality. The current study updated that analysis with current research and methods. Evolutionary psychology, cognitive social learning theory, social structural theory, and the gender similarities hypothesis provided predictions about gender differences in sexuality. We analyzed gender differences in 30 reported sexual behaviors and attitudes for 834 individual samples uncovered in literature searches and 7 large national data sets. In support of evolutionary psychology, results from both the individual studies and the large data sets indicated that men reported slightly more sexual experience and more permissive attitudes than women for most of the variables. However, as predicted by the gender similarities hypothesis, most gender differences in sexual attitudes and behaviors were small. Exceptions were masturbation incidence, pornography use, casual sex, and attitudes toward casual sex, which all yielded medium effect sizes in which male participants reported more sexual behavior or permissive attitudes than female participants. Most effect sizes reported in the current study were comparable to those reported in Oliver and Hyde's study. In support of cognitive social learning theory, year of publication moderated the magnitude of effect sizes, with gender differences for some aspects of sexuality increasing over time and others decreasing. As predicted by social structural theory, nations and ethnic groups with greater gender equity had smaller gender differences for some reported sexual behaviors than nations and ethnic groups with less gender equity. Gender differences decreased with age of the sample for some sexual behaviors and attitudes.

Dimensions of sexual orientation and the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in the United States

Abstract: Objectives. We used data from a nationally representative sample to examine the associations among 3 dimensions of sexual orientation (identity, attraction, and behavior), lifetime and past-year mood and anxiety disorders, and sex.Methods. We analyzed data from wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.Results. Mental health outcomes differed by sex, dimension of sexual orientation, and sexual minority group. Whereas a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity was associated with higher odds of any mood or anxiety disorder for both men and women, women reporting only same-sex sexual partners in their lifetime had the lowest rates of most disorders. Higher odds of any lifetime mood or anxiety disorder were more consistent and pronounced among sexual minority men than among sexual minority women. Finally, bisexual behavior conferred the highest odds of any mood or anxiety disorder for both males and females.Conclusions. Findings point to mental health disparities among some, but...

Gender and sexuality: emerging perspectives from the heterosexual epidemic in South Africa and implications for HIV risk and prevention

Abstract: Research shows that gender power inequity in relationships and intimate partner violence places women at enhanced risk of HIV infection. Men who have been violent towards their partners are more likely to have HIV. Men's behaviours show a clustering of violent and risky sexual practices, suggesting important connections. This paper draws on Raewyn Connell's notion of hegemonic masculinity and reflections on emphasized femininities to argue that these sexual, and male violent, practices are rooted in and flow from cultural ideals of gender identities. The latter enables us to understand why men and women behave as they do, and the emotional and material context within which sexual behaviours are enacted.

What is so special about male adolescent sexual offending? A review and test of explanations through meta-analysis.

Abstract: We tested special and general explanations of male adolescent sexual offending by conducting a meta-analysis of 59 independent studies comparing male adolescent sex offenders (n = 3,855) with male adolescent non-sex offenders (n = 13,393) on theoretically derived variables reflecting general delinquency risk factors (antisocial tendencies), childhood abuse, exposure to violence, family problems, interpersonal problems, sexuality, psychopathology, and cognitive abilities. The results did not support the notion that adolescent sexual offending can be parsimoniously explained as a simple manifestation of general antisocial tendencies. Adolescent sex offenders had much less extensive criminal histories, fewer antisocial peers, and fewer substance use problems compared with non-sex offenders. Special explanations suggesting a role for sexual abuse history, exposure to sexual violence, other abuse or neglect, social isolation, early exposure to sex or pornography, atypical sexual interests, anxiety, and low self-esteem received support. Explanations focusing on attitudes and beliefs about women or sexual offending, family communication problems or poor parent-child attachment, exposure to nonsexual violence, social incompetence, conventional sexual experience, and low intelligence were not supported. Ranked by effect size, the largest group difference was obtained for atypical sexual interests, followed by sexual abuse history, and, in turn, criminal history, antisocial associations, and substance abuse. We discuss the implications of the findings for theory development, as well as for the assessment, treatment, and prevention of adolescent sexual offending.

Women and Men in Management

Abstract: Foreword Chapter 1 Sex, Gender, and Work On the Psychology of Sex Sex vs. Gender Sex as a Primary Dimension of Diversity Watching Out for Biases Organization of the Book Chapter 2 Yesterday and Today A Century of Change A Snapshot of the Present Looking Forward Chapter 3 Becoming Women and Men Sex Differences Gender Differences Gender Identity Nature and Nurture Gender Role Solialization Limitations of Gender Stereotypes and Roles Influencing Gender Stereotypes and Roles Chapter 4 Making Employment Decisions Decisions by Individuals Decisions by Organizations Improving Employment Decisions Chapter 5 Working in Teams Sex and Gender Differences in Mixed-Sex Terms Influence of Team Composition on Individual Members The Importance of Situational Factors Making Mixed-Sex Teams Work Chapter 6 Leading People Leader Stereotypes Attitudes Toward Women as Leaders Leader Behavior and Effectiveness Promoting Effective Leadership Chapter 7 Dealing With Sexuality in the Workplace Sexual Harassment Workplace Romances Addressing the Intersection of Sexuality and Work Chapter 8 Pursuing Careers What Makes a Career Successful? Sex Differences in Careers The Glass Ceiling The Intersection of Work and Family Facilitating Employees' Career Success Succeeding on Your Own Terms The Rest of the Story Chapter 9 Promoting Nondiscrimination, Diversity, and Inclusion Legal Requirements Business Imperatives Organizational Actions Conclusions Index About the Authors

Agreement of Self-Reported and Genital Measures of Sexual Arousal in Men and Women: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract: The assessment of sexual arousal in men and women informs theoretical studies of human sexuality and provides a method to assess and evaluate the treatment of sexual dysfunctions and paraphilias Understanding measures of arousal is, therefore, paramount to further theoretical and practical advances in the study of human sexuality In this meta-analysis, we review research to quantify the extent of agreement between self-reported and genital measures of sexual arousal, to determine if there is a gender difference in this agreement, and to identify theoretical and methodological moderators of subjective-genital agreement We identified 132 peer- or academically-reviewed laboratory studies published between 1969 and 2007 reporting a correlation between self-reported and genital measures of sexual arousal, with total sample sizes of 2,505 women and 1,918 men There was a statistically significant gender difference in the agreement between self-reported and genital measures, with men (r = 66) showing a greater degree of agreement than women (r = 26) Two methodological moderators of the gender difference in subjective-genital agreement were identified: stimulus variability and timing of the assessment of self-reported sexual arousal The results have implications for assessment of sexual arousal, the nature of gender differences in sexual arousal, and models of sexual response

Sex, health, and years of sexually active life gained due to good health: evidence from two US population based cross sectional surveys of ageing

Abstract: Objectives To examine the relation between health and several dimensions of sexuality and to estimate years of sexually active life across sex and health groups in middle aged and older adults. Design Cross sectional study. Setting Two samples representative of the US population: MIDUS (the national survey of midlife development in the United States, 1995-6) and NSHAP (the national social life, health and ageing project, 2005-6). Participants 3032 adults aged 25 to 74 (1561 women, 1471 men) from the midlife cohort (MIDUS) and 3005 adults aged 57 to 85 (1550 women, 1455 men) from the later life cohort (NSHAP). Main outcome measures Sexual activity, quality of sexual life, interest in sex, and average remaining years of sexually active life, referred to as sexually active life expectancy. Results Overall, men were more likely than women to be sexually active, report a good quality sex life, and be interested in sex. These gender differences increased with age and were greatest among the 75 to 85 year old group: 38.9% of men compared with 16.8% of women were sexually active, 70.8% versus 50.9% of those who were sexually active had a good quality sex life, and 41.2% versus 11.4% were interested in sex. Men and women reporting very good or excellent health were more likely to be sexually active compared with their peers in poor or fair health: age adjusted odds ratio 2.2 (P Conclusion Sexual activity, good quality sexual life, and interest in sex were higher for men than for women and this gender gap widened with age. Sexual activity, quality of sexual life, and interest in sex were positively associated with health in middle age and later life. Sexually active life expectancy was longer for men, but men lost more years of sexually active life as a result of poor health than women.

Queer Diagnoses: Parallels and Contrasts in the History of Homosexuality, Gender Variance, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

Abstract: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is in the process of revising its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), with the DSM-V having an anticipated publication date of 2012. As part of that ongoing process, in May 2008, APA announced its appointment of the Work Group on Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders (WGSGID). The announcement generated a flurry of concerned and anxious responses in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, mostly focused on the status of the diagnostic categories of Gender Identity Disorder (GID) (for both children and adolescents and adults). Activists argued, as in the case of homosexuality in the 1970s, that it is wrong to label expressions of gender variance as symptoms of a mental disorder and that perpetuating DSM-IV-TR’s GID diagnoses in the DSM-V would further stigmatize and cause harm to transgender individuals. Other advocates in the trans community expressed concern that deleting GID would lead to denying medical and surgical care for transgender adults. This review explores how criticisms of the existing GID diagnoses parallel and contrast with earlier historical events that led APA to remove homosexuality from the DSM in 1973. It begins with a brief introduction to binary formulations that lead not only to linkages of sexual orientation and gender identity, but also to scientific and clinical etiological theories that implicitly moralize about matters of sexuality and gender. Next is a review of the history of how homosexuality came to be removed from the DSM-II in 1973 and how, not long thereafter, the GID diagnoses found their way into DSM-III in 1980. Similarities and differences in the relationships of homosexuality and gender identity to psychiatric and medical thinking are elucidated. Following a discussion of these issues, the author recommends changes in the DSM-V and some internal and public actions that the American Psychiatric Association should take.

Desiring China: Experiments in Neoliberalism, Sexuality, and Public Culture

Abstract: COURSE DESCRIPTION In popular and scholarly discourse, the term \"globalization\" is widely used to put a name to the shape of the contemporary world. In the realms of advertising, a variety of media, policymaking, politics, academia, and everyday talk, \"globalization\" references the sense that we now live in a deeply and everincreasingly interconnected, mobile, and speeded-up world that is unprecedented, fueled by technological innovations and geopolitical and economic transformations. Drawing on perspectives from history, anthropology, cultural and literary studies, geography, political economy, and sociology, this course will explore theories, discourses, and experiences of globalization.

Cultural Issues in Disclosures of Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract: Cultural norms affect the likelihood that child sexual abuse will be discovered by an adult or disclosed by a child. Cultural norms also affect whether abused children's families will report child sexual abuse to authorities. This article explores the ways ethnic and religious culture affect child sexual abuse disclosure and reporting, both in the United States and internationally. Guidelines for culturally sensitive child abuse interviewing are provided to facilitate disclosures of abuse from culturally diverse children in formal settings.

Sexuality related social support among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth.

Abstract: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual ("LGB") youth may face significant stressors related to their sexual orientation. Few studies, however, have examined youth's experiences of support for coping with these stressors. The current study compared LGB youth's perceptions of support for sexuality stress to their support for other types of problems. The links between sexuality stress, sexuality support, and emotional distress were also examined. Ninety-eight LGB youth (ages 18-21, 33% female) rated support from family, heterosexual friends, and sexual minority friends for dealing with problems related, and not related, to their sexuality. From family and heterosexual friends, support for sexuality stress was less available than support for other stressors. Sexual minority friends provided the highest levels of sexuality support. In regression analyses, higher levels of sexuality support related to decreased emotional distress and buffered against the negative effects of sexuality stress on emotional distress. Sexuality support, although less available than other types of support, may be especially relevant to mental health among LGB youth.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Families

Abstract: This article reviews new scholarship on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender families. The past decade witnessed rapid expansion of data and strong research designs. The most notable advance was in studies on variation among mostly planned lesbian comother families. Cumulative evidence suggests that although many of these families have comparatively high levels of shared labor and parental investment, they may not be as “genderless” as previously depicted. Gay men's diverse paths to family formation and planned parenthood have also been explored, but almost no research studies their children's experiences. Conceptualizations of sexual orientation expanded to include bisexuals and others, and some understanding of the experiences of transgender people has begun to emerge. Future work should explore relationships among members of the families they create.

Sexual Politics, Orientalism and Multicultural Citizenship in the Netherlands

Abstract: Sexuality features prominently in European debates on multiculturalism and in Orientalist discourses on Islam. This article argues that representations of gay emancipation are mobilized to shape narratives in which Muslims are framed as non-modern subjects, a development that can best be understood in relation to the ‘culturalization of citizenship’ and the rise of Islamophobia in Europe. We focus on the Netherlands where the entanglement of gay rights discourses with anti-Muslim politics and representations is especially salient. The thorough-going secularization of Dutch society, transformations in the realms of sex and morality since the ‘long 1960s’ and the ‘normalization’ of gay identities since the 1980s have made sexuality a malleable discourse in the framing of ‘modernity’ against ‘tradition’. This development is highly problematic, but also offers possibilities for new alliances and solidarities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (LGBTQ) politics and sexual and cultural citi...

Attitudes and perceptions towards disability and sexuality

Abstract: Purpose. To describe current societal perceptions and attitudes towards sexuality and disability and how social stigma differs between individuals living with visible and invisible disabilities.Met...

Ethnic differences in sexual attitudes of U.S. college students: gender, acculturation, and religiosity factors.

Abstract: Although it has been hypothesized that culture and religion play an important role in sexuality, the relative roles of acculturation and religiosity on ethnic differences in sexual attitudes have not been often empirically explored. The present study assessed differences in sexual attitudes in Euro-American, Asian, and Hispanic American populations using measures of acculturation to analyze the relative effects of heritage and mainstream cultures, as well as religiosity, within each ethnic group. A total of 1,415 college students (67% Euro-American, 16% Hispanic, 17% Asian; 32% men, 68% women) completed questionnaires which assessed attitudes towards homosexuality, gender role traditionality, casual sex, and extramarital sex. In concordance with previous studies, Asians reported more conservative sexual attitudes than did their Hispanic and Euro-American peers. Hispanics reported sexual attitudes similar to that of Euro-Americans. For both Hispanic and Asians, higher acculturation predicted sexual attitudes similar to that of Euro-Americans. For Asian, Hispanic, and Euro-American women, there was a significant interaction between intrinsic religiosity and spirituality such that the relationship between conservativism of sexual attitudes and intrinsic religiosity was stronger at higher levels of spirituality. In Euro-Americans and Asians, intrinsic religiosity and religious fundamentalism strongly predicted conservative sexual attitudes; while still significant, these relationships were not as pronounced in the Hispanic sample, implying an ethnic-by-religious effect. Novel to this study, acculturation did not mediate the relationship between religiosity and sexual attitudes, indicating that ethnic differences in religiosity effects were distinct from acculturation.

Shattering silence: exploring barriers to disclosure for African American sexual assault survivors.

Abstract: National-, community-, and college-based studies have documented the high prevalence of sexual assault among African American women. Although African American women experience sexual assault at alarming rates, they are less likely to disclose or seek help in the aftermath of sexual assault. The purpose of this literature review is to provide a critique of the current literature examining the barriers to disclosure for African American women, such as intrapsychic factors, the damaging effect of an unsupportive response to initial disclosure, stigmatization of African American female sexuality, apprehension regarding racism, and racial loyalty. The authors provide a summary of the literature, gaps in current empirical studies, and needs for future study. Culturally relevant intervention recommendations are described. Finally, implications for sexual assault policy are provided.

Too Ashamed to Report: Deconstructing the Shame of Sexual Victimization

Abstract: This article deconstructs the shame of sexual victimization by highlighting shame as a culturally mediated response triggered by threats to victims’ gendered selves. An exploration of victims’ narratives from the National Crime Victimization Survey reveals that 13% of respondents who experience rape or sexual assault express shame (i.e., self-blame, humiliation, or fear of public scrutiny) in their narratives. Looking separately at women’s and men’s shame narratives, the study delineates the cultural ideologies regarding gender and sexuality that contribute to victims’ definitions of their situations as shameful, and ultimately, to their reluctance to report incidents to the police.

Writing themselves in 3: The third national study on the sexual health and wellbeing of same sex attracted and gender questioning young people

Abstract: Executive Summary Introduction This is the third of the Writing Themselves In national reports which have been conducted six years apart since 1998. In 2010, a total of 3134 same sex attracted and gender questioning (SSAGQ) young people participated in Writing Themselves In 3 (WTi3), almost double the number in 2004 and more than four times that of 1998. The participants, who were aged between 14 and 21 years, came from all states and territories of Australia, from remote (2%), rural (18%) and urban (67%) areas and from a range of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. There were more young women (57%) than young men (41%) and a smaller group (3%) who were gender questioning (GQ). Sexual feelings In 2010, the complex interaction of sexual attraction, identity and behaviour was even more evident than in previous studies. Most young men were exclusively same sex attracted but half of the young women were attracted to both sexes and less than one third exclusively to the same sex. More than a third of young people realized their sexual difference before puberty and there were few gender differences in age of first realization. More young people felt positive about their same sex attraction than in 2004. As in 2004, young people who felt bad about their sexuality used homophobic beliefs to describe their reasons whereas those who felt good used resistant, affirming explanations. Sexual identity Most young men identified as gay/homosexual. Young women were more likely to identify as bisexual. Young women chose a greater range of identity terms to describe their sexuality.

In the Dark: Young Men’s Stories of Sexual Initiation in the Absence of Relevant Sexual Health Information

Abstract: A growing body of research has investigated the effectiveness of abstinence-only sexual education. There remains a dearth of research on the relevant sexual health information available to young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Drawing on a mixed-methods study with 526 YMSM, this study explores how and where YMSM receive relevant information on sexual health/behavior. Findings indicate that information related to gay men's sexuality is not readily available from family, friends, or schools. At initiation of anal intercourse, respondents generally had limited information about HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In some cases, this resulted in the perception that activities such as unprotected sex were "low risk." Many mentioned they first learned about anal sex during their sexual debut, describing painful and/or unpleasant experiences. Some relied on older/more experienced partners, the Internet, and pornography for information. Findings are discussed in relation to how providers can help YMSM build solid foundations of sexual education to protect them from STI and HIV infection.

Discussing sexuality with patients: nurses' attitudes and beliefs.

Abstract: Aim: This paper is a report of a study of Registered Nurses' attitudes and beliefs towards discussing sexuality with patients. Background: The World Health Organization regards sexuality as an esse ...

Alcohol and sexual risk behaviors as mediators of the sexual victimization-revictimization relationship.

Abstract: Numerous studies demonstrate a strong relationship between sexual victimization and revictimization. Women who are victimized sexually, whether in childhood (Merrill et al., 1999), adolescence (Hines, 2007; Humphrey & White, 2000) or adulthood (Kilpatrick, Acierno, Resnick, Saunders, & Best, 1997) are at elevated risk of being victimized again. Although several possible explanations for this persistent finding have been offered, there have been few prospective examinations of the proposed mediational mechanisms and hence limited support for any of these models. The current longitudinal study was designed to address this gap by examining the indirect effect of adolescent sexual victimization on later sexual victimization, specifically focusing on risky alcohol use and sexual behavior as potential mediating mechanisms. The empirical link between victimization and revictimization is robust and widely replicated across samples and ages but not well understood. Although empirical tests show a direct relationship, the actual relationship is much more likely to be indirect. That is, early victimization is likely to result in consequences for the woman that increase her vulnerability to later assault. Several integrative reviews have considered a variety of possibilities to explain the robust victimization – revictimization relationship (see Breitenbecher, 2001; Gold, Sinclair, & Balge, 1999; Messman-Moore & Long, 2003; Polusny & Follette, 1995). One explanation is that victims have difficulty assessing or responding to risky situations, and these impaired responses to risky situations increase vulnerability to sexual assault (see Gidycz, McNamara, & Edwards, 2006 for a review). Another explanation is that psychological trauma resulting from early victimization, such as post-traumatic stress, mediates the relationship between initial and later victimization (Hedtke et al., 2008; Risser, Hetzel-Riggin, Thomsen, & McCanne, 2006). Trauma symptoms, such as hyperarousal, may interfere with the ability to correctly recognize danger or may alert potential perpetrators to the woman's vulnerability (see Messman-Moore & Long, 2003). Another proposed mechanism involves self-medication of trauma symptoms through use of alcohol or drugs (see Stewart, Pihl, Conrod, & Dongier, 1998) or engaging in sexual activity as a way of regulating negative affect (Briere, 2005). Both substance use and elevated sexual activity may subsequently increase vulnerability to later victimization. It is this mechanism that is the focus of the current investigation. Numerous studies demonstrate that childhood and adolescent victimization are associated with increased substance use and abuse in adolescence and adulthood (Champion et al., 2004; Epstein, Saunders, Kilpatrick, & Resnick, 1998; Kendler et al., 2000; Kilpatrick, Acierno, Resnick, Best, & Schnurr, 2000; Nelson et al., 2002; Wilsnack, Vogeltanz, Klassen, & Harris, 1997; see Sartor, Agrawal, McCutcheon, Duncan, & Lynskey, 2008 for a review). In turn, women's substance use has been identified as a risk factor for subsequent sexual victimization (Mohler-Kuo, Dowdall, Koss, & Wechsler, 2004; Parks, Hsieh, Bradizza, & Romosz, 2008; Testa, VanZile-Tamsen, & Livingston, 2007). Increased vulnerability associated with alcohol use may stem from several potential mechanisms. First, acute intoxication impairs a women's ability to recognize sexual assault risk while increasing willingness to engage in risk-enhancing behaviors (e.g., Testa, VanZile-Tamsen, Livingston, & Buddie, 2006). At higher levels of intoxication, incapacitation or unconsciousness can result, leaving the woman unable to resist unwanted sexual advances (Kilpatrick, Resnick, Ruggierio, Conoscenti, & McCauley, 2007; Testa, Livingston, VanZile-Tamsen, & Frone, 2003). Among college students, rape while incapacitated is considerably more common than forcible rape (Mohler-Kuo et al, 2004). In addition, young people typically consume alcohol in social settings such as parties and bars where others are drinking (Single & Wortley, 1993). These settings, which include intoxicated males and females in a sexually-laden context (see Norris, Nurius, & Dimeff, 1996) pose risks for sexual victimization independent of alcohol consumption (Copenhaver & Grauerholz, 1991; Parks & Zetes-Zanatta, 1999). Another risk behavior that has been associated with sexual victimization is increased sexual activity. Numerous studies show that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors initiate sex earlier and have more sexual partners than non-survivors (see Arriola, Louden, Doldren, & Fortenberry, 2005; Senn, Carey, & Vanable, 2008 for reviews). Prospective studies have implicated higher levels of consensual sexual activity as a risk factor for later sexual victimization (Messman-Moore, Coates, Gaffey, & Johnson, 2008; Parks, Romosz, Bradizza, & Hsieh, 2008; Raghavan, Bogart, Elliott, Vestal, & Schuster, 2004). The increased vulnerability associated with having more sexual partners may reflect the fact that with exposure to more men, there is a statistically increased chance of encountering an aggressive man. However, it may also reflect greater exposure to parties and other locations that facilitate sexual activity or “hookups, ” just as the sexual vulnerability associated with drinking alcohol may reflect risk associated with the settings in which alcohol is consumed. Flack et al. (2007) found that hookups, that is, brief sexual encounters outside of intimate or dating relationships, were the most common context in which sexual victimization occurred in their sample of college women. Frequency of alcohol intoxication is strongly associated with hooking up (Paul, McManus, & Hayes, 2000). Although mediated models explaining the link between initial and later sexual victimization are often implied (see Filipas & Ullman, 2006; Siegel & Williams, 2003), there are few empirical tests of such models. Gidycz, Hanson and Layman (1995) tested, but failed to find that alcohol or sexual partners mediated the relationship between prior and subsequent victimization in a college sample. However, Orcutt, Cooper, and Garcia (2005) found that the strength of the relationship between prior and subsequent victimization in a community sample was reduced when sexual behavior was considered as a mediator. Substance use was not considered in this study. Thus, a primary goal of this study was to test a mediated model, whereby the relationship between adolescent sexual victimization and college victimization is presumed to be mediated via two types of risky behaviors: sexual and alcohol-related. The transition from high school to college is a particularly appropriate time to examine the mediating influences of risky behaviors on sexual victimization, given that the college setting, with its inherently greater freedoms, offers increased availability and opportunity to engage in risky behavior if one so desires (Fromme, Corbin, & Kruse, 2008). Accordingly, there are well-documented increases in alcohol consumption from high school to college (Schulenberg & Maggs, 2002; White et al., 2006) and some evidence that the likelihood of having sex with multiple partners increases during this transition as well (Fromme et al, 2008). Moreover, the first year of college is a particularly high risk time for sexual victimization relative to later college years (Humphrey & White, 2000). For college students, sexual and alcohol-related risk behaviors are likely to be particularly important (and related) predictors of sexual vulnerability given that heavy episodic drinking and “hookups” occur within the drinking contexts that also pose a risk for sexual victimization. Based on these research findings, we propose and test a prospective, mediated model of revictimization among first year college students (see Figure 1). Consistent with much prior research (e.g., Humphrey & White, 2000), we hypothesize that adolescent sexual victimization will increase risk of experiencing sexual victimization during the first year of college. However, we also expect the victimization-revictimization relationship to be at least partially mediated by alcohol-related and sexual risk behaviors in the first semester of college. Thus, we expect a significant path from high school victimization to college risk behaviors and a significant path from college risk behaviors to college victimization. The proposed model accounts for the expected positive association, at baseline, of adolescent victimization and drinking and sexual activity in the last year of high school. Moreover, the model accounts for the significant association of high school risk behaviors and college risk behaviors (e.g. Fromme et al, 2008; Sher & Rutledge, 2007), with high school HED and sexual activity as additional mediators of the effects of adolescent victimization on college risk exposure. Figure 1 Conceptual prospective model of first semester college risk behaviors as mediators of sexual revictimization during first year of college. T0 is the baseline at the end of senior year in high school; T1 is the end of the first fall semester in college; ...

Demographic and Psychological Predictors of Parent–Adolescent Communication About Sex: A Representative Statewide Analysis

Abstract: Sexual communication is a principal means of transmitting sexual values, beliefs, expectations, and knowledge between parents and children Although this area has received considerable research attention, more studies with representative samples are needed to assure that findings are reflective of populations of interest A representative statewide sample of households with adolescents (N = 907) from a large and diverse state in the United States was employed to examine the content and extent of sexual communication between parents and their adolescents, and the influence of selected primary demographic (age and gender), socio-demographic (Hispanic ethnicity, education, and religious attendance), and psychological (self-reported comfort, knowledge, and sexual communication difficulties) factors on the number of topics discussed More than two-thirds of the parents reported experiencing some type of sexual communication difficulty, such as developmental concerns and embarrassment Hierarchical regression results indicated that self-reported comfort, knowledge, and sexual communication difficulties strongly predicted the number of topics discussed, beyond the effect of demographic variables These findings reinforce the notion that sexual communication between parents and adolescents can be universally challenging, and parents of both genders, all ages, and all socio-demographic characteristics might benefit from education and support

Lust, Love, and Life : A Qualitative Study of Swedish Adolescents' Perceptions and Experiences with Pornography

Abstract: There is a widespread concern in Western society about the visibility of pornography in public places and on the Internet. What are the consequences for young men and women, and how do they think about gender, sexuality, and pornography? Data was collected, through 22 individual interviews and seven focus groups, from 51 participants (36 women and 37 men aged 14-20 years) in Sweden. The results indicated a process of both normalization and ambivalence. Pornography was used as a form of social intercourse, a source of information, and a stimulus for sexual arousal. Pornography consumption was more common among the young men than among the women. For both the young men and women, the pornographic script functioned as a frame of reference in relation to bodily ideals and sexual performances. Most of the participants had acquired the necessary skills of how to deal with the exposure to pornography in a sensible and reflective manner.

Sexuality and obesity, a gender perspective: results from French national random probability survey of sexual behaviours

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To analyse the association between body mass index (BMI) and sexual activity, sexual satisfaction, unintended pregnancies, and abortions in obese people and to discuss the implications for public health practices, taking into account the respondents' and their partners' BMI. DESIGN: Random probability survey of sexual behaviours. SETTING: National population based survey of 12 364 men and women aged 18-69 living in France in 2006. PARTICIPANTS: Random selection of 5535 women and 4635 men, of whom 3651 women and 2725 men were normal weight (BMI 18.5- 30). RESULTS: Obese women were less likely than normal weight women to report having a sexual partner in the past 12 months (odds ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.51 to 0.97). Obese men were less likely than normal weight men to report more than one sexual partner in the same period (0.31, 0.17 to 0.57, P<0.001) and more likely to report erectile dysfunction (2.58, 1.09 to 6.11, P<0.05). Sexual dysfunction was not associated with BMI among women. Obese women aged under 30 were less likely to seek healthcare services for contraception (0.37, 0.18 to 0.76) or to use oral contraceptives (0.34, 0.15 to 0.78). They were also more likely to report an unintended pregnancy (4.26, 2.21 to 8.23). CONCLUSION: There is a link between BMI and sexual behaviour and adverse sexual health outcomes, with obese women less likely to access contraceptive healthcare services and having more unplanned pregnancies. Prevention of unintended pregnancies among these women is a major reproductive health challenge. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of sensitivities related to weight and gender in the provision of sexual health services.