RESUMO
Sex, sexuality, and gender diversity is understudied and underserved in neurology. Neurology research inclusive of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual) people is limited. Existing research struggles with a paucity of neurology studies collecting sex, sexuality, and gender diverse (SSGD) data, conflation of sex and gender, lack of precision in measures, neglect of younger and older populations, nebulous benefit to community, and absent intersectionality. Future directions in SSGD neurology research include precise and community-based measurements, respect for LGBTQIA+ colleagues, and the application of minority stress models. All patients stand to benefit from research that elucidates how SSGD variables influence neurological health. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:421-431.
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Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero , Sexualidade , Masculino , Feminino , HumanosRESUMO
Same-sex sexual behaviors (SSB) in primates have historically been studied as sexual perversions, evolutionary paradoxes, and hormone-driven pathologies. Researchers in recent decades have challenged these perspectives, yet some of the original biases still linger. In this paper, we examine how the study of endocrinological mechanisms in SSB has been influenced by the historical framework of pathology. Societal attitudes and cultural conceptions of human sexuality have led researchers to study SSB in primates as the outcome of "abnormal" processes of "feminization" or "masculinization" of sexual behavior. Here, we argue for a renewed attention to other areas of inquiry regarding the relationship between hormones and SSB, such as the role of pleasure. We briefly review how current knowledge on the neuroendocrinology of pleasure in nonhuman primates may relate to the expression of SSB and highlight oxytocin and dopamine as potentially fruitful areas for future research. We argue that future studies on SSB in primates would benefit from 1) acknowledging how the historical study of SSB as a pathology has shaped mechanistic studies and 2) studying SSB with the same holistic approach as is taken with different-sex sexual behavior (DSB).
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Prazer , Comportamento Sexual , Animais , Humanos , Primatas , Comportamento Sexual Animal , Sexualidade , HormôniosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune systemic disease affecting many organs and systems, such as genital system. AIM: This study aimed to present the gynecological symptoms of patients who were followed up in an outpatient clinic because of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (sSS) and to show how the disease affected sexuality. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted between 2019 and 2020. The study sample consisted of 60 pSS patients, 42 sSS patients, and 52 healthy control subjects. OUTCOMES: All the participants were questioned about sexuality, and completed the 36-item Short Form Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Modified Hill questionnaire. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 55.6 ± 11.85 years in pSS, 59.39 ± 11.18 years in sSS, and 56.1 ± 10.46 years in healthy control subjects. Vaginal and vulvar dryness and dyspareunia were present at a significantly higher rate in SS, especially in pSS, compared with the control subjects. The Health Assessment Questionnaire score was significantly lower in the pSS group than in the sSS group. Arthralgia, myalgia, and fatigue were prominent in all SS patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Gynecological symptoms, sexual ability, and the effects of the disease on sexuality should be questioned in all SS patients. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: It is very important that we evaluate the gynecological symptoms of both pSS and sSS patients and the effect of the disease on these symptoms. The small number of patients and healthy control subjects is a limitation. CONCLUSION: The gynecological and musculoskeletal symptoms negatively affected sexuality in patients with pSS and sSS, and the negative effect of the disease on sexuality was more pronounced in the pSS group.
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Síndrome de Sjogren , Feminino , Humanos , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Síndrome de Sjogren/complicações , Estudos Transversais , Comportamento Sexual , Sexualidade , VaginaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer treatments may have impacts on several aspects of sexual health, including psychological, psychosexual, physiological, physical, and relational. AIM: In this study we sought to assess sexual function and sexual frequency in breast cancer patients 2 years after diagnosis. METHODS: We selected all breast cancer participants from the the French national VIe après le CANcer 2 (VICAN 2) longitudinal study. Data sources included patient and medical questionnaires, along with medico-administrative databases. OUTCOMES: Outcomes assessed were the dimensions of sexual function and frequency from the Relationship and Sexuality Scale and communication about sexuality with healthcare providers. RESULTS: Out of 1350 participating women, 60.2% experienced a decrease in sexual desire, 61.4% reported a lower frequency of intercourse, and 49.5% faced decreased ability to orgasm. In contrast, 64.8% had engaged in sexual intercourse in the previous 2 weeks, 89.5% were "Somewhat" to "Very much" satisfied with the frequency of intimate touching and kisses with their partner, and 81.6% expressed satisfaction with their intercourse frequency. However, a mere 15% of women discussed sexuality with the healthcare providers. Independent factors associated with increased communication about sexuality included age younger than 50 years (OR = 1.90 95% CI [1.28-2.82], P = .001), being in a partner relationship (OR = 2.53 95% CI [1.28-2.82], P = .003), monthly income above 1,500 euros (OR = 1.73 95% CI [1.15-2.60], P = .009), and absence of diabetes (OR = 6.11 95% CI [1.39-26.93], P = .017). CLINICAL TRANSLATION: The study findings underscore the need for continuing education in oncosexology and dedicated sexual health interventions that should involve a holistic approach that takes into consideration age, treatments, relationship status, and whether the patient has diabetes. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths of the study are the sample size, the national representativeness, and data reliability. However, the cross-sectional design could introduce potential recall, recency, or social desirability biases. Also, social determinants influencing sexual health, such as ethnicity or geographic locations, have not been considered in the analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that sexual disorders persist 2 years after a breast cancer diagnosis, with a noticeable communication gap regarding sexuality between patients and medical teams. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored sexual health interventions, particularly designed for women who are single, older aged, and diabetes patients.
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Neoplasias da Mama , Diabetes Mellitus , Humanos , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias da Mama/psicologia , Estudos Transversais , Estudos Longitudinais , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Sexualidade/psicologia , Comunicação , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a sexual rehabilitation program, SEXHAB, in improving sexual functioning, reducing sexual distress, and enhancing marital satisfaction for women after gynecological cancer treatment. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial that included 150 women newly diagnosed with gynecological cancer from three public hospitals in Hong Kong. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 78) to receive the SEXHAB or to an attention control group (n = 72) to receive attention. The SEXHAB comprises four individual- or couple-based sessions with three major components: information provision, cognitive-behavioral therapy and counseling using motivational interviewing skills. The outcomes were measured at baseline (T0), upon completion of the program (T1) and 12-month post-treatment (T2). Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the SEXHAB group participants to explore their experiences with and opinions toward the program. RESULTS: At both follow-ups, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in improving sexual functioning, sexual distress and marital satisfaction. Nevertheless, participants in the SEXHAB group reported their partners having significantly greater sexual interest at T1 (76% vs. 52%, rate ratio: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.99, p = 0.024) and T2 (74% vs. 48%, rate ratio: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.10, p = 0.014). From the qualitative interviews, the interviewees who resumed sexual activity reported positive experiences in rebuilding sexuality and intimacy. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the quantitative results are negative, the qualitative findings suggest potential benefits of the SEXHAB for women resuming sexual activities after treatment for gynecological cancer. Further studies with longer intervention period and follow-ups are needed to confirm the intervention effects.
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Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental , Neoplasias dos Genitais Femininos , Humanos , Feminino , Neoplasias dos Genitais Femininos/psicologia , Neoplasias dos Genitais Femininos/reabilitação , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto , Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental/métodos , Hong Kong , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Sexualidade/psicologia , Aconselhamento/métodos , Entrevista Motivacional/métodos , Disfunções Sexuais Psicogênicas/psicologia , Disfunções Sexuais Psicogênicas/reabilitaçãoRESUMO
Addressing the sexuality of individuals with disabilities is important within the framework of global health and societal inclusivity. Despite comprising 16% of the world's population, this demographic faces sexual autonomy inequality. Acknowledging this intersection is pertinent for achieving inclusive healthcare and upholding the commitments of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development and the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Dispelling stereotypes and promoting dialogue are key to empowering individuals with disabilities and ensuring equitable access to sexual health resources. Integrating sexual health and rights into broader healthcare systems is vital for creating an inclusive society where no one is left behind. This article advocates for the need to address the specific sexual health needs and rights of individuals with disabilities, to implement inclusive policies, and to foster a healthcare environment that respects and supports their autonomy and dignity.
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Pessoas com Deficiência , Direitos Humanos , Sexualidade , Humanos , Pessoas com Deficiência/psicologia , Sexualidade/psicologia , Saúde Sexual , Autonomia Pessoal , Saúde Global , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de SaúdeRESUMO
Parallel to the advent of social media and the easy access to online pornographic content there is a sharp increase in adolescent females expressing gender dysphoria worldwide. This paper argues that treatment of gender dysphoria in female adolescents must include explicit exploration into their use and exchange of pornographic content, as well as possible online or offline contacts with adults. Possible avenues of how pornographic content may increase the shame and fear of becoming a woman include the acquisition of misogynistic sexual scripts based on false assumptions on sexuality including the normalization of the violation of females as pleasurable for them, peer influence among female friendship groups, the susceptibility of our medical systems to "mass hysteria" phenomena, easier access of adults with sexually abusive intentions to youth through social media, sexual abuse and victim blaming on females, as well as the influence of pornography on mentalization capacities. As the influence of pornography on gender dysphoria in girls is understudied, this paper provides questions for qualitative and quantitative research, case studies and history taking. Especially the lack of an adequate other during exposure may aggravate false assumptions on gender roles and gender inequality seen in mainstream pornography. Girls affected by autism might be at higher risk because of their reduced mentalization capacities. Working through experiences associated with pornographic content and sexually abusive experiences may correct false beliefs about gender inequality and therefore might alleviate gender dysphoria.
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Transtorno Autístico , Disforia de Gênero , Adulto , Adolescente , Humanos , Feminino , Literatura Erótica , Comportamento Sexual , SexualidadeRESUMO
This study aims to systematically interpret and synthesize the data obtained from qualitative research about the sexual lives of women with diabetes. A thorough literature review was conducted between May and July 2023 across five electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EBSCO, and Science Direct Embase. Eight studies published in English since 2000, which explored the sexual experiences of women with diabetes, were included in this assessment. The sexual experiences of women with diabetes were summarized under five main themes: perception of sexuality, changes in sexual life, adapting to the new normal, unmet care needs, and expectations. This review underlines the intricate nature of diabetic women's sexual experiences, acknowledging the substantial impact of diabetes-related complications and the associated emotional stress on their quality of life and intimate relationships. The study finds that awareness varies among women, with some adapting to the changes brought on by diabetes, while others remain uninformed about its impact on their sexual health. There is a pronounced need for integrating sexual health into diabetes care routines. Many women face unaddressed sexual health concerns and require education and empathetic care from knowledgeable health professionals.
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Diabetes Mellitus , Saúde Sexual , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Diabetes Mellitus/psicologia , Diabetes Mellitus/terapia , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Qualidade de Vida/psicologia , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Sexualidade/psicologiaRESUMO
How gender-affirming treatments (GAT) influence the experienced sexuality of transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNB) individuals remains understudied. The aim of this research was to discern factors contributing to a satisfying sexual experience for TGNB individuals, explore the influence of GAT on this process, and identify potential areas for improvement in transition-related care. We conducted interviews with 21 participants at various stages of GAT. Participants identified as (trans)men (12), (trans)women (7), transgender (1), and genderqueer/gender non-conforming/non-binary (1). Thematic analysis was conducted and involved multiple researchers. Three themes emerged from the data: (i) the role sexuality plays in understanding and affirming one's gender, (ii) satisfaction with one's physical sexual function, (iii) positive communication about sex and its subsequent influence on relationships. Many participants associated satisfaction with physical sexual function with positive sexual experiences, often describing GAT-induced changes in sexual arousal, drive, and orgasm as gender-affirming. Emotional connection and affirmation from sexual partners also contributed to positive experiences. The ability to (re-)define what sex meant individually increased satisfaction levels. Moreover, understanding and affirming one's gender identity were closely related to a satisfactory sex life. This study offers valuable insights for healthcare providers working with TGNB individuals during GAT, particularly concerning their sexuality.
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Pessoas Transgênero , Transexualidade , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Identidade de Gênero , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Sexualidade , Transexualidade/psicologia , Pessoas Transgênero/psicologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: Patients diagnosed with cancer might experience changes in intimacy and sexuality due to the illness itself, treatment, or psychological and social factors. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) often feel reluctant to discuss these changes. This study aimed to provide an overview of the feasibility and effectiveness of communication tools that support communication regarding changes in intimacy or sexuality among patients with cancer. METHODS: This is a systematic review. Databases are PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from inception to June 2023. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess included studies. Data were summarized in data charting forms. RESULTS: In total 35 studies were included, published between 2001 and 2023. Most had a quantitative design and moderate methodological quality. In 11 studies, the PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive Therapy) was used. Tools were integrated in counselling sessions or training programmes for individual patients, couples, groups of patients, or HCPs. All tools were considered feasible by patients or HCPs. Twenty studies reported significant improvement in sexual functioning, quality of life, quality of care or combined outcomes. CONCLUSION: Tools to support communication about changes in intimacy and sexuality among patients with cancer seem feasible and effective. The most commonly used tool, the PLISSIT model, proved to be feasible for HCPs and to have a positive effect on patients' and partners' sexual functioning and quality of life. Giving attention to changes in intimacy and sexuality seems to be important in itself, regardless of the communication tool or approach used.
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Neoplasias , Qualidade de Vida , Humanos , Estudos de Viabilidade , Sexualidade , ComunicaçãoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the relationship between psychological distress, namely anxiety and depression, with urinary continence and recovery of erectile function in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 33 consecutive patients who underwent RP in a single tertiary-referral academy between 01/2018 to 01/2019. We used the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), the Sexual Complaints Screener for Men (SCS-M), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), validated questionnaires for the assessment of sexual function, anxiety, and depression experiences, respectively. These questionnaires were administered at the pre-surgical visit, after surgery, and at intermediate follow-ups (three, six, and twelve months). RESULTS: The analysis of the questionnaires completed during follow-up shows that erectile function is the most affected, with 90% erectile dysfunction (ED) at three months after surgery. In terms of emotional states, anxiety prevails in the first months following surgery and is statistically significantly associated with incontinence (p = 0.02). Depressive symptoms, on the other hand, appear later and prevail over anxiety at six months after surgery, although not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In the early post-surgical phase anxiety and ED are the most frequently detected components, while depressive experiences and decreased desire, typical of later stages, have not yet fully emerged.
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Depressão , Disfunção Erétil , Masculino , Humanos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Sexualidade , Ansiedade , ProstatectomiaRESUMO
AIM: The aim of this study was threefold: (1) to explore Danish adolescents and young adults' (AYAs) thoughts concerning sexual health particularly focusing on sexuality, intimacy, and body image throughout a cancer trajectory, (2) to investigate how AYAs experience healthcare professionals address of- and respond to sexual health issues, and (3) to identify AYAs' suggestions on how to support conversation about sexual health. METHODS: A qualitative, single-center study was conducted, including AYAs (18-29 years) diagnosed with cancer recruited at the University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted from January-February 2023, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Twelve participants were interviewed, aged 20-29; five were diagnosed with hematological- and seven with oncological cancer. Our analyses yielded three themes: (1) sexuality and body image as part of the identity, (2) excluding relatives in conversations about sexual health, and (3) uncertainty how to discuss sexual health with healthcare professionals. Finally, the AYAs' suggestions to support conversations about sexual health were organized into six thematic categories. CONCLUSION: In this study, participants experienced altered sexual subsequent impacts on body image and self-esteem during their cancer trajectory. While some adapted to these changes, discussing them with healthcare providers was difficult, especially in the presence of relatives, as the AYAs wanted to shield them from additional concerns. To enhance support, AYAs suggest regular discussions on sexual health and the use of a dialog tool by healthcare professionals.
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Imagem Corporal , Neoplasias , Humanos , Adulto Jovem , Adolescente , Comportamento Sexual , Sexualidade , Parceiros SexuaisRESUMO
Due to social desirability bias, people tend to self-present themselves in the presence of others in a favorable light, which sometimes may lead to deviations from reality. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced when controversial or strictly norm-bounded matters are considered. Here, we tested how a presence of an attractive model-either male or female-influences people's declarations on their sociosexual orientation-the degree of their sexual permissiveness in terms of their past behavior, attitudes toward uncommitted sex, and desire for sexual intercourse with individuals they are not in a relationship with. The participants (N = 244, 52% men) answered questions about their sociosexuality in solitude, or out loud with an attractive model present. The results show that both men and women declare lowered levels of their desire, but not behavior or attitude, in the presence of both male and female attractive models. A follow-up study (N = 188, 51% men) showed that this effect was not due to the differing conditions of responding (out loud vs written down). The research points out to an area of human sexuality that is prone to being falsified in research and which serves as an important factor in self-presentation.
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Coito , Comportamento Sexual , Humanos , Feminino , Masculino , Seguimentos , Sexualidade , AtitudeRESUMO
Clinicians and researchers consider sexual fantasies to be a central aspect of human sexuality. Although these are subjective experiences, most studies have assessed only their frequency and content. A measure that assesses individuals' subjective experience of sexual fantasies is therefore needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new measure, the Sexual Fantasy Experience Scale (SFES). In Study 1, the SFES was administered to 391 participants (240 defined themselves as women, 149 as men, and 2 as other). In Study 2, the SFES was administered to 426 participants (255 defined themselves as women, 167 as men, and 4 as other), along with a battery of questionnaires including the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale Short Form and the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, both of which measure sexual satisfaction, as well as the Sexual Fantasy Checklist, which evaluates the content of sexual fantasies and their frequency. Five reliable SFES subscales emerged from Study 1: playfulness, limitlessness, functionality, intrusiveness, and shame. In Study 2, a confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the scale's underlying factor structure, which was obtained in Study 1. The subscales of the SFES contributed to the explained variance of the assessments of sexual satisfaction, beyond the contribution of the fantasies' content and frequency, demonstrating the incremental validity of the subscales. The results of the present analyses suggest that the SFES has good psychometric properties, making it useful as an assessment tool for future research, clinical practice, and sex education.
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Fantasia , Comportamento Sexual , Masculino , Humanos , Feminino , Psicometria , Sexualidade , OrgasmoRESUMO
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is likely to have impacts on adult survivors' sexuality, particularly on their sexual self-concept. However, little is known about how survivors cope with CSA-related sexual impacts, including sexual self-concept impairments. Thus, this study aimed to examine the interplay between sexual self-concept and coping strategies in CSA survivors by (1) documenting the manifestations of their impaired sexual self-concepts; (2) identifying their strategies to cope with the sexual impacts of CSA; and (3) examining gender differences on sexual self-concept impairments and coping strategies. Content analysis was conducted on semi-structured interviews with 25 women and 26 men adult survivors of CSA recruited via social networks and victim support organizations. Analyses yielded three conceptual categories: (1) Developing an unconsolidated and unfavorable sexual self-concept following CSA; (2) Avoiding CSA-related sexual impacts and impaired sexual self-concept; (3) Approaching CSA-related sexual impacts with more authenticity. Men often managed their suffering and compensated for their impaired sexual self-concept by engaging in sexual dominance and over-investment, by accepting their sexual difficulties and relying on medication to overcome them. Women tended to restrict themselves and disconnect sexually to avoid suffering, complied with their partners' sexual demands out of a sense of duty, prioritized sexual intimacy over orgasm, and seek professional help. Interventions with survivors should promote the development of approach strategies to cope with sexual difficulties, including self-concept impairments, and foster sexual authenticity.
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Abuso Sexual na Infância , Adulto , Masculino , Criança , Feminino , Humanos , Comportamento Sexual , Sexualidade , Capacidades de Enfrentamento , SobreviventesRESUMO
Polyamory is a relationship style in which partners consensually agree to engage in sexual and/or emotional relationships with concurrent partners. Compared with other forms of consensual non-monogamy (CNM), polyamory practitioners tend to report greater relationship satisfaction and less jealousy. However, the unique motivations leading people to engage with polyamory are less understood. Previous research has examined motivations for engaging in CNM relationship styles, in general, but no research has focused exclusively on the motivations of polyamory practitioners. The present study draws on the open-ended responses of 63 U.S. American adults who reported previous or current engagement in at least one consensually polyamorous relationship. Thematic analyses revealed four themes guiding participants' initial motivations for polyamory engagement: values alignment, relationship factors, external triggers, and sexuality. The study's themes are discussed in the context of self-determination theory and situated in the existing body of CNM and polyamory research. Directions for future research provide next steps for examining outcomes associated with specific polyamory motivations.
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Motivação , Parceiros Sexuais , Adulto , Humanos , Parceiros Sexuais/psicologia , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , Ciúme , SexualidadeRESUMO
Monogamy is deeply rooted in most Western societies, shaping how people construe and behave in romantic relationships. These normative views facilitate the emergence of negative perceptions and evaluations when people choose not to adhere to mononormativity. Even though people in consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships are targets of stigmatization, research shows a dichotomy between these negative views and the relational experiences of CNM people. Indeed, people in CNM and monogamous relationships have comparable relationship functioning and quality and struggle with similar relationship problems. One of the differences is that CNM relationships afford people to explore their sexuality and fulfill their needs with multiple partners, without agreed-upon extradyadic behavior being perceived as infidelity or having deleterious consequences to relationship maintenance. These positive experiences notwithstanding, CNM people are continuously pressured by mononormativity and stigmatization, increasing the risk of internalized CNM negativity and worse personal and relational outcomes. One possible way to counteract CNM stigmatization and improve the lives of CNM people is by changing discourses surrounding non-monogamy and improving acceptance, not only in professional settings but also in the general population. Another strategy is to understand how the relationship beliefs and scripts of younger generations can help promote more inclusive and diverse societies.
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Transtornos Mentais , Parceiros Sexuais , Humanos , Comportamento Sexual , Sexualidade , CasamentoRESUMO
This article relies on quantitative data collected in Switzerland as part of a research study on sexual transactions among youth. Building on an analytical framework that defines sexual transactions in terms of negotiated exchanges rooted in social representations, we explored how they were perceived by the Swiss young people included in our sample at a cognitive, ethical, and political level. We found that research participants who reported having experienced sexual transactions viewed them much more positively than those who reported never having engaged in such exchanges. While this was especially true among young women, we also found that the tendency of respondents to perceive sexual transactions negatively increased with age. When analyzed in light of the qualitative results of our study, these quantitative findings suggest that negative representations of sexual transactions are less likely to be based on lived experience than on an ideal-type of sexual behavior. In other words, our research highlights how young people interpret sexuality according to norms developed within a heteronormative matrix.
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Comportamento Sexual , Sexualidade , Humanos , Feminino , Adolescente , Suíça , Comportamento Sexual/psicologia , EtnicidadeRESUMO
This randomized experiment tested whether the inclusion of a "something else" response option for a question about sexual identity in a national health survey would significantly moderate estimated differences between sexual identity subgroups in terms of various health outcomes, including substance use and reproductive health. We conducted secondary analyses of data from five consecutive years of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG; 2015-2019), where two large national half-samples were randomly assigned to receive one of two different versions of a question about sexual identity (a four-category version that included a "something else" response option or a three-category version omitting this option). We focused on national estimates of differences between subgroups defined by sexual identity. Multivariable models indicated that the estimated subgroup differences changed in a statistically significant fashion when using the four-category version of the sexual identity question for several measures, including 16% of male measures (household size, past-year cigarette use, and past-year illicit drug use) and 15% of female measures (wanting a/another child, ever had a sexually transmitted disease, and past-year marijuana use). The absence of a "something else" response option for questions about sexual identity in national health surveys may cause respondents to select options that do not accurately describe their identities, and this can have a significant effect on national estimates of differences between sexual identity subgroups in terms of selected health outcomes.
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Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias , Criança , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Saúde Reprodutiva , Identidade de Gênero , Comportamento Sexual , Sexualidade , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Sexual risk behavior (SRB) includes behavioral (sex without contraception, sexualized substance use, sex work, sexual partner violence, other sexual activities that harm oneself or others) and affective subtypes (sexuality-related feelings of shame/guilt, relationship impairments) and leads to psychosocial and health-related consequences. Young adults comprise a vulnerable group regarding the development of SRB. The study aimed to identify SRB patterns among young adults and their relation to sexuality-related risk factors. A cross-sectional online survey measured behavioral and affective aspects of SRB with nine items. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify patterns of SRB. Gender, sexual orientation, age of first intercourse, number of sexual partners, hypersexuality, and sexual dysfunction were captured as risk factors via multinomial logistic regression. Within this convenience sample (n = 609; nfemale = 365; nmale = 245; Mage = 23.1 years), the SRB patterns unremarkable (67%; low values in all SRB subtypes), shame-ridden (17%; high values in sexual feelings of shame/guilt) and risky sexual behavior (16%; high values in all subtypes of SRB, especially sexualized drug use) were identified. The shame-ridden and risky patterns were strongly associated with higher hypersexuality values, the risky pattern moreover with being non-heterosexual, of younger age at first sexual experience, and a higher number of sexual partners. Male and sexual minority participants demonstrated SRB more often than females and heterosexuals. Within prevention and treatment of SRB, it seems beneficial to address sexuality-related feelings of shame/guilt and addictive patterns (concerning sexual behaviors/substances) via gender- and diversity-sensitive measurements.