BACKGROUND: Geolocation apps have radically transformed dating practices around the world, with profound sociocultural implications. Few studies, however, have explored their addictive potential or factors that are associated with their misuse. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess the level of problematic Tinder use (PTU) in an adult sample, using a machine learning algorithm to determine, among 29 relevant variables, the most important predictors of PTU. METHODS: 1,387 users of Tinder (18-74 years-old; male = 50.3%; female = 49.1%) completed an online questionnaire, and a machine learning tool was used to analyze their responses. RESULTS: On 5-point scale, participants' mean PTU score was 1.91 (SD = 0.70), indicating a relatively low overall level of problematic app use. Among the most important predictors of Problematic use were the use of Tinder for enhancement (reduce boredom and increase positive emotions), coping with psychological problems, and increasing social connectedness. The number of "matches" (when two users show mutual interest), the number of online contacts on Tinder, and the number of resulting offline dates were also among the top predictors of PTU. Depressive mood and loneliness were among the middle-ranked predictors of PTU. CONCLUSION: In accordance with the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model of problematic internet use, the results suggest that PTU relates to how individual experience on the app interacts with dispositional and situational characteristics. However, variables that seemed to relate to PTU, including lack of self-esteem, negative mood states and loneliness, are not problems that online dating services as currently designed can be expected to resolve. This argues for increased digital services to identify and address potential problems helping drive the popularity of dating apps.
Behavior, Addictive , Self Concept , Adult , Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Young Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Personality , Surveys and Questionnaires , Behavior, Addictive/psychology , Affect , Internet
OBJECTIVE: Although the stressful psychological impact on women of an abnormal Pap smear is well documented, little research has been undertaken on its sexual impact. Our objective was to assess the impact of an abnormal Pap smear on the sexual function of affected women. METHODS: A prospective study compared the sexual function of 48 women with an abnormal Pap smear (case group) with that of 48 women with a normal Pap smear (control group). Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. The questionnaires were mailed to the participants. RESULTS: Surprisingly, the risk of sexual dysfunction was comparable between women with and without an abnormal Pap smear (odds ratio [OR] 0.7; p = 0.4). The OR remained statistically non-significant after adjustment for risk factors. Multivariable analysis showed that only older age at first intercourse, depression and anxiety were identified as factors significantly associated with sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Contrary to our clinical experience, female sexual function is not impaired by an abnormal Pap smear. Further research is needed to better understand how sexuality in women with abnormal Pap smears may be affected.
Papanicolaou Test , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Papanicolaou Test/psychology , Prospective Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Vaginal Smears/psychology
Subjects with ADHD suffer from inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Clinicians often assume that specific symptoms of ADHD are bound to affect sexual desire by increasing the frequency of hypersexuality. There is a lack of knowledge about the comorbidity between ADHD, hypersexuality, and paraphilias. The aim of this article was to provide a review of the literature on the association of ADHD and hypersexuality and paraphilias and to discuss the screening and the management of these syndromes when associated with ADHD. A systematic review of the literature was performed in PubMed, PsychInfo, and Embase databases. The studies reviewed show that some individuals who suffer from ADHD report hypersexuality and paraphilias, but no clear data emerged supporting the idea that hypersexuality and paraphilias are more frequent in an ADHD population. On the other hand, some studies showed a high prevalence of ADHD in hypersexual and paraphilic subjects. This is the first systematic review of hypersexuality and paraphilias in individuals with ADHD. However, the results are limited by differences in the methodology and measurement instruments for hypersexuality and paraphilias as well as by the small number of studies and the small sample sizes of many studies.
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/psychology , Paraphilic Disorders/epidemiology , Paraphilic Disorders/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis , Clinical Trials as Topic/methods , Comorbidity , Compulsive Behavior/diagnosis , Compulsive Behavior/epidemiology , Compulsive Behavior/psychology , Female , Humans , Impulsive Behavior/physiology , Male , Paraphilic Disorders/diagnosis , Prevalence
BACKGROUND: The scientific literature on sexuality among mentally ill patients clearly shows a higher prevalence of sexual disorders for many mental disorders, but little is known about sexuality in individuals suffering from ADHD. Clinicians will often assume that specific difficulties of ADHD are bound to affect sexual functioning. AIM: The aim of this study was to provide a review of the literature to gain better knowledge about sexuality in subjects with ADHD and to discuss screening and management of their potential sexual problems. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed in Pubmed, PsychInfo, and Embase databases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were sexual function and sexual dysfunctions. RESULTS: The studies indicated that subjects with ADHD report more sexual desire, more masturbation frequency, less sexual satisfaction, and more sexual dysfunctions than the general population. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians working with subjects with ADHD should explore the quality of their sexual life. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first systematic review of the sexuality of individuals with ADHD. However, the results are limited by the small number of studies, by the small sample size of many studies, and the potential for bias. CONCLUSIONS: ADHD is a mental disorder affecting sexual health. Further studies are warranted to learn more about sexuality in subjects with ADHD. Soldati L, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Schockaert P, et al. Sexual Function, Sexual Dysfunctions, and ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review. J Sex Med 2020;17:1653-1664.
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological , Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology , Humans , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/epidemiology , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/epidemiology , Sexuality
Sex needs recognition and synchronization. Many levels are found, from chemical cell recognition to mirror neurons which anticipate actions and emotions of a partner. Some animals recognize species, but not sex. Many more recognize sex, but not individuals. Individualized sex and/or social relations are only found in birds and mammals. Imprinting defines sex objects and goals, stereotyped or flexible, according to species. In humans, sex imprinting conditions sex orientation, practices and response to contradictory prescriptions of personal drives, social rules, fashion, medias and life history's contingencies.
La sexualité nécessite des reconnaissances et des synchronisations. De la reconnaissance chimique des cellules aux neurones miroirs qui anticipent les gestes et les émotions d'un partenaire, bien des niveaux de connaissance du conjoint existent. Certains animaux reconnaissent leurs congénères, pas leur sexe. Beaucoup plus reconnaissent le sexe, mais pas les individus. Seuls les oiseaux et mammifères ont des relations sexuelles et sociales personnalisées. Des «â empreintesâ ¼ mettent en place la définition, stéréotypée ou flexible selon les cas, d'objets et objectifs sexuels. Chez les humains, l'empreinte sexuelle conditionne l'orientation, les pratiques recherchées et la réponse aux prescriptions contradictoires des pulsions personnelles, des règles sociales, des modes, des médias et des contingences des histoires de vie.
Birds/physiology , Mammals/physiology , Mating Preference, Animal , Animals , Emotions , Humans , Mirror Neurons/physiology , Sex Characteristics , Species Specificity
HIV affection affects sexual function, sexual health and relationships as well as mental health and quality of life. Due to the importance of sexual health for each individual and in order to ensure optimal and quality care, we have assessed the demand for sexual health and advise not only among HIV patients but also among professionals in this area and nursing staff. The results showed that sexuality was important both for patients and caregivers. Also, we did find out that carers want to create a better professional network with the aim of redirecting patients to specialists according to their specific needs. Carers have also expressed a desire to have relevant training in sexology and sexual health to achieve this.
L'affection VIH affecte la fonction et la santé sexuelles, la relation de couple, aussi bien que la santé mentale et la qualité de vie. Pour assurer une prise en charge et une qualité de soins optimales, en raison de l'importance de la santé sexuelle pour chaque individu, nous avons évalué la demande concernant la sexualité et la santé sexuelle chez les patients souffrant d'une affection VIH et les besoins de connaissances professionnelles dans ce domaine du personnel soignant. Les résultats ont montré que la sexualité occupait une place importante chez les patients et les soignants. De plus, les soignants souhaitent créer un meilleur réseau professionnel, dans le but de rediriger les patients vers des spécialistes en fonction de leurs besoins spécifiques. Enfin, les soignants ont exprimé une volonté de mieux se former en sexologie et en santé sexuelle.
HIV Infections/psychology , HIV Infections/therapy , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Health , Sexuality/psychology , Caregivers , HIV Infections/nursing , Humans , Quality of Life
Sexuality in an important aspect of human life at all ages and expressing it is an essential human need regardless of age. Society is ageing and people are living longer life. As the sexuality continues during the entire life many factors affect the sexuality in older population. The aging process and remodeling of the life style play an important role in the alteration of sexual needs and sexual behavior in advanced age. Sexuality expression is considered as a fundamental mental health need of all individuals, regardless of gender and age. The majority of healthcare professionals do not proactively discuss sexuality issues with old age patients, and this requires further attention.
La sexualité est un aspect important de la vie humaine à tous les âges et son expression est un besoin humain essentiel, quel que soit l'âge. La société vieillit et les gens vivent plus longtemps. Alors qu'elle se poursuit tout au long de la vie, de nombreux facteurs influent sur la sexualité des personnes âgées. Le processus de vieillissement et le remodelage du mode de vie jouent un rôle important dans la modification des besoins sexuels et du comportement sexuel à un âge avancé. L'expression de la sexualité est considérée comme un besoin fondamental de la santé mentale de tous les individus, sans distinction de sexe et d'âge. La majorité des professionnels de la santé ne discutent pas de manière proactive des problèmes de sexualité avec les personnes âgées, ce qui nécessite une plus grande attention.
Aging/psychology , Cognitive Dysfunction , Geriatrics , Sexuality , Aged , Humans , Sexual Behavior
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The use of the smartphone dating application Tinder is increasingly popular and has received much media attention. However, no empirical study to date has investigated the psychological characteristics driving its adaptive or problematic use. The aim of this study is to determine whether reliable subtypes of users can be identified via a cluster analysis approach. METHODS: A total of 1,159 Tinder users were recruited. Survey questions investigated user characteristics, including: motives for app use, sexual desire, attachment styles, impulsivity traits, self-esteem, problematic use, depressive mood, and patterns of use. RESULTS: Four reliable clusters were identified: two with low levels of problematic use ("regulated" and "regulated with low sexual desire"), one with an intermediate level of problematic use ("unregulated-avoidants"), and one with a high level of problematic use ("unregulated-highly motivated"). The clusters differed on gender, marital status, depressive mood, and use patterns. CONCLUSION: The findings provide insight into the dynamic relationships among key use-related factors and shed light on the mechanisms underlying the self-regulation difficulties that appear to characterize problematic Tinder use.
Impulsive Behavior , Mobile Applications , Object Attachment , Online Social Networking , Self Concept , Self-Control , Sexual Behavior , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cluster Analysis , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cybersex is increasingly associated with concerns about compulsive use. The aim of this study was to assess the roles of motives and sexual desire in the compulsive use of cybersex. METHODS: The sample consisted of 306 cybersex users (150 men and 156 women). The participants were assessed using the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) adapted for cybersex, the Cybersex Motives Questionnaire (enhancement, coping, and social motives), and the Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (dyadic and solitary sexual desire). RESULTS: For both genders, coping motive was associated with CIUS score. For women, an additional association with social motives was found whereas an association with sexual desire was found for men. CONCLUSION: The study showed gender differences in the contributors to sex-related CIUS scores.
Adaptation, Psychological/physiology , Compulsive Behavior/physiopathology , Erotica , Internet , Motivation/physiology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult
The term « cybersex ¼ refers to the use of the Internet for sexual purposes (pornography, webcams, dating). While moderate use of cybersex could have a positive effect on sexual life, a small fraction of these cyber-users could have difficulties to control their consumption with negative consequences. This phenomenon, whose understanding of the mechanisms still raises debates, seems to be influenced by various psychological factors, including avoidant attachment (avoidance of close emotional relationship) and depressed mood. Sexual desire, different types of motivations for using cybersex, and impulsivity could contribute, to some extent, to this phenomenon. Despite of their preliminary character, current available data lead us to recommend an integrated approach of the treatment of the persons facing these difficulties.
Le terme de « cybersexe ¼ fait référence à l'utilisation d'internet pour des motifs sexuels (pornographie, webcams, rencontres). Alors qu'un usage modéré du cybersexe pourrait avoir des effets positifs sur la vie sexuelle, une petite fraction de ses utilisateurs pourrait en avoir une consommation peu contrôlée avec des conséquences négatives. Ce phénomène dont la compréhension est encore sujette à débats semble influencé par différents facteurs psychologiques, notamment l'attachement évitant (fuite des relations trop intimes) et l'humeur dépressive. Le désir sexuel, le type de motivations à l'usage du cybersexe et l'impulsivité pourraient dans une certaine mesure y contribuer. Malgré leur caractère préliminaire, les données disponibles à ce jour invitent à une approche intégrée du traitement des personnes confrontées à ces difficultés.
Behavior, Addictive , Sexual Behavior , Erotica , Internet , Surveys and Questionnaires
INTRODUCTION: Vision of the human body has been shown to be key in eliciting sexual desire. However, whether the visual pattern characterizing sexual desire is different in women and men is still unclear. AIM: To investigate the effect of gender on visual patterns triggered by an identical set of stimuli depicting attractive heterosexual couples. METHODS: Heterosexual women and men (n = 106) were tested on a picture-viewing task associated with eye tracking. The context of sexual desire was activated by asking the participant whether they perceived such desire while looking at sensual pictures of heterosexual couples. Data were analyzed using mixed-subject design analyses of variance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Fixation durations were used to investigate visual patterns. 2 areas of interest were created to investigate visual patterns (face vs body area). RESULTS: Results showed longer fixations on body rather than face areas irrespective of participant gender. Moreover, all participants looked longer at women's than men's bodies and at the faces of the opposite sex. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings shed light on the automatic processes underlying sexual desire, which has the potential to improve the care of patients suffering from sexual disorders by optimizing interventions. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The strengths of this study are the use of an eye-tracking paradigm, the dissociation between 2 fixation areas (ie, face and body), and the use of an identical set of stimuli allowing an accurate between-gender comparison of the visual pattern. The limitations are the small sample size, the use of healthy heterosexual individuals, and the absence of measures of sexual arousal and genital response. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the association between the human body and sexual desire. They also reveal the unique attentional attractiveness of woman's bodies across genders. Bolmont M, Bianchi-Demicheli F, Boisgontier MP, et al. The Woman's Body (Not the Man's One) Is Used to Evaluate Sexual Desire: An Eye-Tracking Study of Automatic Visual Attention. J Sex Med 2019;16:195-202.
Gender Identity , Heterosexuality/physiology , Human Body , Libido/physiology , Sexual Behavior/physiology , Adult , Emotions/physiology , Female , Humans , Male
Sexual dysfunctions, particularly sexual pain, are common in adult women of all ages. In patients with endometriosis, a chronic gynecological pain condition affecting women of reproductive age, sexual pain is the third most common symptom. Multiple biological factors are involved in endometriosis-related sexual pain including tissue damage, inflammation, hormonal changes, alterations within the peripheral and central nervous system and pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions. Conceptual models of sexual pain espouse a multifactorial view, with empirical evidence suggesting the implication of psychosexual and relationship difficulties in the development and persistence of sexual pain and associated distress. We review literature on the biological, psychological, sexual and interpersonal factors associated with development and persistence of sexual pain in women with endometriosis. In addition, we discuss chronic pain conditions frequently associated with endometriosis (vulvodynia, bladder pain syndrome and inflammatory bowel syndrome) and how they are linked with sexual pain. Finally we discuss the clinical implications and provided suggestions for future research and medical care, focusing on a multidisciplinary and biopsychosocial approach.
Dyspareunia/etiology , Endometriosis/complications , Genital Diseases, Female/complications , Biomedical Research/trends , Dyspareunia/psychology , Female , Forecasting , Humans
BACKGROUND: An increasing number of studies are concerned with various aspects of cybersex addiction, the difficulty some persons have in limiting cybersex use despite a negative impact on everyday life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess potential links between the outcome variable cybersex addiction, assessed with the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) adapted for cybersex use, and several psychological and psychopathological factors, including sexual desire, mood, attachment style, impulsivity, and self-esteem, by taking into account the age, sex, and sexual orientation of cybersex users. METHODS: A Web-based survey was conducted in which participants were assessed for sociodemographic variables and with the following instruments: CIUS adapted for cybersex use, Sexual Desire Inventory, and Short Depression-Happiness Scale. Moreover, attachment style was assessed with the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire (Anxiety and Avoidance subscales). Impulsivity was measured by using the Urgency, Premeditation (lack of), Perseverance (lack of), Sensation Seeking, Positive Urgency Impulsive Behavior Scale. Global self-esteem was assessed with the 1-item Self-Esteem Scale. RESULTS: A sample of 145 subjects completed the study. Addictive cybersex use was associated with higher levels of sexual desire, depressive mood, avoidant attachment style, and male gender but not with impulsivity. CONCLUSIONS: Addictive cybersex use is a function of sexual desire, depressive mood, and avoidant attachment.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Internet is widely used for sexual activities and pornography. Little is known, however, about why people look for meetings and sexual interactions through the Internet and about the correlates of cybersex addiction. The goal of this study was to construct a questionnaire for cybersex motives [Cybersex Motives Questionnaire (CysexMQ)] by adapting the Gambling Motives Questionnaire to cybersex use and validating its structure. METHODS: Two online samples of 191 and 204 cybersex users were collected to conduct a principal component analysis (PCA) on the first sample and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the second. Cronbach's α and composite reliability were computed to assess internal consistency. Correlations between the CysexMQ and the Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Two competing models were retained from the PCA, one with two factors and the other with three factors. The CFA showed better fit for the three-factor solution. After three cross-loading items were removed, the results showed that a final 14-item three-factor solution (enhancement, coping, and social motives) was valid (adjusted goodness-of-fit index: 0.993; normed-fit index: 0.978; Tucker-Lewis index: 0.985; comparative fit index: 0.988; root mean square error of approximation: 0.076). Positive correlations were found between the different motives and the subscales of the SDI. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that the CysexMQ is adequate for the assessment of cybersex motives.
Internet , Motivation , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Behavior, Addictive/diagnosis , Behavior, Addictive/psychology , Erotica/psychology , Factor Analysis, Statistical , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Principal Component Analysis , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Young Adult
Cancer affects sexual function, sexual health and relationships as well as mental health and quality of life. Due to the importance of sexual health for each individual and in order to ensure optimal and quality care, we have assessed the demand for sexual health and advise not only among cancer patients but also among professionals in this area and nursing staff. The results showed that sexuality was important both for patients and caregivers. Also we did find out that carers want to create a better professional network with the aim of redirecting patients to specialists according to their specific needs. Carers have also expressed a desire to have relevant training in sexology and sexual health to achieve this.
Les cancers affectent la fonction sexuelle, la santé sexuelle, la relation de couple, ainsi que la santé mentale et la qualité de vie. Pour assurer une prise en charge et une qualité de soins optimales, en raison de l'importance de la santé sexuelle pour chaque individu, nous avons évalué la demande concernant la sexualité et la santé sexuelle chez les patients atteints d'un cancer et les besoins de connaissances professionnelles dans ce domaine du personnel soignant. Les résultats ont montré que la sexualité avait une place importante chez les patients et les soignants. De plus, les soignants souhaitent créer un meilleur réseau professionnel, dans le but de rediriger les patients vers des spécialistes, en fonction de leurs besoins spécifiques. Enfin les soignants ont exprimé une volonté de mieux se former en sexologie et en santé sexuelle.
Neoplasms , Quality of Life , Sexuality , Caregivers , Hospitals, University , Humans , Neoplasms/complications , Neoplasms/therapy , Sexual Behavior
Cancer itself and its treatments can result in physical and/or psychological adverse events which include disorders of sexual health. Both clinicians and patients are reluctant to talk about sexual issues, body image or intimacy between partners. Barriers from the clinician's perspective include feeling inadequately trained, lack of time or privacy. On the patients' side, embarrassment or belief that their sexual health are an untreatable complication of their disease and its treatment are the main barriers. Concerned by this problematic, a multidisciplinary group was created to address the question of sexual health in cancer patients and to set up a specialized training for the clinicians, with the overall goal to integrate this field in the standard management of cancer patients.
Le cancer et ses traitements peuvent induire de nombreux effets secondaires. Parmi eux, les problèmes liés à la santé sexuelle sont souvent laissés de côté, tant par les cliniciens que par les patients eux-mêmes. Du côté des cliniciens, les principaux obstacles évoqués sont le sentiment d'une formation inadéquate, ou le manque de temps ou d'intimité. Du côté des patients, la gêne ou l'impression que les problèmes sexuels liés au cancer sont incurables, sont souvent retrouvées. Devant cette problématique, un groupe multidisciplinaire a été créé pour traiter de la santé sexuelle des patients oncologiques et mettre en place une formation spécialisée pour les cliniciens, avec comme objectif global d'intégrer la problématique sexuelle dans la prise en charge globale de ces patients.
Neoplasms , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological , Body Image , Emotions , Humans , Neoplasms/complications , Neoplasms/therapy , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/etiology , Sexual Partners
