Multicultural Considerations for the Psychometrics of the Brief Pornography Screen.

Problematic pornography use (PPU) is a burgeoning area of clinical interest. The Brief Pornography Screen (BPS) is a new PPU measure. The BPS has not been psychometrically studied within specific race/cultural groups. We sought to broaden the PPU literature by examining the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) fit, measurement invariance, and structural invariance of the BPS across eight identity groups. Participants came from a survey administered at three U.S. universities. In total, n = 2,475 participants were analyzed, with the following identity group breakdowns: Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) male = 268, AAPI female = 303, Black male = 101, Black female = 189, Latin male = 208, Latin female = 372, White male = 432, and White female = 602. BPS CFA fit was good across all groups. Measurement invariance analyses suggested metric, but not scalar invariance across all groups. We then split participants by sex assignment, full residual invariance was evident across groups for male participants and partial residual invariance was evident for female participants. Structural invariance analyses indicated anxiety as a weak positive BPS correlate in AAPI, Latin, and White male participants (ß's = 0.25-0.27), but not meaningfully related in the other groups. Pornography viewing frequency was positively correlated with BPS scores across most groups with a wide range (ß's = 0.29-0.52), except for Black male participants (ß = 0.15). Our results suggest that the BPS is an appropriate PPU measure across the tested identity groups. While between-group measurement is relatively accurate within sex assignment groups, correlates differed in strength, meaning different variables likely predict PPU for different groups of people.

So how special is special K? A systematic review and meta-analysis of ketamine for PTSD RCTs.

Background: PTSD is a significant mental health problem worldwide. Current evidence-based interventions suffer various limitations. Ketamine is a novel agent that is hoped to be incrementally better than extant interventions.Objective: Several randomized control trials (RCTs) of ketamine interventions for PTSD have now been published. We sought to systematically review and meta-analyse results from these trials to evaluate preliminary evidence for ketamine's incremental benefit above-and-beyond control interventions in PTSD treatment.Results: Omnibus findings from 52 effect sizes extracted across six studies (n = 221) yielded a small advantage for ketamine over control conditions at reducing PTSD symptoms (g = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.51). However, bias-correction estimates attenuated this effect (adjusted g = 0.20, 95%, CI = -0.08, 0.48). Bias estimates indicated smaller studies reported larger effect sizes favouring ketamine. The only consistent timepoint assessed across RCTs was 24-hours post-initial infusion. Effects at 24-hours post-initial infusion suggest ketamine has a small relative advantage over controls (g = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.64). Post-hoc analyses at 24-hours post-initial infusion indicated that ketamine was significantly better than passive controls (g = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.85), but not active controls (g = 0.24, 95% CI = -0.30, 0.78). Comparisons one-week into intervention suggested no meaningful group differences (g = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.48). No significant differences were evident for RCTs that examined effects two-weeks post initial infusion (g = 0.17, 95% CI = -0.10, 0.44).Conclusions: Altogether, ketamine-for-PTSD RCTs reveal a nominal initial therapeutic advantage relative to controls. However, bias and heterogeneity appear problematic. While rapid acting effects were observed, all control agents (including saline) also evidenced rapid acting effects. We argue blind penetration to be a serious concern, and that placebo is the likely mechanism behind reported therapeutic effects.

We systematically reviewed and meta-analysed all randomized control trials of ketamine intervention for PTSD.While ketamine was associated with a reduction in symptoms, the effect was generally not stronger than control conditions.By two-weeks post-initial infusion, no meaningful differences are evident between ketamine and controls.

Neuropsychological Function in Migraine Headaches: An Expanded Comprehensive Multidomain Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A sizable literature has studied neuropsychologic function in persons with migraine (PwM), but despite this, few quantitative syntheses exist. These focused on circumscribed areas of the literature. In this study, we conducted an expanded comprehensive meta-analysis comparing performance on clinical measures of neuropsychological function both within and across domains, between samples of PwM and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: For this Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-compliant meta-analysis, a unified search strategy was applied to OneSearch (a comprehensive collection of electronic databases) to identify peer-reviewed original research published across all years up until August 1, 2023. Using random-effects modeling, we examined aggregated effect sizes (Hedges' g), between-study heterogeneity (Cochran Q and I2), moderating variables (meta-regression and subgroup analyses), and publication bias (Egger regression intercept and Duval and Tweedie Trim-and-Fill procedure). Study bias was also coded using the NIH Study Quality Assessment Tools. RESULTS: Omnibus meta-analysis from the 58 studies included (PwM n = 5,452, HC n = 16,647; 612 effect sizes extracted) indicated lower overall cognitive performance in PwM vs HCs (g = -0.37; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.28; p < 0.001), and high between-study heterogeneity (Q = 311.25, I2 = 81.69). Significant domain-specific negative effects were observed in global cognition (g = -0.46, p < 0.001), executive function (g = -0.45, p < 0.001), processing speed (g = -0.42, p < 0.001), visuospatial/construction (g = -0.39, p = 0.006), simple/complex attention (g = -0.38, p < 0.001), learning/memory (g = -0.25, p < 0.001), and language (g = -0.24, p < 0.001). Orientation (p = 0.146), motor (p = 0.102), and intelligence (p = 0.899) were not significant. Moderator analyses indicated that age (particularly younger HCs), samples drawn from health care facility settings (e.g., tertiary headache centers) vs community-based populations, and higher attack duration were associated with larger (negative) effects and accounted for a significant proportion of between-study heterogeneity in effects. Notably, PwM without aura yielded stronger (negative) effects (omnibus g = -0.37) vs those with aura (omnibus g = -0.10), though aura status did not account for heterogeneity observed between studies. DISCUSSION: Relative to HCs, PwM demonstrate worse neurocognition, as detected by neuropsychological tests, especially on cognitive screeners and tests within executive functioning and processing speed domains. Effects were generally small to moderate in magnitude and evident only in clinic (vs community) samples. Aura was not meaningfully associated with neurocognitive impairment.

Taking Another Look at the Pornography Problems Due to Moral Incongruence Model: Does Gender Play a Role?

The pornography problems due to moral incongruence (PPMI) model is a premier framework for understanding problematic pornography use (PPU). However, past studies have generally examined men or entered gender as a covariate in primary analyses. Such approaches mask between-gender differences. Additionally, dysregulation constructs are also thought to be relevant to PPU, yet it is unclear the degree to which they incrementally predict PPU beyond moral incongruence constructs in non-pathological populations. We addressed these gaps by gathering a large sample of college students (n = 295 men, n = 838 women). Analyses with pornography users (n = 251 men, n = 407 women) were consistent with the PPMI model, adjusted for pornography use frequency. Findings did not change when dysregulation constructs of impulsivity and emotional resilience were added to the model. No paths significantly differed between genders. Altogether, among college student pornography users, religiosity was strongly positively correlated with moral disapproval (ß = .65 men, ß = .62 women), moral disapproval was moderately positively correlated with PPU (ß = .41 men, ß = .29 women), religiosity was initially moderately positively correlated with PPU (r = .21 men, r = .22 women), but became non-significant in the full model (ß = - .21 men, ß = - .04 women), and indirect effects of religiosity to PPU through moral disapproval were significant (indirect ß = .27 men, ß = .18 women). None of the dysregulation constructs significantly predicted PPU. The full model accounted for 23-22% of the PPU variance in men and women, respectively. Implications, future directions, and limitations are discussed.

A Network Comparison of Sexual Dysfunction, Psychological Factors, and Body Dissociation between Individuals with and without Sexual Trauma Histories.

Sexual dysfunction is associated with psychological symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Sexual dysfunctions are often attributed to dissociation symptoms in individuals who reported sexual trauma histories. This study utilized a network approach to analyze relationships between sexual and psychological symptoms and examine whether the identified network structures differed between individuals who reported a history of sexual trauma and those who did not. Sexual dysfunction, history of sexual trauma, internalizing symptoms, dissociation symptoms, sex-related shame, and negative body image were assessed in 1,937 United States college students (women = 69.5%). Nearly half (46.8%) of the participants reported a sexual trauma history in their lifetime. Using regularized partial correlation networks, the relationships between sexual and psychological symptoms were analyzed and compared between groups with and without trauma histories. Internalizing symptoms were positively correlated with sexual dysfunction regardless of the presence of sexual trauma history. Anxiety had a stronger influence in the trauma network than in the no-trauma network. Feeling separated from the body during sexual activity was a central symptom and was related to difficulties relaxing and enjoying sex only in the trauma network. Sex-related shame appeared to play a more important role in men compared to women. To improve clinical practice of assessing and treating sexual dysfunction, researchers and clinicians should consider core symptoms that connect different aspects of sexual and psychological functioning while being aware of the unique role of dissociation in the context of traumatic stress.

No Magic Pill: A Systematic Review of the Pharmacological Treatments for Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder.

Compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) is a burgeoning diagnostic construct. No systematic reviews of CSBD pharmacotherapy interventions have been conducted. We addressed this gap using a three-aim approach. We reviewed researchers' theoretical arguments for various pharmacotherapies, outcomes from pharmacotherapy trials, and the generalizability of the extant findings. Our review included k = 13 studies, with n = 141 participants. An opioid model of reward seeking was the most popular framework, though inconsistently specified. A serotonin model was also documented, though with few details. Naltrexone was the most prominently examined pharmacotherapy and the only medication that reliably demonstrated a therapeutic effect for some (but not all) indicators compared to placebo. Paroxetine and citalopram were also documented in placebo-controlled trials, though their incremental benefit compared to placebo is suspect. Several additional pharmacotherapies have been documented in case series contexts. Across studies, only one female participant was identified. All trials were conducted in developed nations, and race was rarely assessed. We conclude that the case for pharmacotherapy for CSBD is limited and should preferably not occur outside of clinical trial contexts. Naltrexone offers the best evidence for a potential research program, though new theoretically informed approaches are welcome. Finally, we call for additional pharmacotherapy research in women and non-White populations.

The absurdity of the latent disease model in mental health: 10,130,814 ways to have a DSM-5-TR psychological disorder.

BACKGROUND: Latent disease classification is currently the accepted approach to mental illness diagnosis. In the United States, this takes the form of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5-Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Latent disease classification has been criticized for reliability and validity problems, particularly regarding diagnostic heterogeneity. No authors have calculated the scope of the heterogeneity problem of the entire DSM-5-TR. AIMS: We addressed this issue by calculating the unique diagnostic profiles that exist for every DSM-5-TR diagnosis. METHODS: We did this by applying formulas previously used in smaller heterogeneity analyses to all diagnoses within the DSM-5-TR. RESULTS: We found that there are 10,130,814 ways to be diagnosed with a mental illness using DSM-5-TR criteria. When specifiers are considered, this number balloons to over 161 septillion unique diagnostic presentations (driven mainly by bipolar II disorder). Additionally, there are 1,951,065 ways to present with psychiatric symptoms, yet not meet diagnostic criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Latent disease classification leads to considerable heterogeneity in possible presentations. We provide examples of how latent disease classification harms research and treatment programs. We echo recommendations for the dismissal of latent disease classification as a mental illness diagnostic program.

Further Understanding the Correlations Between Sexting and Mental Health: Considerations for Sex and Sexual Identity.

We explored how sexting (no sexting, sent only, received only, reciprocal) was associated with depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and compulsive sexual behaviors across sex and sexual identity groups. We also examined how substance use predicted sexting classifications. Data came from 2,160 college students living in the United States. Results indicated that 76.6 percent of the sample had engaged in sexting (primarily reciprocal). Participants who had engaged in sexting generally evidenced higher depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and compulsive sexual behaviors. Effect sizes were largest on compulsive sexual behavior indicators. Marijuana use was the only significant substance use predictor of reciprocal and "received only" sexting compared with no sexting. Illicit substance use (e.g., cocaine) was low base rate but descriptively was associated with sexting. Compulsive sexual behavior remained a robust positive correlate of sexting compared with non-sexting participants regardless of sex and sexual identity. Most other mental health indicators became nonsignificant correlates of sexting in nonheterosexual participants and were weak positive correlates in heterosexual participants. Marijuana use remained the only significant substance use predictor of reciprocal and "received only" sexting when adjusted for sex and sexual identity. We conclude that sexting is only weakly associated with depression, anxiety, and sleep problems but robustly associated with compulsive sexuality and marijuana use. These findings do not appear to vary meaningfully on the basis of sex or sexual identity, with the exception that the effect sizes between sexting and compulsive sexual behaviors were much stronger for females compared with males (regardless of sexual identity).

Psychometric properties of the eating disorder examination questionnaire: Factor analysis and measurement invariance by race/ethnicity and gender.

OBJECTIVE: The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was originally validated in non-Hispanic White women and has become widely used as an assessment tool for research on eating pathology in college students. However, the original factor structure has generally failed to replicate across various samples, especially among diverse populations. The current study examined the factor structure and measurement invariance of the EDE-Q in a large sample of racially/ethnically diverse college men and women. METHOD: Participants included a diverse sample of men and women from two universities (N = 1981). Exploratory factory analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the factor structure of the EDE-Q, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to verify the factor structure, and establish the configural model. Furthermore, we explored the measurement invariance of the configural model by gender (i.e., men, women) and race/ethnicity (i.e., White, Black, Asian, Hispanic, and multiracial). RESULTS: EFA and CFA results suggested a three-factor, 10-item measure best fit the data, reflecting Dietary Restraint, Preoccupation and Eating Concern, and Shape/Weight Overvaluation. This measure achieved strict invariance by gender and race/ethnicity, indicating that mean comparisons across groups are meaningful. Women, relative to men, reported higher scores for all subscales. Significant differences across race/ethnicity emerged for Dietary Restraint and Shape/Weight Overvaluation in which Hispanic individuals endorsed the highest means compared to other racial/ethnic groups. DISCUSSION: The three-factor, 10-item measure is a brief, valid, and reliable measure of eating disorder psychopathology for U.S. college students.

Sexual and Gender Minority Victimization: Base Rates of Assault in College Students Across Sexual and Gender Identities.

Past findings have indicated that sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience disproportionate rates of emotional, physical, and sexual assault compared to their heterosexual/cisgender counterparts. While these findings are robust, many studies report homogenous groupings of SGM participants. This practice likely masks important between-group differences. We sought to address this issue by examining reported base rates of emotional, physical, and sexual assault within 12 months of data collection, split across specific sexual (heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, questioning, queer, pansexual, asexual, and demisexual) and gender (cisgender men, cisgender women, gender nonconforming female assigned at birth [FAB], and gender nonconforming male assigned at birth) identity groups. Our data came from 2020 to 2021 Healthy Minds Study, a large survey of college students living in the United States (N = 119,181). Results indicated most forms of assault were higher in SGM groups compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals, both on univariate and multivariate (e.g., one or more type of assault) levels. Demisexual individuals reported the highest base rates for emotional assault (45.7%), whereas pansexual individuals reported highest rates of physical assault (12.5%) and sexual assault (17.3%). Demisexual individuals reported the highest multivariate base rate of experiencing at least one form of assault (49.5%), and pansexual individuals reported the highest multivariate base rate of experiencing all three forms of assault (4.7%) within the past 12 months. Gender nonconforming FAB individuals reported the highest univariate and multivariate base rates across assault types compared to all other gender identity groups. With few exceptions, compared to heterosexual and cisgender men (referents), all other sexual and gender identity groups reported significantly higher adjusted odds of experiencing each assault type. These data suggest SGM individuals experience disproportionate levels of assault.

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Hypersexual Behaviors Among Individuals Who have Gambled in Their Lifetimes.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to traumatic experiences represent one factor that may contribute to the development of hypersexual behaviors. AIM: We investigated the associations between posttraumatic stress symptoms and hypersexual behaviors by analyzing survey data from 2 samples. METHOD: The first sample consisted of n = 585 college students, and the second consisted of n = 786 adults recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk), n = 337 of whom completed a 6-month follow-up survey. We conducted 3 hierarchical regression analyses adjusting for age, gender, sexual orientation, impulsivity, drug use, alcohol use, and gambling. OUTCOMES: The primary outcomes for this investigation were associations between posttraumatic stress symptoms, measured using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-IV and DSM-5 (PCL-C and PCL-5), and hypersexual behaviors, measured using the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI). RESULTS: A significant regression, R2 = 0.230, R2adjusted = 0.211, F (14,570) = 12.17, P < .001, revealed posttraumatic stress symptoms were associated with hypersexual behaviors in the university student sample (ß = 0.154). A significant regression using the MTurk sample, R2 = 0.403, R2adjusted = 0.392, F (14,771) = 37.13, P < .001, confirmed this finding (ß = 0.259). In addition, a significant regression, R2 = 0.562, R2adjusted = 0.541, F (15,321) = 27.42, P < .001, indicated that posttraumatic stress symptoms were longitudinally associated with increased hypersexual behaviors (ß = .190) after adjusting for all variables, including baseline hypersexuality. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: Results suggest that individuals experiencing posttraumatic stress symptoms are at increased risk for current and future hypersexual behaviors. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This investigation involved secondary analyses of adults who had gambled at least once in their lives and findings may not generalize to those who have never gambled. Furthermore, longitudinal findings may be impacted by selection bias (42% completion rate) and may not generalize to follow up periods longer than 6-months. CONCLUSION: This study provides support for the hypothesis that posttraumatic stress symptoms are associated with increased hypersexual behavior, and further research is indicated to explore the etiology and directionality of this relationship. Rosansky JA, Borgogna NC, Kraus SW, et al. Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Hypersexual Behaviors Among Individuals Who have Gambled in Their Lifetimes. J Sex Med 2022;19:1813-1823.

Another failure of the latent disease model? The case of compulsive sexual behavior disorder •.

Recent debates have evolved regarding the classification/conceptualization of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). Conclusions regarding an agreed upon CSBD model are hindered by reliance on the latent disease model. Competing biological-based frameworks are moving forward to replace latent disease classification more broadly but have been met with limited success. We suggest that CSBD researchers move towards developing dimensional, transtheoretical, process-based models. We further suggest additional research, particularly mixed methods and longitudinal studies. Finally, we request that federal funding bodies take a more active role in supporting CSBD research.

Understanding Differences in Problematic Pornography Use: Considerations for Gender and Sexual Orientation.

BACKGROUND: While preliminary research suggests non-heterosexual men and women view more pornography than their heterosexual counterparts, few studies have examined how problematic use differs across sexual and gender identity groups. AIM: We sought to test measurement invariance across popular measures of problematic pornography use (PPU) and examine mean PPU differences across heterosexual men, non-heterosexual men, heterosexual women, and non-heterosexual women. METHODS: We used 3 large archival datasets to examine psychometrics/group differences on the Brief Pornography Screen (BPS; N = 1,439), Problematic Pornography Use Scale (PPUS; N = 5,859), and Cyber Pornography Use Inventory-4 (CPUI-4; N = 893). OUTCOMES: Most PPU scales/subscales demonstrated acceptable fit, and non-heterosexual men and women tended to report more PPU than heterosexual men and women (though exceptions were evident). RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses revealed good fit across each group and instrument, with exception to sexual minority women on the CPUI-4. Each instrument demonstrated at least metric invariance between groups, with exception to one item between heterosexual and sexual minority men on the CPUI-4. Mean differences suggested that sexual minority men and women tend to report more PPU than heterosexual men and women, though several exceptions were evident depending on the PPU dimension. Men tended to report more PPU than women, though exceptions were also evident. Effect sizes ranged from large-to-non-significant depending on PPU dimension. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Researchers and clinicians should consider sexual orientation, gender, and PPU dimension when addressing PPU concerns. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: A primary strength of this study is the use of multiple large samples, meaning our results are likely highly generalizable. However, this study is limited in that it only examined sexual orientation groups broadly and did not account for non-cisgender identities. CONCLUSIONS: The BPS, PPUS, and CPUI-4 are all appropriate tools to measure PPU depending on researcher and clinician needs. Borgogna NC, Griffin KR, Grubbs JB, and Kraus SW. Understanding Differences in Problematic Pornography Use: Considerations for Gender and Sexual Orientation. J Sex Med 2022;19:1290-1302.

She Asked for It: Hardcore Porn, Sexism, and Rape Myth Acceptance.

The present study examined pornography viewing, rape myth acceptance, and sexist attitudes. Data came from 392 male and 903 female participants. Multigroup SEM indicated neither pornography viewing, nor hardcore pornography viewing, were related to rape myth acceptance when controlling for sexist attitudes among men. Wald tests indicated hostile sexism to be a significantly stronger predictor of all rape myths examined compared to pornography viewing or hardcore pornography viewing in men and women. Latent variable interaction analyses suggested hardcore pornography viewing as a significant exacerbating factor for the relationship between hostile sexism and "she asked for it" rape myths across genders.

Variance Composition, Reliability, Validity, and Measurement Invariance of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 in Nonclinical Samples.

The present study extended prior work on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20). The TAS-20 total scale score is commonly used in research in the psychology of men and masculinities and in clinical practice, but most published confirmatory factor analyses (CFA's) do not support this use. Using a sample of 913 men and women, variance composition was assessed, and model-based dimensionality and reliability coefficients were calculated, finding evidence for unidimensionality, which supports the use of the total scale raw score but not that of the subscales, although the model fit was less than desired. Convergent and concurrent evidence was found for the validity of the TAS-20 in men as a unidimensional scale (N = 505) by examining relationships with latent variables of several constructs in the nomological network. An assessment of measurement invariance by gender (men, women) found evidence for metric invariance, indicating that cisgender men and women understand the scale in the same way. It is recommended that the TAS-20 scale developers follow recommended procedures to trim composite measurement scales to improve the psychometric properties (i.e., model fit) of the TAS.

Prevalence and Correlates of Sex Selling and Sex Purchasing among Adults Seeking Treatment for Cocaine Use Disorder.

Exchange sex places individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD) at particularly high risk for deleterious safety and health outcomes. A substance use treatment provider who is aware of a patient's exchange sex behavior is better able to provide appropriate screening, care, and/or referral to risk reduction services. However, little is known about exchange sex, especially purchasing, among treatment-seeking adults with CUD.The current study examined the prevalence and correlates of sex selling and sex purchasing among treatment-seeking men and women with CUD (n = 109; ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02896712). Separate binary logistic regressions via backward elimination were used to identify best fitting models for sex selling and sex purchasing.Over 41% of participants endorsed exchange sex within the last 30 days; 20.2% reported selling sex and 30.3% reported purchasing sex. Sex selling and sex purchasing rates differed by gender and race. Number of sexual partners (OR = 5.83, 95% CI = 2.07-16.43), concern about contracting HIV/AIDS (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.31-3.44), cumulative interpersonal trauma exposure (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.20-2.77), years using cocaine (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03-1.20), drug-related problem days (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.00-1.14), and sexual preference (OR = 9.50, 95% CI = .69-130.35) were retained in the final model estimating sex selling (Nagelkerke R2 = .56). In the final sex purchasing model (Nagelkerke R2 = .46), gender (OR = 36.17, 95% CI = 2.96-441.75), number of sexual partners (OR = 6.28, 95% CI = 2.69-14.66), number of convictions (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.02-1.25), and drug-related problem days (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = .92-1.01) were retained.Predictive models in this study identified distinct sets of variables related to sex selling and purchasing. Findings may be used to improve identification of exchange sex in the substance use treatment setting and referral to targeted interventions to reduce associated risk.

Examining admission and formation outcomes for Catholic clergy applicants with the MMPI-2-RF: A prospective study.

Psychological evaluations of clergy applicants to the Catholic Church are an important gatekeeping mechanism during the admission process. However, limited research exists on the validity of assessments for this evaluative purpose and none have examined the predictive utility of the MMPI-2-RF to determine if an applicant will be accepted to formation, or if they ultimately ordained. This study fills that gap in the literature by investigating the predictive validity of MMPI-2-RF scales in 147 male applicants evaluated as part of their application for seminary or diaconate formation programs in a mid-sized Catholic diocese in the United States. Group analyses (e.g., Kruskal-Wallis tests) with admission status as the independent variable and MMPI-2-RF scales as the dependent variables yielded significant differences, most notably, those participants not admitted had higher mean scores on F-r, Fp-r, EID, RC7, THD, RC8, RC1, MLS, NUC, and JCP than the other three groups. Relative risk ratios were estimated for all MMPI-2-RF scales, indicating that higher scores are generally associated with a lower likelihood of admission and, ultimately, ordination. Limitations and future directions of research are also discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Sexuality and gender invariance of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7: Implications for 16 identity groups.

BACKGROUND: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) are two commonly used screening tools for depression and anxiety, respectively. Despite the widespread use of these instruments, researchers have yet to examine whether scores may differ as a function of gender identity or sexuality orientation. METHOD: Using data from the 2018 and 2019 National Healthy minds study (N = 46,672), the present study tested each instrument for measurement invariance across 16 gender and sexual minority groups. RESULTS: Multigroup structural equation modeling revealed that several sexual minority groups evidenced questionable fit indices for both measures. Gay men, questioning women, and queer men had unacceptable fit indices for the PHQ-9. Only cisgender heterosexual men and women evidenced residual invariance on the PHQ-9. All gender minority groups evidenced significantly higher factor loadings for item 9 (the self-harm indicator) for the PHQ-9. Most identity groups evidenced scalar or partial scalar invariance for the GAD-7; however, no groups evidenced residual invariance on the GAD-7. LIMITATIONS: Findings may not generalize to non-college student populations. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers should weight means when conducting between group comparisons for groups that failed scalar invariance. Gender and sexual minorities may have inflated scores using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 cut-offs.

Are Playboy (and girl) Norms Behind the Relationship Problems Associated with Pornography Viewing in Men and Women?

Research has indicated that pornography viewing is related to romantic relationship problems. However, the correlations across past studies have been small. We tested a model in which playboy norm conformity (i.e. desires to have frequent sex with multiple partners) functions as a confound between pornography viewing constructs on three romantic relationship wellbeing indicators: Relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, and infidelity proclivity. Results from men (n = 286) and women (n = 717) indicated that the significant inverse correlations between relationship satisfaction and relationship commitment with pornography viewing constructs becomes non-significant when playboy norm conformity is accounted. Further, the positive relationship between pornography viewing and infidelity proclivity also becomes non-significant in women (no initial connection between pornography viewing and infidelity proclivity was found in men). Though conformity to playboy norms was more strongly related to all romantic relationship wellbeing indicators across genders, pornography viewing frequency was still significantly inversely correlated with relationship satisfaction for women; though the effect size was small. Moderation analyses suggested that pornography viewing frequency was more strongly inversely correlated with relationship satisfaction for women than men. Cumulatively, our results suggest conformity to playboy norms is a significant confounding variable between pornography viewing and romantic relationship wellbeing.