Sexual Rewards and Costs in Heterosexual and Gay Hispanic Adults.

The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction proposes that sexual satisfaction can be explained by the balance of sexual rewards or costs exchange. The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (IEMSSQ) was developed from this model. The IEMSSQ includes the Reward/Costs Checklist (RCC). The RCC assesses different sexual exchanges that are categorized into sexual rewards and/or costs. Analyses and comparisons of sexual rewards and costs in the Hispanic cisgender population based on gender (man or woman) and sexual orientation (heterosexual and homosexual) with this measure have not been conducted. The main goal was to analyze and rank the sexual rewards, costs, and both, indicated by a sample of 1996 Hispanic partnered participants (heterosexual men, gay men, heterosexual women, and lesbians). The predominant sexual exchanges that were reported involved emotional aspects, both as rewards and costs. When participants indicated that the exchange was both a reward and a cost, they were referring to aspects specifically related to the sexual relationship itself. Heterosexual men and women had greater rewards and higher costs, respectively. Gay men obtained a greater number of items reported as rewards and costs. The results provide further insight into sexual satisfaction related to gender and sexual orientation.

Sexual Health and Psychological Well-Being of Women: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Psychological well-being (PWB) and female sexual health are two important areas for women's quality of life and research, and they are closely related. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature to explore the association between PWB and sexual health in women. (2) Methods: This review was carried out following the PRISMA checklist. The inclusion criteria were studies with samples of adult women that evaluated and associated sexual functioning and psychological well-being. Scientific articles were identified on Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO (PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and Psicodoc), ProQuest, and PubMed. The search was limited to years between 2010 and 2023. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies (QATOCCS). (3) Results: 14 selected articles were analyzed, in which population samples and variables related to psychological and sexual health were examined. In total, 42.9% of the studies included clinical samples, 71.4% focused on anxiety and depression as the main psychological variables, and 50% examined female sexual functioning as a sexual health variable. (4) Conclusions: This review provides more up-to-date information about valuable insights into the possible determinants of female sexual health. An association between PWB and female sexual health has been demonstrated.

Study of Sexual Concordance in Men and Women with Different Typologies of Adherence to the Sexual Double Standard / Estudio de la concordancia sexual en hombres y mujeres con diferentes tipologías de adhesión al doble estándar sexual

ResumenAntecedentes/Objetivo: La concordancia sexual (i.e., relación entre respuesta genital y excitación sexual subjetiva) parece ser mayor en hombres que en mujeres. Entre los factores que podrían explicar dicha diferencia estaría el doble estándar sexual (DES). Se examina la concordancia sexual en función de la tipología de adhesión al DES (igualitaria, favorable al hombre y favorable a la mujer). Método: Durante la exposición a un filme de contenido sexual, se registró la respuesta genital (circunferencia peniana/amplitud del pulso vaginal) y la excitación sexual autoinformada de 104 adultos jóvenes (42 hombres y 62 mujeres), distribuidos en las tipologías de adhesión al DES a partir de sus puntuacio-nes en la Sexual Double Standard Scale. Resultados: Se obtuvo concordancia sexual en hombres y mujeres con tipología igualitaria y favorable al hombre. La excitación sexual subjetiva explicó un porcentaje significativo de la varianza de la respuesta genital en la tipología igualitaria (hombres: R2= 0,32, p < 0,01; mujeres: R2= 0,19, p < 0,05) y en la favorable al hombre (hombres: R2= 0,21, p < 0,05; mujeres: R2= 0,23, p < 0,05). Conclu-siones: El acuerdo entre la respuesta genital y la excitación sexual subjetiva depende de la tipología de adhesión al DES.

AbstractBackground/Objective: Sexual concordance (i.e., relationship between genital response and subjective sexual arousal) is higher in men than in women. Among the factors that could explain this difference would be the sexual double standard (SDS). Sexual concordance is examined by SDS typologies of adherence (egalitarian, man-favorable, and woman-favorable). Method: During exposure to a film with sexual content, genital response (penile circumference/vaginal pulse amplitude) and self-reported sexual arousal were recorded in 104 young adults (42 men and 62 women), distributed into SDS typologies of adherence on the basis of their scores on the Sexual Double Standard Scale. Results: Sexual concordance was obtained in men and women with egalitarian and man-favorable typology. Subjective sexual arousal explained a significant percentage of the variance in genital response in the egalitarian typology (men: R2= .32, p < .01; women: R2= .19, p < .05) and man-favorable typology (men: R2= .21, p < .05; women: R2= .23, p < .05). Conclusions: Agreement between genital responsiveness and subjective sexual arousal depends on DES adherence typology.

Study of Sexual Concordance in Men and Women with Different Typologies of Adherence to the Sexual Double Standard.

Background/Objective: Sexual concordance (i.e., relationship between genital response and subjective sexual arousal) is higher in men than in women. Among the factors that could explain this difference would be the sexual double standard (SDS). Sexual concordance is examined by SDS typologies of adherence (egalitarian, man-favorable, and woman-favorable). Method: During exposure to a film with sexual content, genital response (penile circumference/vaginal pulse amplitude) and self-reported sexual arousal were recorded in 104 young adults (42 men and 62 women), distributed into SDS typologies of adherence on the basis of their scores on the Sexual Double Standard Scale. Results: Sexual concordance was obtained in men and women with egalitarian and man-favorable typology. Subjective sexual arousal explained a significant percentage of the variance in genital response in the egalitarian typology (men: R2  = .32, p < .01; women: R2  = .19, p < .05) and man-favorable typology (men: R2  = .21, p < .05; women: R2  = .23, p < .05). Conclusions: Agreement between genital responsiveness and subjective sexual arousal depends on DES adherence typology.

Antecedentes/Objetivo: La concordancia sexual (i.e., relación entre respuesta genital y excitación sexual subjetiva) parece ser mayor en hombres que en mujeres. Entre los factores que podrían explicar dicha diferencia estaría el doble estándar sexual (DES). Se examina la concordancia sexual en función de la tipología de adhesión al DES (igualitaria, favorable al hombre y favorable a la mujer). Método: Durante la exposición a un filme de contenido sexual, se registró la respuesta genital (circunferencia peniana/amplitud del pulso vaginal) y la excitación sexual autoinformada de 104 adultos jóvenes (42 hombres y 62 mujeres), distribuidos en las tipologías de adhesión al DES a partir de sus puntuaciones en la Sexual Double Standard Scale. Resultados: Se obtuvo concordancia sexual en hombres y mujeres con tipología igualitaria y favorable al hombre. La excitación sexual subjetiva explicó un porcentaje significativo de la varianza de la respuesta genital en la tipología igualitaria (hombres: R2  = 0,32, p < 0,01; mujeres: R2  = 0,19, p < 0,05) y en la favorable al hombre (hombres: R2  = 0,21, p < 0,05; mujeres: R2  = 0,23, p < 0,05). Conclusiones: El acuerdo entre la respuesta genital y la excitación sexual subjetiva depende de la tipología de adhesión al DES.

Influence of Social Determinants of Health on COVID-19 Infection in Socially Vulnerable Groups.

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy and health, especially for the most vulnerable social groups. The social determinants of health are one of the most relevant risks for becoming infected with COVID-19, due to the health consequences for those who are exposed to it. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of social determinants in health on COVID-19 infection in vulnerable social groups. A transversal epidemiological study was carried out on 746 individuals in vulnerable situations living in conditions of extreme poverty in disadvantaged areas in the province of Almeria (southeast of Spain). Social determinants of health such access to drinking water (p < 0.001) and economic income (p = 0.04) influenced the infection of COVID-19. A binary logistic regression model showed that the significant predictors of COVID-19 infection were the lack of economic income and inaccessible drinking water. The government and social health services must be aware of this problem in order to play an active role in searching for solutions and implementing public health prevention measures to eliminate social inequalities in health.

Association between Psychopathological Dimensions and Sexual Functioning/Sexual Arousal in Young Adults.

Psychological-psychiatric factors have a different effect on sexual functioning in men and women. This research aimed to examine the association between psychopathological dimensions and dimensions of sexual functioning in Spanish young adults in two studies. Study 1 examined sexual functioning and psychopathological dimensions in 700 women and 516 men. Study 2 conducted an experimental laboratory task to evaluate subjective sexual arousal and genital sensations when watching visual sexual stimuli in a subsample of participants from Study 1 (143 women and 123 men). As a result, the first study showed that depression and anxiety-related symptoms had a negative effect, both in men and women, and having a partner had a positive influence on the dimensions of sexual functioning. The second study showed that anxiety symptoms were positively associated with subjective sexual arousal in both men and women, and anxiety was associated with the assessment of genital sensations in men. The differences between the results of anxiety may be explained because sexual arousal was evaluated in general terms in Study 1, whereas it was evaluated as a state in Study 2. These findings confirm that the presence of psychopathological symptoms contributes to sexual functioning, as well as the necessity of strengthening mental illness prevention programs that include sexual health components.

[Subjective orgasm experience in the context of solitary masturbation]. / Experiencia subjetiva del orgasmo en el contexto de la masturbación en solitario.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The subjective orgasm experience refers to the evaluation of sensations caused by orgasm from a psychological approach. The objective of this study was to examine the subjective orgasm experience in the context of solitary masturbation taking into account sex and age, as well as to compare this experience with perceived experience in the context of a sexual relations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample was composed of 874 heterosexual adults from the general Spanish population (441 men [50.5%], 433 women [49.5%]). It was distributed into two age ranges: 18-34 and 50-93years. Participants completed a survey composed of a Background questionnaire and the Spanish version of the Orgasm Rating Scale. RESULTS: It was shown that sex (p<.001) and age (p<.001) influence subjective orgasm experience in the context of solitary masturbation. Women and young people showed greater intensity. Furthermore, significant differences in the subjective orgasm experience between the context of solitary masturbation and the context of a sexual relations were found. It was estimated as more intense in a sex-with-partner context. CONCLUSIONS: The subjective orgasm experience in the context of solitary masturbation is different to the one experienced in the context of a sexual relationship, being more intense in women and in young people.

The Spanish Version of the Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS-6): Evidence of Validity of a Short Version.

The aim of this work was to provide validity evidences of the short Spanish version of the Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS-6). First, a psychometric study was performed to examine the factorial invariance of the scale across different groups. A sample of 1,500 heterosexual adults (50% men, 50% women) from the general Spanish population, aged 18 to 80, was examined. Results showed that the unidimensional model of the SOS-6 is invariant across sex, age range, relationship status, and educational level. Secondly, a laboratory study was performed to determine the relationship between erotophilia and objective and subjective sexual arousal in response to sexual stimuli. The sample consisted of 130 young Spanish university students (46.92% men, 53.08% women) with heterosexual orientation. In men, erotophilia was related to subjective sexual arousal; in women, erotophilia was related to subjective sexual arousal and estimation of genital sensations. In conclusion, this work provides validity evidences of the short version of the SOS-6 and describes the factorial equivalence of the scale across groups and its concurrent validity.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue aportar evidencias de validez a la versión española breve del Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS-6) mediante dos estudios independientes. En primer lugar, se realizó un estudio psicométrico para examinar la invarianza factorial de la escala por diferentes grupos. Se empleó una muestra de 1.500 adultos heterosexuales (50% hombres, 50% mujeres) de la población española general de entre 18 y 80 años de edad. Los resultados mostraron que el modelo unifactorial del SOS-6 es invariante por sexo, rango de edad, estatus de relación de pareja y nivel de estudios. En segundo lugar, se realizó un estudio de laboratorio para determinar la relación de la erotofilia en la excitación sexual objetiva y subjetiva ante estímulos sexuales. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 130 jóvenes universitarios (46,92% hombres, 53,08% mujeres) de nacionalidad española y con orientación heterosexual. En los hombres, la erotofilia se relacionó con la excitación sexual subjetiva; en las mujeres, la erotofilia se asoció tanto con la estimación de la excitación sexual como con la valoración de sensaciones genitales. Como conclusión, este trabajo aporta evidencias de validez a la versión española breve del SOS-6, mostrando su equivalencia por grupos y su validez concurrente.

Validity evidence and norms of the spanish versión of the hurlbert index of sexual fantasy / Evidencias de validez y baremos de la versión española del Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy

BACKGROUND: Sexual fantasies are described as thoughts or mental images with sexual content. The Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy (HISF) evaluates the positive attitude towards sexual fantasies. The objective of this study was to provide validity evidence of the Spanish version of the HISF and to present its standard scores. METHOD: The sample was composed of 3,458 adults from the general Spanish population (1,641 men; 1,817 women), distributed across age groups (18-34, 35-49, and over 50 years old). RESULTS: The unifactorial structure of the Spanish version of the HISF showed strict measurement invariance across sex, age range, and education level. Positive attitudes towards sexual fantasies significantly correlated with erotophilia, sexual assertiveness, sexual desire, and sexual functioning. Also, the scale was useful for differentiating between individuals with sexual functioning difficulties and individuals with no difficulties. Finally, the standard scores were obtained based on sex and age range. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the HISF is a reliable, valid, and invariant scale for assessing a positive attitude towards sexual fantasies in people with different sociodemographic characteristics

ANTECEDENTES: las fantasías sexuales constituyen pensamientos o imágenes mentales con contenido sexual. El Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy (HISF) evalúa la actitud positiva hacia las fantasías sexuales. El objetivo de este estudio fue aportar evidencias de validez a la versión española del HISF y presentar sus baremos. MÉTODO: la muestra estuvo compuesta por 3.458 adultos de la población española general (1.641 hombres, 1.817 mujeres), distribuidos en tres grupos de edad (18-34, 35-49 y 50 años o mayores). RESULTADOS: la estructura unifactorial mostró nivel de invarianza estricta por sexo, rango de edad y nivel educativo. La actitud positiva hacia las fantasías sexuales correlacionó significativamente con erotofilia, asertividad sexual, deseo sexual y funcionamiento sexual. Además, la escala mostró capacidad para diferenciar entre individuos con y sin dificultades en el funcionamiento sexual. Finalmente, se presentan las puntuaciones baremadas por sexo y rango de edad. CONCLUSIONES: la versión española del HISF es una escala fiable, válida e invariante para evaluar la actitud positiva hacia las fantasías sexuales en personas con diferentes características sociodemográficas

Validation of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire in adults with a same-sex partner / Validación del Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire en adultos con pareja del mismo sexo

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (IEMSSQ) is one of the few instruments that has been developed from a theoretical model and assess sexual satisfaction. In addition, it has been successfully validated in Spanish heterosexual population. The objective of this study is to adapt and examine its psychometric properties (reliability, evidence of validity, and measurement invariance across sexual orientation and sex) in gay people in a relationship. METHOD: A sample of 1,820 adults, of whom 50% are gay people and 55% men, answered the Spanish version of the IEMSSQ. In addition, subjects with gay orientation answered the Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. RESULTS: When comparing by sex and sexual orientation, the IEMSSQ has a strict invariant structure. Its reliability is good, and the evidence of construct and concurrent validity is adequate. However, the components of equality are moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The IEMSSQ makes it possible to compare the sexual satisfaction between gay/heterosexual men and women, presenting good psychometric properties in gay people, constituting an useful instrument in the clinical and research field

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: El Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (IEMSSQ) es uno de los escasos instrumentos que evalúan la satisfacción sexual desde un modelo teórico y ha sido validado con éxito en población española heterosexual. El objetivo de este estudio es adaptar y examinar sus propiedades psicométricas (fiabilidad, evidencias de validez e invarianza según orientación sexual y sexo) en adultos gais con una relación de pareja. MÉTODO: Una muestra de 1.820 adultos, de los cuales el 50% son gais/lesbianas y el 55% hombres, contestó a la versión española del IEMSSQ. Además, los sujetos con orientación gay contestaron el Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire y la Escala de Ajuste Diádico. RESULTADOS: El IEMSSQ posee una estructura invariante estricta, por sexo y orientación sexual. Su fiabilidad es buena, y las evidencias de validez de constructo y concurrente adecuadas, aunque moderadas en los componentes de igualdad. CONCLUSIONES: El IEMSSQ permite comparar la satisfacción sexual entre hombres gais y mujeres lesbianas y heterosexuales, presentando buenas propiedades psicométricas en adultos gais, constituyendo un instrumento útil en el ámbito clínico y en el de la investigación

Validity evidence and norms of the Spanish versión of the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy.

BACKGROUND: Sexual fantasies are described as thoughts or mental images with sexual content. The Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy (HISF) evaluates the positive attitude towards sexual fantasies. The objective of this study was to provide validity evidence of the Spanish version of the HISF and to present its standard scores. METHOD: The sample was composed of 3,458 adults from the general Spanish population (1,641 men; 1,817 women), distributed across age groups (18-34, 35-49, and over 50 years old). RESULTS: The unifactorial structure of the Spanish version of the HISF showed strict measurement invariance across sex, age range, and education level. Positive attitudes towards sexual fantasies significantly correlated with erotophilia, sexual assertiveness, sexual desire, and sexual functioning. Also, the scale was useful for differentiating between individuals with sexual functioning difficulties and individuals with no difficulties. Finally, the standard scores were obtained based on sex and age range. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the HISF is a reliable, valid, and invariant scale for assessing a positive attitude towards sexual fantasies in people with different sociodemographic characteristics.

Validation of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire in adults with a same-sex partner.

The Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (IEMSSQ) is one of the few instruments that has been developed from a theoretical model and assess sexual satisfaction. In addition, it has been successfully validated in Spanish heterosexual population. The objective of this study is to adapt and examine its psychometric properties (reliability, evidence of validity, and measurement invariance across sexual orientation and sex) in gay people in a relationship. METHOD: A sample of 1,820 adults, of whom 50% are gay people and 55% men, answered the Spanish version of the IEMSSQ. In addition, subjects with gay orientation answered the Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. RESULTS: When comparing by sex and sexual orientation, the IEMSSQ has a strict invariant structure. Its reliability is good, and the evidence of construct and concurrent validity is adequate. However, the components of equality are moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The IEMSSQ makes it possible to compare the sexual satisfaction between gay/heterosexual men and women, presenting good psychometric properties in gay people, constituting an useful instrument in the clinical and research field.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: El Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (IEMSSQ) es uno de los escasos instrumentos que evalúan la satisfacción sexual desde un modelo teórico y ha sido validado con éxito en población española heterosexual. El objetivo de este estudio es adaptar y examinar sus propiedades psicométricas (fiabilidad, evidencias de validez e invarianza según orientación sexual y sexo) en adultos gais con una relación de pareja. Método: Una muestra de 1.820 adultos, de los cuales el 50% son gais/lesbianas y el 55% hombres, contestó a la versión española del IEMSSQ. Además, los sujetos con orientación gay contestaron el Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire y la Escala de Ajuste Diádico. Resultados: El IEMSSQ posee una estructura invariante estricta, por sexo y orientación sexual. Su fiabilidad es buena, y las evidencias de validez de constructo y concurrente adecuadas, aunque moderadas en los componentes de igualdad. Conclusiones: El IEMSSQ permite comparar la satisfacción sexual entre hombres gais y mujeres lesbianas y heterosexuales, presentando buenas propiedades psicométricas en adultos gais, constituyendo un instrumento útil en el ámbito clínico y en el de la investigación.

An Explanatory Model of Sexual Satisfaction in Adults with a Same-Sex Partner: An Analysis Based on Gender Differences.

This study aimed to develop an explanatory model of sexual satisfaction in same-sex attracted individuals with a partner, based on personal and interpersonal variables. The participants were 410 men (mean age = 29.24, SD = 9.84) and 410 women (mean age = 29, SD = 8.57) who maintained a relationship with another person of the same sex. Internalized homophobia was considered as a personal variable, and as interpersonal variables, the dimensions of attachment (anxiety and avoidance), sexual functioning, dyadic adjustment, relationship satisfaction, the components of the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction, the number of sexual costs and the number of sexual rewards were considered. The degree to which sexual satisfaction was related to these variables was examined separately, for both men and women, through multiple linear regression models within the framework of structural equation models. The results indicated that sexual satisfaction is associated in a negative sense with internalized homophobia, the number of sexual costs, anxiety, and avoidance, and in a positive sense with the remaining variables. Relational variables were more relevant in the explanation of sexual satisfaction. The clinical implications are discussed.

Relación entre la excitación sexual subjetiva y la respuesta genital: diferencias entre hombres y mujeres / Connection between subjective sexual arousal and genital response: differences between men and women

Objetivo: El nivel de acuerdo entre medidas subjetivas y objetivas de la excitación sexual se denomina concordancia sexual. El sexo es uno de los principales moderadores y existe más correspondencia en los hombres que en las mujeres. El objetivo de este estudio es examinar la validez predictiva de las escalas Valoración de Excitación Sexual (VES) y Valoración de las Sensaciones Genitales (VSG), relacionando sus puntuaciones con la respuesta genital ante estímulos sexuales visuales, en hombres y en mujeres. Material y método: Se empleó una muestra formada por 159 jóvenes heterosexuales (69 hombres y 90 mujeres) que completaron, en primer lugar, un cuestionario sociodemográfico y de la historia sexual, las escalas Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form y el SOS-6. En segundo lugar, en el laboratorio de sexualidad, eran expuestos a un vídeo neutro y otro de contenido sexual explícito, mientras se les evaluaba la excitación sexual subjetiva con las escalas VES y VSG, y se les registraba la respuesta genital a través de pletismografía (hombres) y fotopletismografía (mujeres). Resultados: Se obtuvieron correlaciones significativas entre la excitación sexual subjetiva y objetiva únicamente en los hombres: la escala VSG mostró capacidad para predecir la respuesta de erección ante estímulos sexuales visuales. Conclusiones: Se avala la teoría de las diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en concordancia sexual. Al encontrarse evidencias modestas solo en hombres sobre la validez predictiva de las escalas de evaluación de la excitación sexual subjetiva, se plantea la necesidad de realizar evaluación subjetiva y objetiva de la excitación sexual en el ámbito clínico y en investigación

Objective: The level of agreement between subjective and objective measures of sexual arousal is referred as sexual concordance. Sex is one of the principal moderators and there is a higher level of correspondence in men than in women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive validity of the scales Ratings of Sexual Arousal (RSA) and Ratings of Genital Sensations (RGS), relating their scores with the genital response to visual sexual stimuli in men and women. Material and method: A sample of 159 young heterosexuals was used (69 men and 90 women) which completed, firstly, a sociodemographic and sexual story questionnaire, the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales Short-Form and the SOS-6. At the laboratory, they were exposed to a neutral film and to an explicit sexual content film. The subjective sexual arousal was evaluated with the RSA and RGS scales and the genital response was registered through a plethysmography (men) and a photo-plethysmography (women). Results: Significant correlations were obtained between subjective and objective sexual arousal only in men. The RGS scale has the capacity to predict the erection response toward sexual stimuli. Conclusions: The theory of differences in sexual concordance between men and women was endorsed. Modest evidence about the predictive validity of the subjective sexual arousal evaluation scale was found only in men. It arises the need for subjective and objective assessment of sexual arousal, in clinical settings and research area

[Connection between subjective sexual arousal and genital response: differences between men and women]. / Relación entre la excitación sexual subjetiva y la respuesta genital: diferencias entre hombres y mujeres.

OBJECTIVE: The level of agreement between subjective and objective measures of sexual arousal is referred as sexual concordance. Sex is one of the principal moderators and there is a higher level of correspondence in men than in women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive validity of the scales Ratings of Sexual Arousal (RSA) and Ratings of Genital Sensations (RGS), relating their scores with the genital response to visual sexual stimuli in men and women. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A sample of 159 young heterosexuals was used (69 men and 90 women) which completed, firstly, a sociodemographic and sexual story questionnaire, the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales Short-Form and the SOS-6. At the laboratory, they were exposed to a neutral film and to an explicit sexual content film. The subjective sexual arousal was evaluated with the RSA and RGS scales and the genital response was registered through a plethysmography (men) and a photo-plethysmography (women). RESULTS: Significant correlations were obtained between subjective and objective sexual arousal only in men. The RGS scale has the capacity to predict the erection response toward sexual stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: The theory of differences in sexual concordance between men and women was endorsed. Modest evidence about the predictive validity of the subjective sexual arousal evaluation scale was found only in men. It arises the need for subjective and objective assessment of sexual arousal, in clinical settings and research area.

La autoestima sexual: su relación con la excitación sexual / The sexual self-esteem: Its relationship with the sexual arousal

Resumen En este estudio se tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre la autoestima sexual (AS) y la excitación sexual como rasgo, estado y componente de la respuesta sexual. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 65 jóvenes heterosexuales que completaron la subescala Excitación Sexual de las Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form, el Massachussets General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire y la subescala Autoestima sexual del Brief Sexuality Scale. A continuación, realizaron una tarea experimental donde completaron las escalas Valoración de Excitación Sexual y Valoración de Sensaciones Genitales tras visualizar un video neutro y otro con contenido sexual explícito. Los resultados mostraron asociaciones significativas entre la AS y la excitación sexual rasgo y la excitación sexual como componente de la respuesta sexual. Ambas manifestaciones de la excitación sexual explicaron un porcentaje significativo de la AS (R 2 = 0,19). Sin embargo, la excitación sexual estado no se asoció con la AS.

Abstract The aim was to analyze the relationship between sexual self-esteem (SSE) and sexual arousal as a trait, as a state and as a component of the sexual response. The sample consisted of 65 heterosexual young people who completed the Sexual Excitation subscale of the Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form, the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, and the Sexual Self-esteem subscale of the Brief Sexuality Scale. Participants performed an experimental task where they completed the Ratings of Sexual Arousal and the Ratings of Genital Sensations after visualizing a neutral film and another one with explicit sexual content. The results showed significant associations between SSE and sexual arousal as a trait and as a component of the sexual response. These two types of excitation explained a significant percentage of the SSE (R 2 = 0.19). However, sexual arousal as a state did not correlate to the SSE.

Riesgo percibido y balance decisional hacia la prueba del VIH en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres de Monterrey, México / Perceived risk and decisional balance to HIV testing in men who have sex with men from Monterrey, Mexico

El riesgo percibido hacia el VIH y el balance decisional (pros y contras) hacia la prueba del VIH son aspectos fundamentales para la comprensión de la motivación de los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres para involucrarse en conductas que reduzcan o aumenten el riesgo de infección ante el virus. Objetivos: Describir el riesgo percibido hacia el VIH y el balance decisional hacia la prueba del VIH y determinar la asociación entre el riesgo percibido y el balance decisional hacia la prueba del VIH en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres. Método: Diseño descriptivo correlacional, se utilizó un muestreo dirigido por entrevistados con el cual se reclutaron 202 hombres que tienen sexo con hombres. Resultados: Edad media de 27,79 (DE=8,13), el 66,3% reportó baja percepción de riesgo hacia el VIH. Los pros más significativos fueron: «si tuviera el VIH no quisiera infectar a nadie más» (95%) y «quisiera estar seguro de no tener el VIH para decírselo a mi pareja sexual» (90,6%). Lo contras más significativos fueron: «tengo miedo a la aguja utilizada para la prueba de detección del VIH» (53%), «la gente me podría rechazar si tuviera el VIH» (78,7%). Finalmente, se identificó correlación entre el riesgo percibido y el balance decisional hacia la prueba del VIH (rs=0,759, p<0,001). Conclusiones: Ante tales datos, es importante considerar en futuras intervenciones, información sobre la importancia de la prueba del VIH de forma periódica, así como acciones para aumentar la percepción de vulnerabilidad hacia el VIH en esta población

The perceived risk to HIV and the decisional balance (pros and cons) towards HIV testing are fundamental aspects for understanding the motivation of men who have sex with men to engage in behaviours that reduce or increase the risk of infection with the virus. Objectives: To describe the perceived risk of HIV and the decisional balance towards HIV testing and determine the association between perceived risk and the decisional balance towards HIV testing of men who have sex with men. Method: Descriptive correlational design, we used respondent-driven sampling, with which we recruited 202 men who have sex with men. Results: Mean age of 27.79 (SD=8.13), 66.3% reported low perceived risk to HIV. The most significant pros were: "If I had HIV I would not want to infect anyone else" (95%) and "I would like to be sure I did not have HIV to tell my sexual partner" (90.6%). The most significant cons were: "I am afraid of the needle used for the HIV test" (53%), "people could reject me if they had HIV" (78.7%). Finally, there was a correlation between the perceived risk and the decisional balance towards HIV testing (rs=.759, p<.001). Conclusions: Given such data, in future interventions it is important to consider information about the importance of HIV testing on a regular basis, as well as actions to increase the perception of vulnerability to HIV in this population

Perceived risk and decisional balance to HIV testing in men who have sex with men from Monterrey, Mexico. / Riesgo percibido y balance decisional hacia la prueba del VIH en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres de Monterrey, México.

The perceived risk to HIV and the decisional balance (pros and cons) towards HIV testing are fundamental aspects for understanding the motivation of men who have sex with men to engage in behaviours that reduce or increase the risk of infection with the virus. OBJECTIVES: To describe the perceived risk of HIV and the decisional balance towards HIV testing and determine the association between perceived risk and the decisional balance towards HIV testing of men who have sex with men. METHOD: Descriptive correlational design, we used respondent-driven sampling, with which we recruited 202 men who have sex with men. RESULTS: Mean age of 27.79 (SD=8.13), 66.3% reported low perceived risk to HIV. The most significant pros were: "If I had HIV I would not want to infect anyone else" (95%) and "I would like to be sure I did not have HIV to tell my sexual partner" (90.6%). The most significant cons were: "I am afraid of the needle used for the HIV test" (53%), "people could reject me if they had HIV" (78.7%). Finally, there was a correlation between the perceived risk and the decisional balance towards HIV testing (rs=.759, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Given such data, in future interventions it is important to consider information about the importance of HIV testing on a regular basis, as well as actions to increase the perception of vulnerability to HIV in this population.

Escalas de Valoración de Excitación Sexual y Valoración de Sensaciones Genitales: propiedades psicométricas en muestras españolas / Ratings of sexual arousal and ratings of genital sensations: psychometric properties in spanish sample

Objetivo. La excitación sexual subjetiva es la percepción de excitación a nivel psicológico, siendo el Multiple Indicators of Subjective Sexual Arousal (MISSA) uno de los escasos instrumentos para evaluarla de manera situacional. El objetivo es adaptar a población española y examinar las propiedades psicométricas de dos de las escalas del MISSA: Valoración de Excitación Sexual (VES) y Valoración de Sensaciones Genitales (VSG). Material y método. Se emplearon dos muestras independientes formadas por jóvenes heterosexuales de 18-30 años de edad. En la primera muestra (n=122) se examinó la estructura factorial de la escala VES, la cual se puso a prueba en una segunda muestra (n=336) en la que se examinó la invarianza por sexo. Además, en esta segunda muestra se buscaron evidencias de validez de ambas escalas. Los participantes de ambos estudios (N=458) contestaron las escalas VES y VSG en una situación experimental de laboratorio en la que eran expuestos a films de contenido neutro y contenido sexual explícito. Resultados. La versión española de la escala VES presenta una estructura unidimensional con una adecuada fiabilidad de consistencia interna (α=0,90). Dicha estructura es invariante en cuanto al sexo, no encontrándose diferencias entre hombres y mujeres. Tanto las puntuaciones de la escala VES como de la VSG correlacionaron con la predisposición a excitarse y con la erotofilia. Conclusiones. Las escalas VES y VSG son fiables y válidas para evaluar la excitación sexual subjetiva ante estímulos sexuales, constituyendo instrumentos adecuados para su uso, tanto en el ámbito clínico como en el de la investigación (AU)

Objective. Subjective sexual arousal is the psychological perception of arousal. The Multiple Indicators of Subjective Sexual Arousal (MISSA) is one of the limited self-reported measures to evaluate it in a specific situation. The aim is to adapt and examine the psychometric properties of two scales from the MISSA: Ratings of Sexual Arousal (RSA) and Ratings of Genital Sensations (RGS) in a Spanish sample. Material and method. The measures were administered to two independent samples composed by heterosexual young individuals aged from 18 to 30 years old. In the first sample (n=122) the factorial structure of the RSA was examined, which was later confirmed in a second sample (n=336) where invariance analysis by sex and validity evidences were also analyzed. Both, the RSA and the RGS, together with other scales measuring similar constructs, were answered by participants from both studies (N=458) in a laboratory setting in which individuals were exposed to films with neutral content and explicit sexual content. Results. The Spanish version of the RSA shows a unidimensional structure with adequate reliability (α=.90). This structure showed to be invariant by sex, thus no significant differences were found between men and women. Scores from both, the RSA and the RGS correlated with higher predisposition to get excited and erotophilia. Conclusions. The RSA and RGS are reliable and valid measures to evaluate subjective sexual arousal towards sexual stimuli. Therefore, their use is suitable for both clinical and research areas (AU)