Myths about Sexual Aggression, Sexual Assertiveness and Sexual Violence in Adolescent Romantic Relationships.

Sexual violence is a worldwide health and social issue. However, little is known about the sexual violence that occurs in the context of romantic relationships. This study analyzes the existence of sexual violence in adolescents' romantic relationships, the possible associations between such violence (both committed and suffered) and myths about sexual aggression and sexual assertiveness, and the possible gender-related distinctions. A sample of 329 students aged between 15 and 19 (M = 16.3; SD = 0.79) was surveyed; all participants were in a romantic relationship when the data were collected. The results reveal that both genders report the existence of sexual violence in their romantic relationships; however, in heterosexual relationships, males were more often the perpetrators of sexual violence. Additionally, myths about sexual aggression and sexual assertiveness were found to be significantly associated with both perpetration and victimization. Accordingly, these predictors should be focal points in prevention programs for adolescent sexual violence. The findings of this study show the de-prioritization of sexuality education in the Spanish educational system, as well as the need to strengthen the competence of adolescents in this area.

Association between Sexual Satisfaction and Depression and Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults.

The role of sexual satisfaction in adolescents and young adults' mental health has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this work is to study differences in sexual satisfaction and mental health (anxiety and depression) based on romantic relationship status (having a partner vs. not having one) and gender. Likewise, the association between sexual satisfaction and mental health and the moderating effect of romantic relationship status and gender was addressed in this research. A total of 1682 Spanish adolescents (14-17) and young adults (18-29) agreed to participate in this cross-sectional investigation. Two-factor ANOVA and MANOVA, and hierarchical regression models were utilized in this study. In general, results showed more difficulties in sexual satisfaction and mental health for those not in a current relationship and for women. Additionally, higher levels of sexual satisfaction was associated with lower levels of anxiety for adolescents and lower levels of depression for young adults. These associations were stronger for those in a current relationship. This study highlights the importance of sexual satisfaction as a modifying factor against mental health problems, especially in the context of a current romantic relationship.

Bullied Adolescent's Life Satisfaction: Personal Competencies and School Climate as Protective Factors.

Although adolescence has been defined as a stage of vulnerability, due to the biopsychosocial changes that happen throughout this developmental stage, it is also one of growth. Some of the core personal competencies that have been identified to promote positive development at this stage while simultaneously preventing risks are: (1) a positive sense of self, (2) self-regulation, (3) decision-making skills, (4) a moral system of belief, and (5) prosocial connectedness. There are many factors and contexts that influence adolescent development. The school climate, for example, has the capacity to promote positive development and life satisfaction, yet on the other hand, it is a context within which different forms of violence, such as bullying, can occur. The principal aim of this study, therefore, is to analyze the influence that bullying has on one's life satisfaction, while taking into account participants' socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., gender and developmental stage), their core personal competencies (i.e., problem solving strategies, empathy, emotional repair, self-esteem, and values), and the school climate. To obtain data, a hierarchical regression analysis was conducted with a sample of 647 Spanish students (53.3% female), ranging in age from preadolescence (10-13 years old; 60.3%) to mid-adolescence (14-18 years old; 39.7%), and belonging to diverse socio-economic contexts (15.3% rural) and schools (32.1% public). After gaining informed consent from both the participants and their parents, students completed the survey voluntarily, and under anonymity. Initially results show that gender, developmental stage, and having been bullied were predictors of participants' levels of life satisfaction. When the core personal competencies were also considered in data analysis process, self-esteem, emotional repair, and social values were those demonstrating significant effects on one's life satisfaction; moreover, being bullied was a significant predictor too. Finally, after taking school climate into account, only this variable as well as self-esteem and emotional repair were significant predictors of life satisfaction: the other assessed variables were no longer found to be significant predictors (i.e., gender, developmental stage, being bullied, and social values). These results have important implications for education objectives, methodologies, and school functioning: school climate, self-esteem and emotional repair seem to be particularly important for promoting student life satisfaction and for preventing the negative consequences associated with being bullied.

Sexual Coercion Perpetration and Victimization: Gender Similarities and Differences in Adolescence.

Sexual coercion is a worldwide health problem that endangers the well-being of those involved. In the same line of the most recent and comprehensive studies, this study sought to investigate the extent of sexual coercion, both perpetration and victimization, among male and female adolescents. Moreover, it jointly analyzed the predictive power of different variables that have been considered as useful to design preventive programs. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study, using proportional stratified cluster sampling, was performed and 1,242 Spanish adolescents (15-19 years old) were surveyed. Results show that both genders had reported committing and suffering sexual coercion. However, perpetration was reported more often by males: no significant gender difference was found in victimization. It was also concluded that need for control and power, normative beliefs about sexual coercion, hostile sexism, negative alcohol expectancies, and sociosexual orientation were significant predictors of perpetration for both genders. Concerning victimization, need for control and power and normative beliefs were found to be significant predictors for males and females, as were negative alcohol expectancies and sexual esteem, though only for males. According to these results, both genders can be both perpetrators and victims of sexual coercion in adolescence, but not to the same extent. Moreover, preventive programs should include activities related to perpetration and victimization, taking into account the effectiveness of their components to intervene with male and female adolescents.

Sexual Violence History and Welfare in Transgender People.

This study focuses on sexual violence experiences suffered by Spanish transgender individuals throughout the life span. Using a cross-sectional design, 33 face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted which included questions regarding the presence and/or absence of sexual violence, the nature of said sexual violence, by whom sexual violences were committed, coping mechanisms used, and certain mental health indicators. Results found a high percentage of transgender individuals to have been victims of sexual violence during childhood, to use avoidance as a coping mechanism for said experiences, as well as the frequent recurrence of experiences of sexual violence, showing victimization processes. In addition, the relationship between said experiences and mental health indicators were observed. This study highlights the importance of and need for addressing sexual violence among this population, and discusses and analyzes possible components of future educative and clinical intervention strategies.

Prevalence and correlates of young people's sexual aggression perpetration and victimisation in 10 European countries: a multi-level analysis.

Data are presented on young people's sexual victimisation and perpetration from 10 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain) using a shared measurement tool (N = 3480 participants, aged between 18 and 27 years). Between 19.7 and 52.2% of female and between 10.1 and 55.8% of male respondents reported having experienced at least one incident of sexual victimisation since the age of consent. In two countries, victimisation rates were significantly higher for men than for women. Between 5.5 and 48.7% of male and 2.6 and 14.8% of female participants reported having engaged in a least one act of sexual aggression perpetration, with higher rates for men than for women in all countries. Victimisation rates correlated negatively with sexual assertiveness and positively with alcohol use in sexual encounters. Perpetration rates correlated positively with attitudes condoning physical dating violence and with alcohol use in men, and negatively with sexual assertiveness in women. At the country level, lower gender equality in economic power and in the work domain was related to higher male perpetration rates. Lower gender equality in political power and higher sexual assertiveness in women relative to men were linked to higher male victimisation rates.

Sexuality in old age: key issues,gender differences and future proposals / Sexualidade na velhice: questões-chave, as diferenças de gênero e propostas futuras

This work presents a brief overview of some of the most important issues related to sexuality during old age. First, it presents the state of the current situation, in order to later explore some of the elements that have been considered key factors in experiencing sexuality, specifically in this stage of life, while exploring certain needs and difficulties. Similarly, some of the differences between men and women, within this context, are presented. Finally, future proposals aimed at better understanding this topic in old age are presented, with suggestions on how to improve wellbeing and care in regard to sexuality among the aging population.(AU)

Este trabalho apresenta uma breve descrição de algumas das questões mais importantes relacionadas com a sexualidade durante a velhice. Primeiro, apresenta-se o estado da situação atual, para depois explorar alguns dos elementos que foram considerados fatores-chave na vivência da sexualidade, especificamente nesta fase da vida, ao explorar certas necessidades e dificuldades. Do mesmo modo, algumas das diferenças entre homens e mulheres, neste contexto, são apresentadas. Finalmente, as propostas futuras que visam a uma melhor compreensão deste tema na terceira idade são expostas, com sugestões sobre como melhorar o bem-estar e cuidados em relação à sexualidade da população idosa.(AU)

Sexuality in old age: key issues,gender differences and future proposals / Sexualidade na velhice: questões-chave, as diferenças de gênero e propostas futuras

This work presents a brief overview of some of the most important issues related to sexuality during old age. First, it presents the state of the current situation, in order to later explore some of the elements that have been considered key factors in experiencing sexuality, specifically in this stage of life, while exploring certain needs and difficulties. Similarly, some of the differences between men and women, within this context, are presented. Finally, future proposals aimed at better understanding this topic in old age are presented, with suggestions on how to improve wellbeing and care in regard to sexuality among the aging population.

Este trabalho apresenta uma breve descrição de algumas das questões mais importantes relacionadas com a sexualidade durante a velhice. Primeiro, apresenta-se o estado da situação atual, para depois explorar alguns dos elementos que foram considerados fatores-chave na vivência da sexualidade, especificamente nesta fase da vida, ao explorar certas necessidades e dificuldades. Do mesmo modo, algumas das diferenças entre homens e mulheres, neste contexto, são apresentadas. Finalmente, as propostas futuras que visam a uma melhor compreensão deste tema na terceira idade são expostas, com sugestões sobre como melhorar o bem-estar e cuidados em relação à sexualidade da população idosa.

Características del comportamiento agresivo en las parejas de los adolescentes españoles / Characteristics of dating violence among Spanish adolescents

El objetivo de este trabajo es explorar algunas de las principales características del comportamiento agresivo en las relaciones de pareja adolescentes. Se contó con una muestra incidental de 601 estudiantes de enseñanzas medias (42% varones y 58% mujeres) de Salamanca (España). Los participantes tenían entre 15 y 19 años y mantenían una relación de pareja (44,4%) o la habían mantenido en los 12 meses previos al estudio (55,6%), de al menos un mes de duración. La estrategia de análisis se centró en establecer comparaciones entre chicos y chicas, bajo una doble perspectiva: agresiones cometidas y sufridas en sus relaciones de pareja. Los resultados muestran que los comportamientos agresivos, especialmente de tipo verbal-emocional, tienen una importante presencia en estas parejas. Consistentemente con investigaciones previas, los chicos manifiestan haber perpetrado más agresiones sexuales que las chicas; con relación a las agresiones verbales-emocionales, se da la situación opuesta y no se aprecian diferencias estadísticamente significativas intersexos en las agresiones físicas. Por último, se discuten las implicaciones de los resultados del estudio de cara a futuras investigaciones (AU)

This study examined dating violence in a sample of high school students to determine some of the main characteristics of this problem. An incidental sample of 601 adolescents (42% men and 58% women) was surveyed in Salamanca (Spain); participants were between 15 and 19 years old and were either involved in a romantic relationship (44.4% of the sample) or had had at least one serious relationship in the previous 12 months (55.6%), in both cases with a minimum length of one month. Analyses focused on comparing male and female reports of both perpetration and victimization in current dating relationships. The results indicated that the use of abusive behaviours, especially verbal-emotional abuse, is prevalent in Spain. Consistent with previous studies, adolescent boys reported higher perpetration levels of sexual abuse than female did, and adolescent girls reported higher perpetration levels of verbal-emotional aggression than males; there were no differences in self-reports of physical abuse. The implications of findings for future research are discussed

La evaluación del apego romántico en adolescentes españoles: validación de la versión reducida del Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) / Measuring romantic attachment in Spanish adolescents: Validation of the brief form of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire

Este trabajo aborda el desarrollo y validación de una versión abreviada del cuestionario Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) en población adolescente. A través de un muestreo por conglomerados, considerando las aulas de los diferentes centros de enseñanza secundaria de Salamanca como unidades muestrales, se seleccionó la muestra. Finalmente, un total de 598 adolescentes (35.8% varones y 64.2% mujeres), de edades comprendidas entre 15 y 19 años, participaron en el estudio. El principal resultado que se deduce de este trabajo es que la versión reducida del ECR-R (18 ítems) presenta buenos índices de ajuste y fiabilidad para las subescalas de ansiedad y evitación. Asimismo, la correlación encontrada entre los factores latentes fue muy pequeña. En conclusión, la versión reducida de la ECR-R propuesta en este trabajo, además de estar adaptada a población española, es útil para medir el apego romántico en adolescentes (AU)

This work deals with the development and validation of the brief version of the Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised (ECR-R) Questionnaire for adolescents. The sample was selected using a cluster sampling, considering the classrooms of the different schools of Salamanca as sampling units or clusters. Finally, a total of 598 adolescents (35.8% males and 64.2% females) participated in this study. The main result found was that the original version of ECR-R of 36 items was reduced to 18, presenting appropriate levels of adjustment indexes and reliability for the anxiety and avoidance subscales. In addition, the correlation found between the latent factors was very low. In summary, the short-form of the ECR-R adapted to Spanish population and proposed in this study, has shown to be useful to evaluate and measure romantic attachment in adolescents (AU)

Does cost-benefit analysis or self-control predict involvement in two forms of aggression?

The main aim of this research was to assess the relative association between physical aggression and (1) self-control and (2) cost-benefit assessment, these variables representing the operation of impulsive and reflective processes. Study 1 involved direct and indirect aggression among young Indian men, and Study 2 physical aggression to dating partners among Spanish adolescents. In Study 1, perceived benefits and costs but not self-control were associated with direct aggression at other men, and the association remained when their close association with indirect aggression was controlled. In Study 2, benefits and self-control showed significant and independent associations (positive for benefits, negative for self-control) with physical aggression at other-sex partners. Although being victimized was also correlated in the same direction with self-control and benefits, perpetration and being victimized were highly correlated, and there was no association between being victimized and these variables when perpetration was controlled. These results support the theory that reflective (cost-benefit analyses) processes and impulsive (self-control) processes operate in parallel in affecting aggression. The finding that male adolescents perceived more costs and fewer benefits from physical aggression to a partner than female adolescents did is consistent with findings indicating greater social disapproval of men hitting women than vice versa, rather than with the view that male violence to women is facilitated by internalized patriarchal values.

Physical and psychological aggression in dating relationships of Spanish adolescents: motives and consequences.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine three aspects of romantic relationships of Spanish adolescents: the prevalence of verbal-emotional and physical aggressive behaviors, correlates of dating violence perpetration (both verbal-emotional and physical aggression), and consequences of violence for victims' well-being. METHOD: A convenience sample of 567 participants (15-19 years old) who voluntarily completed anonymous, self-report questionnaires was used. All were students from 5 public high schools in Salamanca, Spain. RESULTS: Females reported having perpetrated significantly more aggressive acts in their intimate relationships than males did, although the magnitude of differences between both groups was small; in contrast, no sex differences were noted in the frequency of aggressions suffered by adolescents. A strong relationship was observed between the perpetration and victimization of both verbal-emotional and physical aggression across genders. A strong link was observed between jealousy and aggression perpetration (both verbal-emotional and physical). Finally, verbal-emotional aggression represented the most common form of aggressive behavior used at these ages, and relationship deterioration was the most frequent consequence of arguments. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the use of abusive behaviors in adolescent dating relationships is prevalent in Spain. Sex differences were evident in the perpetration of aggression, as well as some of the motivations for, and the effects of, dating violence. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The present study underlines the need for early intervention programs aimed at decreasing any tolerance for the use of violence in dating relationships of Spanish adolescents. Such programs should include both victimization-based and perpetration-based activities, since the evidence on the relatively mutual nature of dating violence in adolescence points in this direction.

La coerción sexual en las relaciones de los y las adolescentes y jóvenes: naturaleza del problema y estrategias de intervención / No disponible

La coerción sexual entre los adolescentes, se ha convertido en un importante problema en nuestra sociedad, tanto por su amplitud como por las consecuencias que a menudo de ella se derivan. Sin duda, como profesionales de la Psicología y la Educación hemos de intentar ofrecer respuestas eficaces a esta situación, y una de las prioritarias es el desarrollo de programas de prevención que reduzcan su incidencia. En este trabajo nos acercamos a la problemática de la coerción sexual en la adolescencia con el objeto de contribuir a su prevención. De este modo analizamos los factores de riesgo asociados, tanto a la perpetración de la coerción, como a la victimización, para posteriormente plantear, en función de ello, cuáles podrían ser los aspectos más relevantes a trabajar en un programa de prevención en el contexto educativo

Sexual coercion among adolescents has becoming an important problem in our society, because of its high prevalence, as well as the negative consequences that this phenomenon can cause; for this reason, psychologists and educators must try to offer effective responses to this situation. In this sense, one of the most important objectives in this field is to develop preventive programs to decrease its incidence. In this paper, we seek to approach to the understanding of sexual coercion among youths in order to contribute to its prevention. With this aim, in this work we analyze some risk factors associated to the perpetration of sexual coercion as well as episodes of sexual victimization, and before that we speak about key points that should be taken into account to design preventive programs for educational contexts