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Madera SR, Pibernus AR, Vélez SO. Erotic Imagination in Latin America: Reflections on Sexual Fantasies and Coloniality. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:2173-2188. [PMID: 38755505 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02870-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Latin America comprises 20 countries and 14 dependent territories throughout the Western Hemisphere. It is a diverse and plural region in terms of its geography, cultures, languages, and historical experiences, with fifteenth-century colonialism as a common denominator. Two areas in which the lingering effects of coloniality seem clearly ever-present are the realms of gender and sexuality. The latter encompasses sexual fantasies, a subject of focus in this article. The examination of sexual fantasies remains a ripe area for future research, particularly throughout the Global South, where its linkages to coloniality should be explored in detail. To contribute to this larger and long-term goal, we implemented an online qualitative study designed to document the sexual fantasies of Spanish-speaking individuals living in the Latin American region. We developed a data-gathering form that included open-ended questions to document sexual fantasies. The form was available through the JotForm online platform that was linked to the study webpage entitled "A Calzón Quita'o." We conducted a thematic analysis to identify response patterns. Three main categories emerged from: (1) spatiotemporal references, (2) multiple partners, and (3) power, control, and rough sex. We relied on perspectives linked to ongoing discussions about coloniality to analyze the thematic content in the participants' responses regarding their sexual fantasies. The findings highlight the existing tensions between the reproduction of-and resistance to-the norms associated with gender roles and their embodiment within the framework of the gender binary inherited from coloniality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheilla R Madera
- Steven J Green School of International and Public Affairs, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | | | - Samuel Oláh Vélez
- Steven J Green School of International and Public Affairs, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
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Nimbi FM, Galizia R, Limoncin E, Levy T, Jannini EA, Simonelli C, Tambelli R. Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies Questionnaire: The Development and Validation of the Erotic Fantasy Use Scale (SDEF2) on Experience, Attitudes, and Sharing Issues. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1159. [PMID: 37107993 PMCID: PMC10138526 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The investigation of sexual fantasies is a delicate issue within sex research. Most studies have focused on the content of these fantasies, rather than on use, experiences, attitudes, and sharing issues, which are fundamental aspects within sexual therapy. The main aim of the present study was to develop and validate the "Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire-Part 2. Use of Erotic Fantasies (SDEF2)". METHODS The SDEF2 was completed by 1773 Italian participants (1105 women, 645 men, and 23 other genders). RESULTS The final 21-item version presented a five-factor structure (fantasies frequency, fantasies normality, fantasies importance, negative emotions, and sharing and experiencing). The SDEF2 showed good psychometric properties, internal reliability, construct, and discriminant validity, appearing to be able to differentiate between sexually clinical and functional women and men (based on the FSFI and IIEF cut-off scores). CONCLUSIONS The possibility of assessing fantasies frequency, attitudes, and emotions may be extremely useful both for research and clinical purposes. The current study seems to validate that the SDEF2 is a useful measure of assessing the different aspects related to a fantasizing activity, which was shown to be associated with sexual functioning and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Nimbi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (E.L.); (T.L.); (C.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Roberta Galizia
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (E.L.); (T.L.); (C.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Erika Limoncin
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (E.L.); (T.L.); (C.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Tom Levy
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (E.L.); (T.L.); (C.S.); (R.T.)
| | | | - Chiara Simonelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (E.L.); (T.L.); (C.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.G.); (E.L.); (T.L.); (C.S.); (R.T.)
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Nimbi FM, Galizia R, Fontanesi L, Soyman S, Jannini EA, Simonelli C, Tambelli R. Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies Questionnaire: Validation of the Erotic Fantasy Inventory Scale (SDEF3) in Italian Adults. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:880. [PMID: 36981536 PMCID: PMC10048620 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erotic fantasies are the most common sexual experiences and provide valuable clinical material for understanding individual and relational emotional dynamics. The primary objective of this study is to validate the Sexual Desire and Erotic Fantasies questionnaire (SDEF) Part 3-Inventory of Erotic Fantasies. This questionnaire was designed to be a sex-positive and inclusive measure of the content of erotic fantasies, accessible to individuals of all gender identities, sexual orientations, relationship/romantic status, and sexual behaviors. METHODS The SDEF3 was completed by 1773 Italian participants (1105 women, 645 men, and 23 participants identifying as other genders). Two factorial structures were presented and discussed: a 20-dimension structure for clinical and explorative use and a 6-dimension structure for research purposes. RESULTS The six-factor version was preferred due to its robust statistical properties and its ability to differentiate between sexually clinical and functional men and women, based on cut-off scores from the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Differences in the frequency of themes in fantasies between gender and sexual orientation were reported and discussed. CONCLUSIONS The current study indicates that the SDEF3 is a valuable and comprehensive measure for assessing various scenarios related to fantasizing activity. It has potential applications in both clinical practice and scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Nimbi
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Galizia
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lilybeth Fontanesi
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Seray Soyman
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Simonelli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Lehmiller JJ, Gormezano AM. Sexual fantasy research: A contemporary review. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 49:101496. [PMID: 36436469 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Understanding sexual fantasies is central to understanding human sexuality. The current review synthesizes recent trends and findings in sexual fantasy research and points to several important conclusions. First, few sexual fantasies appear to be statistically unusual or rare. Second, while the bulk of sexual fantasy research to date has focused on young, cisgender, heterosexual adults in North America, studies that have accounted for diversity (e.g., LGBTQ+ inclusion, cross-cultural work) reveal multiple similarities in sexual fantasy content, but also several notable differences. Third, what people fantasize about is not necessarily synonymous with what they are interested in or do in person. Limitations and directions for future research on sexual fantasy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aki M Gormezano
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Vaccaro MG, Izzo G, Sarica A, La Vignera S, Aversa A. Cluster Analysis Method Reveals Gender Attitudes in Sociosexual Orientation of a Southern Italy Population During the COVID-19 Lockdown. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2022; 20:1-14. [PMID: 36313416 PMCID: PMC9589638 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-022-00771-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 epidemic and its lockdown dramatically impacted the general well-being of the population and affected sociosexual experiences, thus modifying sexual behavior, desire, and well-being. Clustering analysis has not yet been applied to research and data investigating sociosexuality. The cluster analysis method could be a valid support for clinicians in investigating the condition of a population with respect to problems related to sociosexuality. The aim of the present study was to analyze the different perceptions of the sociosexual experiences in southern population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We enrolled 734 (450 female) participants with a carried out anonymous web-based survey from the 16th of April 2020 to the 3rd June of 2020. The revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI-R) is a self-report test assessing three theoretically meaningful facets of sociosexual orientation (behavior, attitude, and desire). Results We found eleven clusters, and the findings showed, for the first time, an intra- and inter-diagnostic heterogeneity in the sexual profile of participants. Theoretically, we identified subtype clusters whose sexual attitude was to avoid sexual promiscuity with significant gender differences. Women show a greater propensity for attitude and desire facet than men. Conclusions Our new method of unsupervised learning could represent a reliable tool to support socio-cultural analysis studies on issues influenced by cultural mechanisms in a quick and explanatory way, as in the case of sexual orientation and attitude differences between men and women. Social and Policy Implications Understanding these gaps is fundamental for policy makers, managers of social networks, those who deal with engaged couples and families, and sexuality starting from the very youngest adolescents. We claim to devise a strategy to measure how much a sexist culture implicitly and explicitly limits the freedom of sexual expression and how this can affect psycho-sexual well-being in a society. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13178-022-00771-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Vaccaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giulia Izzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessia Sarica
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Tortora C, Panzeri M. Linguistic validation of the Sex Fantasy Questionnaire into the Italian language. SEXOLOGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sexol.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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7
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Sexual Fantasies across Gender and Sexual Orientation in Young Adults: A Multiple Correspondence Analysis. SEXES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sexes2040041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in the content of sexual fantasies across gender have been widely documented, while less attention was given to the role of sexual orientation. Previous studies focused on differences in the prevalence of broad themes consisting of sets of contents. The current study aimed to increase the knowledge about sexual fantasies in heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual men and women. A descriptive approach that allows visualizing the patterns of fantasies reported by different groups using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) is presented. A sample of 3136 of young adults, 1754 women (Mage = 22.50, SD = 1.72, range 18–25) and 1382 men (Mage = 22.50, SD = 1.70, range 18–25), completed an online questionnaire assessing the presence of 29 different sexual fantasies. The prevalence of each fantasy among each group is shown. Also, relationships between fantasies and the distribution of groups along the two principal dimensions highlighted by MCA are represented. Heterosexuals women reported fewer fantasies and showed opposite patterns of response compared to heterosexual men. There was a substantial overlapping in the fantasies reported by gay and bisexual men, while responses of lesbian and bisexual women were more differentiated. These results indicate that the content of sexual fantasies varies according to both gender and sexual orientation.
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Murray SH, Brotto L. I Want You to Want Me: A Qualitative Analysis of Heterosexual Men's Desire to Feel Desired in Intimate Relationships. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2021; 47:419-434. [PMID: 33627046 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1888830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Current sexual scripts for heterosexual relationships in the Western world stipulate that men should be the ones to initiate sexual activity, push to the next level of physical intimacy, and to desire women (and not be desirable themselves). However, there is building evidence that sexual scripts and gender roles are not only limited, they may be evolving and shifting over time. The purpose of the current study was to explore the degree to which feeling desired is considered important to heterosexual men in intimate relationships as well as how heterosexual men feel desired by their partners. Three hundred men between the ages of 18 and 65 were recruited from the online platform Reddit. Using Thematic Analysis, we determined that the vast majority of men in this study felt that feeling desired was very important to their sexual experiences. Men in this study listed several ways they felt desired, many that fell outside of traditional gender roles such as romantic, non-sexual touch and having women initiate sexual activity. The findings add to a growing body of literature which suggests traditional sexual scripts for heterosexual men may be limiting and not accurate for all men's sexual experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lori Brotto
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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9
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Anzani A, Prunas A. Sexual Fantasy of Cisgender and Nonbinary Individuals: A Quantitative Study. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2020; 46:763-772. [PMID: 32880516 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2020.1814917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sexual fantasies typically represent sexually arousing mental imagery and, thus, are thought to play a role in sexual activation and sexual desire. They are also related to sexual and personal satisfaction. Differences between cisgender men and women's imagery are widely reported in the literature. In contrast, research on sexual fantasies among the trans community is scarce, especially when it comes to nonbinary identified people. The aim of the present study is to explore similarities and differences in the sexual imagery of cisgender women and men and nonbinary individuals, through a checklist of sexual fantasies, the Italian version of the Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire (SFQ). Results highlight that nonbinary individuals rate almost all categories of SFQ fantasies as sexually non-exciting, unlike cisgender men and women. The differences between cisgender men and women only partially confirm the results reported in the literature. In particular, the higher tendency to fantasize about dominance in men and passivity in women is not found in the present sample. Results are discussed in the light of the sexual script theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Anzani
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Prunas
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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10
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Lindley LM, Anzani A, Prunas A, Galupo MP. Sexual fantasy across gender identity: a qualitative investigation of differences between cisgender and non-binary people’s imagery. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2020.1716966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Annalisa Anzani
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano, Bicocca, Italy
| | - Antonio Prunas
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano, Bicocca, Italy
| | - M. Paz Galupo
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
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11
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Hoffmann AM, Verona E. Psychopathic traits, gender, and motivations for sex: Putative paths to sexual coercion. Aggress Behav 2019; 45:527-536. [PMID: 31111500 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that both men and women perpetrate sexual coercion. Psychological factors, including psychopathic traits and power motivations, have been proposed to characterize male-perpetrated sexual coercion; however, it is unclear whether these factors play a similar role in female-perpetrated coercion or whether other motivations (e.g., intimacy, affect regulation) should be considered. To improve our understanding in this area, the current study first examined relationships between psychopathic traits and sexual coercion in a sample of 1199 undergraduate students (756 women), with gender as a potential moderator of these relationships. Second, the role of motivations for sex (e.g., power, affect regulation) in accounting for the psychopathy-coercion relationship was examined in men and women. Data were collected using an online survey and analyzed using multigroup path analysis. Results implicated impulsive-antisocial traits as particularly important to male-perpetrated verbal (e.g., manipulative) and nonverbal (e.g., physical) coercion, and that this relationship was partially explained by motives for sex involving power. In contrast, psychopathic traits did not appear to play a major role in female perpetrated coercion; instead, emotional value (i.e., intimacy-related) motivations for sex were associated with verbal (e.g., manipulation) coercion in women. In sum, our results support a conceptual model of male perpetration where men who are high in impulsive-antisocial traits may engage in sexual coercion in an attempt to feel powerful. Further, the findings in the female sample suggest that factors other than psychopathy, such as gender role beliefs in regard to sexual encounters, may be particularly important to female perpetrated sexually coercive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Hoffmann
- Department of Psychology University of South Florida Tampa Florida
| | - Edelyn Verona
- Department of Psychology University of South Florida Tampa Florida
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12
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Cherkasskaya E, Rosario M. The Relational and Bodily Experiences Theory of Sexual Desire in Women. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1659-1681. [PMID: 29926262 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We review the theory and research on women's sexual desire and present a theory that incorporates internalized representations of relational and bodily experiences into our understanding of the full range of desire in women. To this end, we move away from the current tendency to focus on low sexual desire in women and instead consider desire on a spectrum or continuum from absent or diminished to high desire across multiple sexual orientations, including heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian. We review definitions of sexual desire, as well as the epidemiology and etiology of hypoactive sexual desire, the most prevalent sexual complaint in women, including the biological, psychological, and relationship correlates of inhibited sexual desire. Subsequently, we examine the research on highly sexual women, who tend to experience high levels of sexual desire, sexual agency, and sexual esteem, and distinguish between high sexual desire and hypersexuality. We introduce two important constructs that are integrated into the Relational and Bodily Experiences Theory (RBET) of sexual desire in women: attachment and sexual body self-representations, suggesting that women's internalized representations of self and other that stem from childhood and their capacity to embody their sexual bodies are integral to our understanding of the phenomenology of sexual desire in women. RBET calls for further research into the links between attachment, sexual body self-representations, and desire, and suggests that clinical interventions for sexual desire difficulties in women should emphasize internalized working models of relationships (i.e., attachment) and integrate bodily based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Cherkasskaya
- Counseling and Psychological Services/Columbia Health, Columbia University, Alfred Lerner Hall, 8th Floor, 2920 Broadway, Mail Code 2606, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Margaret Rosario
- Department of Psychology, City University of New York-City College and The Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Bogaert AF, Skorska MN, Modica E. Attachment, Sexual Desire, and Object of Desire Self-Consciousness Trade-Up Effects. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1689-1692. [PMID: 30465311 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1337-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony F Bogaert
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.
| | - Malvina N Skorska
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Elisa Modica
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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14
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Blanc A, Rojas AJ. Use of Rasch person-item maps to validate a theoretical model for measuring Attitudes toward Sexual Behaviors. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202551. [PMID: 30138338 PMCID: PMC6107184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In general, the Attitudes toward Sexual Behaviors (ASB) or Sexual Attitudes measures have not been focused in the conjoint measurement of persons and items in the same construct, and have not reflected the new sexual behaviors neither the context where sexual behaviors take place. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence of the validity of a theoretical model for the measurement of ASB using the person-item map provided by a Rasch model. The theoretical model explicitly defines the ASB construct and makes a proposal where the items are intensity-ordered. It also considers the context in which sexual behaviors take place and their new ways of expression. ASB measurement was applied to two samples of 300 and 584 young people aged 18 to 30. Content of the ASB test administered includes the operative definition proposed. The results showed a good fit of the data to the model, and adequate measurement accuracy. The person-item maps showed that the items are distributed according to the theoretical model proposed in both samples. The easiest items for participants to endorse are those reflecting frequent dyadic sexual behaviors with a steady partner, and the hardest items for participants to endorse are those reflecting sexual behaviors via Information and Communication Technologies. The obtained results permit to conclude that there is favorable validity evidence for the theoretical model proposed for measuring ASB in heterosexual young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Blanc
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
- * E-mail:
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15
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Safron A, Hoffmann H. What Does Sexual Responsiveness to One's Nonpreferred Sex Mean? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:1199-1202. [PMID: 28188398 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-0954-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Safron
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Heather Hoffmann
- Department of Psychology, Knox College, Galesburg, IL, 61401, USA.
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Moyano N, Dib-Fayad N, Vélez-Schemankewitz M. Adaptation and validation of the sexual self-consciousness scale in Ecuadorian women. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2017.1295137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nieves Moyano
- Faculty of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain
| | - Nicole Dib-Fayad
- School of Psychology, University of Especialidades Espiritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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17
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Yule MA, Brotto LA, Gorzalka BB. Sexual Fantasy and Masturbation Among Asexual Individuals: An In-Depth Exploration. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:311-328. [PMID: 27882477 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0870-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Human asexuality is generally defined as a lack of sexual attraction. We used online questionnaires to investigate reasons for masturbation, and explored and compared the contents of sexual fantasies of asexual individuals (identified using the Asexual Identification Scale) with those of sexual individuals. A total of 351 asexual participants (292 women, 59 men) and 388 sexual participants (221 women, 167 men) participated. Asexual women were significantly less likely to masturbate than sexual women, sexual men, and asexual men. Asexual women were less likely to report masturbating for sexual pleasure or fun than their sexual counterparts, and asexual men were less likely to report masturbating for sexual pleasure than sexual men. Both asexual women and men were significantly more likely than sexual women and men to report that they had never had a sexual fantasy. Of those who have had a sexual fantasy, asexual women and men were significantly more likely to endorse the response "my fantasies do not involve other people" compared to sexual participants, and consistently scored each sexual fantasy on a questionnaire as being less sexually exciting than did sexual participants. When using an open-ended format, asexual participants were more likely to report having fantasies about sexual activities that did not involve themselves, and were less likely to fantasize about topics such as group sex, public sex, and having an affair. Interestingly, there was a large amount of overlap between sexual fantasies of asexual and sexual participants. Notably, both asexual and sexual participants (both men and women) were equally likely to fantasize about topics such as fetishes and BDSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morag A Yule
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 6th Floor, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 6th Floor, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Boris B Gorzalka
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Pozzebon JA, Visser BA, Bogaert AF. Vocational interests, personality, and sociosexuality as indicators of a general masculinity/femininity factor. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2015.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
In this review article, human asexuality, a relatively understudied phenomenon, is discussed. Specifically, definitions and conceptualizations of asexuality (e.g., is it a unique category of sexual orientation?), biological and historical contexts, identity issues, discrimination against asexual people relative to other minorities, origins, and variations, including gender differences, are reviewed. Whether asexuality should be construed as a disorder is also discussed. The study of asexuality allows for a better understanding of an underrecognized sexual minority but also affords a unique opportunity to examine and better understand human sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony F Bogaert
- a Department of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology , Brock University
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