1
|
Zhao S, Guo F, Hee JY, Tang K. The mediating role of sexually selected traits in the association of androgynous tendencies with lower sexual activeness among Chinese youths. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1011467. [PMID: 36275243 PMCID: PMC9583897 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1011467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgynous tendencies and persistently low fertility rates have been observed in many countries, causing major social concerns. The theory of sexual selection suggests a possible mechanism between androgyny and decreased sexual activeness, as masculinity and femininity constitute an important aspect of reproductive strategies. This theory has also been proven by evolutionary and societal evidence. Therefore, we investigate the association between masculinity and femininity with sexual activeness, as well as the influence of gender-role conformity on the frequency of sexual intercourse through sexually selected traits among 42,492 Chinese youths. Sexual activeness was measured using sexual attitudes, experience, behaviors, and pleasure. Mediation analysis was employed to investigate the effects of sexually selected traits on the association between masculinity and femininity with sexual activeness, and gender-role conformity with the frequency of sexual intercourse. Low sexual activeness was found to be associated with low gender-role conformity. Our findings also suggest that physical attractiveness, sexual motivation, and interpersonal relationships may mediate the association between sexual activeness and gender-role conformity, supporting the males-compete/females-choose model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyu Zhao
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Fuyu Guo
- Department of Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jia Yi Hee
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Tang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Kun Tang,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mascherek A, Reidick MC, Gallinat J, Kühn S. Is Ejaculation Frequency in Men Related to General and Mental Health? Looking Back and Looking Forward. Front Psychol 2021; 12:693121. [PMID: 34434144 PMCID: PMC8382266 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.693121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its relevance for human sexuality, literature on potential effects of ejaculation frequency and masturbation on general and mental health outcomes is sparse. Reasons for this knowledge gap include a general lack of interest, but also methodological challenges and still existing superstition. This paper reconciles literature from various fields to extract relevant information on how ejaculation frequency effects general and mental health outcomes. Culture-bound syndromes have been reported in countries still strictly tabooing or condemning masturbation. Masturbatory guilt describes a phenomenon in individuals experiencing a discrepancy between moral standards and own behavior with respect to masturbation. Abstinence is one aspect under study in the area of fertility treatment. Specific time frames and their respective implications on quality of sperm remain inconclusive. Limited temporal resolution capacities hamper the precise study of brain structures directly activated during ejaculation. The relation between ejaculation frequency and hormonal influences remains poorly understood. Future research that specifically addresses ejaculation frequency and potential mental and general health outcomes is needed. In contrast to extracting knowledge as a byproduct from other studies with a different focus, this enables sound study designs and could provide evidence-based results which could then be further discussed and interpreted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mascherek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Christina Reidick
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Kühn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shai A, Koffler S, Hashiloni-Dolev Y. Feminism, gender medicine and beyond: a feminist analysis of "gender medicine". Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:177. [PMID: 34344374 PMCID: PMC8330093 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01511-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The feminist women's health movement empowered women's knowledge regarding their health and battled against paternalistic and oppressive practices within healthcare systems. Gender Medicine (GM) is a new discipline that studies the effect of sex/gender on general health. The international society for gender medicine (IGM) was embraced by the FDA and granted funds by the European Union to formulate policies for medical practice and research.We conducted a review of IGM publications and policy statements in scientific journals and popular media. We found that while biological differences between men and women are emphasized, the impact of society on women is under- represented. The effect of gender-related violence, race, ethnic conflicts, poverty, immigration and discrimination on women's health is seldom recognized. Contrary to feminist practice, GM is practiced by physicians and scientists, neglecting voices of other disciplines and of women themselves.In this article we show that while GM may promote some aspects of women's health, at the same time it reaffirms conservative positions on sex and gender that can serve to justify discrimination and disregard the impact of society on women's lives and health. An alternative approach, that integrates feminist thinking and practices into medical science, practice and policies is likely to result in a deep and beneficiary change in women's health worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Shai
- Oncology Department, Gailee Medical Center, 89 Meona rd, Nahariya, Israel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Shahar Koffler
- Pediatrics Department, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod, Israel
| | - Yael Hashiloni-Dolev
- Sociology and Anthropology Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ben- Gurion Blvd 1, Be’er-Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Traeen B, Hansen T, Štulhofer A. Silencing the sexual self and relational and individual well-being in later life: a gendered analysis of North versus South of Europe. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2021.1883579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bente Traeen
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Hansen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health and Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aleksandar Štulhofer
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gray PB, Straftis AA, Bird BM, McHale TS, Zilioli S. Human reproductive behavior, life history, and the Challenge Hypothesis: A 30-year review, retrospective and future directions. Horm Behav 2020; 123:104530. [PMID: 31085183 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Challenge Hypothesis (Wingfield et al., 1990) originally focused on adult male avian testosterone elevated in response to same-sex competition in reproductive contexts. The purpose of the present paper is to demonstrate how the Challenge Hypothesis has shaped ideas about human life histories. We conduct a citation analysis, drawing upon 400 Google Scholar citations in the human literature to identify patterns in this body of scholarship. We cover key factors, such as context and personality traits, that help explain variable testosterone responses such as winning/losing to adult competitive behavior. Findings from studies on courtship and sexual behavior indicate some variation in testosterone responses depending on factors such as motivation. A large body of research indicates that male testosterone levels are often lower in contexts of long-term committed partnerships and nurturant fathering and aligned with variation in male mating and parenting effort. As the Challenge Hypothesis is extended across the life course, DHEA and androstenedione (rather than testosterone) appear more responsive to juvenile male competitive behavior, and during reproductive senescence, baseline male testosterone levels decrease just as male life history allocations show decreased mating effort. We discuss how research on testosterone administration, particularly in older men, provides causal insight into effects of testosterone in humans, and how this "natural experiment" can be viewed in light of the Challenge Hypothesis. We synthesize central concepts and findings, such as an expanded array of costs of testosterone that inform life history tradeoffs between maintenance and reproductive effort, and we conclude with directions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Gray
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 455003, Las Vegas, NV 89154-5003, United States of America.
| | - Alex A Straftis
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 455003, Las Vegas, NV 89154-5003, United States of America
| | - Brian M Bird
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Canada
| | - Timothy S McHale
- Department of Anthropology, Central Washington University, United States of America
| | - Samuele Zilioli
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, United States of America; Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Das A. Network Connections and Salivary Testosterone Among Older U.S. Women: Social Modulation or Hormonal Causation? J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 74:1283-1293. [PMID: 28958006 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined potentially bidirectional connections of older U.S. women's salivary testosterone with their social network connections. METHODS Data were from the 2005-2006 and 2010-2011 waves of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP), a national probability sample of older U.S. adults. Autoregressive cross-lagged panel models tested linkages of women's testosterone with their social networks. RESULTS Consistent with recent biological theory suggesting social modulation of hormones, a higher kin proportion in one's egocentric (person-centered) network, arguably a stable compositional feature, negatively predicted women's testosterone levels. In contrast, findings for tie strength were consistent with hormonal regulation of women's sociality-with both perceived support from friends and family, and closeness to network members, negatively influenced by testosterone. DISCUSSION Rather than being a static and exogenous biological factor, older women's testosterone levels seem partly an outcome of their social context. Implications for sexual health and hormone therapy are discussed. However, this androgen also influences dimensions of their intimate networks critical to successful aging. Findings suggest the need for social scientists to engage with the neuroendocrine literature, which offers suggestions on linkages of hormones with specific network patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Das
- Department of Sociology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Klimas C, Ehlert U, Lacker TJ, Waldvogel P, Walther A. Higher testosterone levels are associated with unfaithful behavior in men. Biol Psychol 2019; 146:107730. [PMID: 31326436 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.107730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infidelity in romantic relationships is a common, but severe issue often causing breakup and severe psychological impairment. Higher levels of testosterone are related to mating-behavior, sexual desire, and infidelity in men with sexual dysfunctions. Previous studies, have insufficiently addressed the potential role of testosterone in infidelity in healthy men. METHODS A sample of 224 middle-aged self-reporting healthy men being currently in a relationship completed questionnaires on relationship characteristics, infidelity, and provided overnight-fasting saliva samples for testosterone quantification. RESULTS In the sample, 37.5% men answered having been unfaithful in the current relationship, while 29% were identified as fulfilling criteria for a sexual dysfunction. Adjusting for covariates, a significant positive association for the frequency of unfaithful behavior and testosterone levels emerged. Subsample analysis indicates a positive association between testosterone and infidelity only to be present in men without sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION Unfaithful behavior in males is associated with higher testosterone levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Klimas
- Biological Psychology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - U Ehlert
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University Research Priority Program, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - T J Lacker
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University Research Priority Program, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - P Waldvogel
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A Walther
- Biological Psychology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University Research Priority Program, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Costa RM, Oliveira G, Pestana J, Costa D, Oliveira RF. Do Psychosocial Factors Moderate the Relation between Testosterone and Female Sexual Desire? The Role of Interoception, Alexithymia, Defense Mechanisms, and Relationship Status. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-018-0102-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
9
|
Zilioli S, Bird BM. Functional significance of men's testosterone reactivity to social stimuli. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 47:1-18. [PMID: 28676436 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Rapid testosterone fluctuations in response to social stimuli are observed across a wide range of species, and the highly conserved nature of these fluctuations suggests an adaptive function. This paper reviews the current literature on testosterone reactivity, primarily in human males, and illustrates how life-history theory provides an adequate theoretical framework to interpret findings. The review is structured around supporting evidence suggesting that situations implicated in mating effort either directly (e.g., interactions with a mate) or indirectly (e.g., intrasexual competition) are generally associated with a brief elevation of testosterone, while situations implicated in parenting effort (e.g., nurturant interactions with offspring) are generally associated with a decline in testosterone. Further, we discuss how these fluctuations in testosterone have been linked to future behaviors, and how situational, motivational, and physiological variables moderate the interplay between social stimuli, testosterone reactivity, and behavior. Supporting the notion that testosterone can play a causal role in modulating behavior in response to social stimuli, we also summarize recent single administration studies examining the effects of testosterone on physiology, neurobiology, and behavior. A conceptual model provides links between supported findings, and hypothesized pathways requiring future testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Zilioli
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Brian M Bird
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dynamic Associations between Testosterone, Partnering, and Sexuality During the College Transition in Women. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-017-0076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
11
|
Pair Bonding and Testosterone in Men: Longitudinal Evidence for Trait and Dynamic Associations. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-016-0054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|