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Ha A, Scott M, Zhang CA, Glover F, Basran S, Del Giudice F, Eisenberg ML. Factors associated with dating app use for sexual "hookups" in the United States: insights from the National Survey of Family Growth. J Sex Med 2024; 21:762-769. [PMID: 39081080 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of dating applications for matchmaking and sexual exploits ("hookups") has increased, and this modern phenomenon has supplanted traditional socialization and relationship formation. To date, sociodemographic data on the use of dating apps has been limited. AIM In this study, we sought to identify predictors associated with the use of dating apps in the United States. METHODS Using cross-sectional data from the 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth, we examined sociodemographic determinants influencing the use of dating apps to find partners for sexual intercourse. We constructed survey-weighted regression models to study these associations, with additional sensitivity analyses performed within specific subgroups. Furthermore, this study investigated the correlation of app use with sexual frequency. OUTCOME Study outcomes were participant data regarding reported use of dating apps for sexual intercourse in the 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth. RESULTS A total of 11,225 respondents were examined, representing a survey-weighted total of approximately 143,201, 286 Americans. Among them, 757 respondents (6.7%), equating to approximately 8, 818, 743 individuals, reported dating app use for sexual hookups. Regression analysis revealed that factors such as male sex, White race, previous sexual experience, substance/alcohol use, history of sexually transmitted infections, same-sex attraction, and bisexuality increased the likelihood of dating app usage. Conversely, reduced odds of dating app use were observed among Catholics, Protestants, married/widowed individuals, and older respondents. Stratified analyses across various demographics, including male and female individuals aged 20 to 40 years, heterosexual, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual respondents, generally supported these trends. Notably, dating app use did not correlate with increased sexual frequency (adjusted incidence rate ratio: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.96-1.26; P = .16). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Dating app use is prevalent among male patients and White individuals and correlates with increased sexually transmitted infection risk, alcohol/illicit substance use, past sexual experience, and popularity within the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community, all important considerations for public health interventions. Dating app use, however, was not associated with increased sexual encounters. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Strengths of our study were the utilization of a national survey of individuals of reproductive age in the United States and focus on a clearly defined outcome of dating app utilization for the purposes of sexual intercourse. Limitations include self-reported survey responses and insufficient detail on the types and duration of dating app platforms and their use. CONCLUSIONS Many sociodemographic factors, including male sex, White race, history of STIs, substance and alcohol use, and same-sex and bisexual attraction, were linked with dating app use. However, there was no increase in sexual frequency associated with dating app utilization. Further research is essential for integrating these technologies into the relational and sexual dynamics of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Ha
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Michael Scott
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Chiyuan Amy Zhang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Frank Glover
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Satvir Basran
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | | | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
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Vitz PC, Williams WV. The Medical, Sociological, Psychological, Religious, and Spiritual Aspects of Masturbation and a Potential Approach to Therapy Based on Catholic Teaching and Virtues Psychology. LINACRE QUARTERLY 2024; 91:296-314. [PMID: 39104464 PMCID: PMC11298102 DOI: 10.1177/00243639231199058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Masturbation is common and generally accepted in Western society as a normal, healthy activity. In contrast, the Catholic Church holds that masturbation is immoral. Noting that the human person is a profound unity of body and spirit, if the Church is correct, masturbation should have negative effects on the human person. If the secular view is correct, masturbation should have conversely positive effects. This paper is divided into three parts. An in-depth literature survey was performed to evaluate the physical, medical, psychological, sociological and spiritual correlates of masturbation. The second part is a theological summary of the Catholic understanding of masturbation. The third part is an approach to therapy. Physically, masturbation was found to be less sexually satisfying than intercourse. Medical complications include penile injury and self-asphyxial behavior. Psychologically, masturbation was found to be associated with depression, anxiety, immature defenses, hypersexuality, guilt, poor body self-image and stress in the workplace. Sociologically most studies indicate a negative correlation between masturbation and relationship satisfaction, quality, intimacy, relational happiness, emotional satisfaction with the partner, trust, passion, and love. Spiritually, masturbation is highly positively correlated with pornography consumption and negatively with religion and religiosity. There is a higher rate of masturbation in homosexuals and bisexuals than in heterosexuals. Theologically, masturbation and pornography directly violate the religious virtue of chastity, undermining one's prayer life and the motivation to develop a spiritual life. Therapeutically, positive psychology, which emphasizes cultivating what it identifies as virtues, including justice, courage, temperance, wisdom (similar to prudence), transcendence (similar to hope) and humanity (similar to charity), can be used to counsel individuals struggling with masturbation. Once the harms are understood, a person can be counseled that this temptation represents a challenge, an opportunity to build self-control, and with self-control the capacity to develop character strengths and major virtues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Vitz
- Institute for Psychological Science, Divine Mercy University and Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Sterling, VA, USA
| | - William V. Williams
- Institute for Psychological Science, Divine Mercy University and Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Sterling, VA, USA
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Lehmann RJB, Schäfer T, Bartels R, Sabic S, Schache C. Testing the Factor Structure and Construct Validity of the German Version of Gray et al.'s (2003) Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:2225-2236. [PMID: 38514494 PMCID: PMC11176224 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02831-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Gray et al.'s (2003) Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire (SFQ) is becoming an increasingly used self-report measure of sexual fantasy use. The current study analyzed the factorial structure and construct validity of the behavioral items of the SFQ using a nomological network of other sexuality-related measures in a large German-speaking sample (N = 846). Participants' (27.7% females) mean age was 30.8 years (SD = 11.0). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 65-item scale comprising five-factors, which were termed: normophilic sexual fantasies, sexualized aggression, sexualized submission, submissive courtship, and bodily functions. This German version of the SFQ was found to have high construct validity indicated by its association with other related constructs. Based on these results, we argue that the SFQ is a valid self-report measure that can be used in both research and clinical practice (foremost the factors sexualized aggression and sexualized submission). Suggestions for future research are discussed in light of the results and the study's limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J B Lehmann
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Rüdesheimer Straße 50, 14197, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Thomas Schäfer
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Rüdesheimer Straße 50, 14197, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ross Bartels
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Sabina Sabic
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Rüdesheimer Straße 50, 14197, Berlin, Germany
| | - Catrin Schache
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Rüdesheimer Straße 50, 14197, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Hasson R, Ginzburg K. The Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Sexual Fantasy Experience Scale. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1015-1030. [PMID: 38263538 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02794-1] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Clinicians and researchers consider sexual fantasies to be a central aspect of human sexuality. Although these are subjective experiences, most studies have assessed only their frequency and content. A measure that assesses individuals' subjective experience of sexual fantasies is therefore needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a new measure, the Sexual Fantasy Experience Scale (SFES). In Study 1, the SFES was administered to 391 participants (240 defined themselves as women, 149 as men, and 2 as other). In Study 2, the SFES was administered to 426 participants (255 defined themselves as women, 167 as men, and 4 as other), along with a battery of questionnaires including the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale Short Form and the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, both of which measure sexual satisfaction, as well as the Sexual Fantasy Checklist, which evaluates the content of sexual fantasies and their frequency. Five reliable SFES subscales emerged from Study 1: playfulness, limitlessness, functionality, intrusiveness, and shame. In Study 2, a confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the scale's underlying factor structure, which was obtained in Study 1. The subscales of the SFES contributed to the explained variance of the assessments of sexual satisfaction, beyond the contribution of the fantasies' content and frequency, demonstrating the incremental validity of the subscales. The results of the present analyses suggest that the SFES has good psychometric properties, making it useful as an assessment tool for future research, clinical practice, and sex education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hasson
- Tel Aviv University Gershon H Gordon Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Karni Ginzburg
- Tel Aviv University Gershon H Gordon Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
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Luo R, Xie Z, Silenzio VMB, Kuang Y, Luo D. Gay App Use, Sexuality Traits, and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: Mediation Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e49137. [PMID: 37910154 PMCID: PMC10652192 DOI: 10.2196/49137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay geosocial networking apps, also known as "gay apps," have gained increasing popularity in the men who have sex with men (MSM) community. Certain sexuality traits and gay app use are both associated with high-risk sexual behaviors among MSM. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of such relationships. OBJECTIVE Based on the uses and gratifications theory, this study aimed to test the mediation effect of gay app use on the relationship between sexuality traits (sexual compulsivity and sexual sensation seeking) and high-risk sexual behaviors (multiple sexual partners and unprotected anal intercourse) among MSM. METHODS A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in Wuhan and Changsha, China, from August to October 2020. A representative sample of 402 MSM was recruited through respondent-driven sampling. A self-administered web-based structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic information, high-risk sexual behaviors, gay app use, sexual compulsivity, and sexual sensation seeking. Path analysis was conducted to assess the mediation effect. RESULTS Our study revealed that 67.42% (n=271) of MSM used gay apps for seeking potential sexual partners, with 37.06% (n=149) of them engaging in unprotected anal intercourse, and 45.42% (n=218) of them having multiple sexual partners. Of the participants, 17.16% (n=69) reported significant sexual compulsivity, while 29.10% (n=117) reported significant sexual sensation seeking. Notably, gay app usage partially mediated the relationship between sexual compulsivity and multiple sexual partners but fully mediated the relationship between sexual compulsivity and unprotected anal intercourse. Furthermore, gay app usage partially mediated the relationship between sexual sensation seeking and multiple sexual partners but fully mediated the relationship between sexual sensation seeking and unprotected anal intercourse. CONCLUSIONS High-risk sexual behaviors are common among MSM. Most MSM rely on gay apps to find sexual partners, which, when combined with higher levels of sexual compulsivity and sexual sensation seeking, can increase the likelihood of engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors. Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing these behaviors among MSM should focus on addressing the use of gay apps, while also considering the influence of their sexuality traits on gay app use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Luo
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Xie
- Changsha Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Vincent M B Silenzio
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Yun Kuang
- Changsha Zonda-sunshine Social Work Center, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Thatcher AS, Wallace L, Fido D. Psychopathic Personality as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Atypical Sexuality and Sexual Coercion Proclivity in the General Population. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2023:10790632231205799. [PMID: 37856577 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231205799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Being sexually coerced can have long-lasting psychological impacts on victims; with perpetration strongly predicted by elevated psychopathic traits. Owing to recent legislative developments in the United Kingdom that criminalize coercive control under the Domestic Abuse Act (2021), this study offers a timely investigation into the mechanisms of sexual coercion in domestic abuse across sexual abuse and coercive control. We used moderation analysis (n = 405) to investigate whether sexual coercion proclivity was predicted by facets of atypical sexuality (non-clinical elevated levels of sex drive, sexual sadism, and sexual masochism), and whether this relationship was moderated by psychopathic personality traits specifically the factor one components, which encompasses interpersonal and affective characteristics. Psychopathic personality traits significantly moderated the positive association between sex drive and sexual coercion proclivity, and between sexual sadism and sexual coercion proclivity in males (but not females), but psychopathic personality traits had no such moderating effect in the sexual masochism model. Results are discussed in terms of identifying risk factors of sexual coercion within a general population sample and international application. Open data and a preprint of this paper are available at [https://osf.io/xkcah/?view_only=134ff9c93ad24ba286515b348ce79c0c].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise Wallace
- University of Derby, Derby, UK
- University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Janssen E, Bancroft J. The Dual Control Model of Sexual Response: A Scoping Review, 2009-2022. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:948-968. [PMID: 37267113 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2219247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The Dual Control Model proposes that sexual arousal and related processes are dependent on the balance between sexual excitation and sexual inhibition, and that individuals vary in their propensity for these processes. This scoping review provides an overview and discussion of the questionnaires used to measure the propensities for sexual excitation and inhibition, their translation and validation in other languages, and their application in empirical research on topics ranging from sexual desire and arousal, sexual (dys)function, sexual risk taking, asexuality, hypersexuality, and sexual aggression. A total of 152 papers, published between 2009 and 2022 and identified using online databases, were included in this review. The findings, consistent with those reviewed by Bancroft et al. (2009), suggest that sexual excitation is particularly relevant to sexual desire and responsivity and predictive of asexuality and hypersexuality. Sexual inhibition plays a role in sexual dysfunction. sexual risk taking, and sexual aggression, although often in interaction with sexual excitation. Suggestions for the further development of the model and for future studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Janssen
- Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - John Bancroft
- Horspath, Oxfordshire, UK
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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8
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Marchetti I. The Structure of Compulsive Sexual Behavior: A Network Analysis Study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1271-1284. [PMID: 36735169 PMCID: PMC10102046 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Compulsive sexual behavior is a phenomenon characterized by a persistent failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges, resulting in repetitive sexual behavior that causes marked distress or impairment in personal, familial, social, educational, or occupational areas of functioning. Despite its major impact on mental health and quality of life, little is known about its internal structure and whether this phenomenon differs across genders, age groups, and risk status. By considering a large online sample (n = 3186; 68.3% males), ranging from 14 to 64 years old, compulsive sexual behavior was explored by means of network analysis. State-of-the-art analytical techniques were adopted to investigate the pattern of association among the different elements of compulsive sexual behavior, identify possible communities of nodes, pinpoint the most central nodes, and detect differences between males and females, among different age groups, as well as between individuals at low and high risk of developing a full-blown disorder. The analyses revealed that the network was characterized by three communities, namely Consequence, Preoccupation, and Perceived Dyscontrol, and that the most central node was related to (perceived) impulse dyscontrol. No substantial differences were found between males and females and across age. Failing to meet one's own commitments and responsibilities was more central in individuals at high risk of developing a full-blown disorder than in those at low risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Marchetti
- Department of Life Sciences, Psychology Unit, University of Trieste, 34128, Trieste, Italy.
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Briken P, Wiessner C, Štulhofer A, Klein V, Fuß J, Reed GM, Dekker A. Who feels affected by "out of control" sexual behavior? Prevalence and correlates of indicators for ICD-11 Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD). J Behav Addict 2022; 11:900-911. [PMID: 36006765 PMCID: PMC9872532 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of indicators consistent with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD)-defined and operationalized according to the ICD-11 guidelines-in a large (n = 4,633; 50.5% male; 49,5% female) probability-based German national sample. METHODS Participants were asked if they had ever experienced "intense and recurring sexual impulses or sexual urges that I had difficulty controlling and resulted in sexual behavior" over a period of several months. Those who reported this experience were queried about the associated distress. RESULTS Overall, 4.9% of men [95% CI = 3.9-6.1] and 3.0% of women [95% CI = 2.3-3.9] reported experiences consistent with ICD-11 diagnostic requirements for lifetime diagnosis. In the 12 months preceding the study, 3.2% of men [95% CI = 2.4-4.2] and 1.8% of women [95% CI = 1.2-2.5] reported experiences consistent with CSBD requirements. Compared to controls and participants who reported elements of compulsive sexuality but without accompanying distress, strict religious upbringing was most prevalent in the CSBD group. The CSBD group was more likely to view sexual practices like men having sex with men as unacceptable and to report the belief that pornography has negative impacts on their sex life and life in general. Compared to the other two groups, the CSBD group was significantly more likely to have received psychiatric treatment for depression or another mental health problem during the past 12 months. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The current study provides novel and important insights into the prevalence and characteristics of CSBD in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical-Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany,Corresponding author. Tel.: +49 (40) 7410-54564; fax: +49 (40) 7410-56406. E-mail:
| | - Christian Wiessner
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical-Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany,Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Aleksander Štulhofer
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Verena Klein
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical-Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Johannes Fuß
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical-Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany,Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Sex Research, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Geoffrey M. Reed
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA,Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arne Dekker
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine, and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical-Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
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Csako RI, Rowland DL, Hevesi K, Vitalis E, Balalla S. Female Sexuality in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Factors and Sexual Response Associated with Masturbation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2022; 34:521-539. [PMID: 38596385 PMCID: PMC10903691 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2022.2099499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Sexual health includes the state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality. Masturbation is an important sexual activity with many potential benefits which has gained considerable interest in sexuality research in the past twenty years; however, this research is the first of its kind within the Aotearoa/New Zealand context. In this in-depth investigation, we examined frequencies of, reasons for, and activities during masturbation as well as the relationship between masturbation and other factors. Methods Participants were 698 New Zealand women at least 18 years of age participating in a 42-item anonymous online survey collecting comprehensive information about sexual practices and related factors. Results The results indicated that female masturbation has high prevalence in the New Zealand population. Conclusion The pattern of results enabled us to identify the positive effects of masturbation, masturbation practices commonly used by New Zealand women and the differences between New Zealand women who masturbate frequently and less frequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita I. Csako
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David L. Rowland
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, USA
| | - Kriszta Hevesi
- Department of Education and Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emese Vitalis
- Illinois School of Professional Psychology, National Louis University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shivanthi Balalla
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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11
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Kürbitz LI, Wiessner C, Schoon W, Briken P, Schöttle D, Schröder J. Gender differences in the association of psychological distress and sexual compulsivity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:533-543. [PMID: 35895475 PMCID: PMC9295247 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic had numerous consequences for general, mental and sexual health. As gender differences in sexual compulsivity (SC) have been reported in the past and SC has been connected to adverse events and psychological distress, the current study aims at investigating associations between these factors in the context of contact restrictions in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. METHODS We collected data for five time points in four retrospective measurement points in an online convenience sample (n T0 = 399, n T4 = 77). We investigated the influence of gender, several pandemic-related psychosocial circumstances, sensation seeking (Brief Sensation Seeking Scale), and psychological distress (Patient-Health-Questionnaire-4) on the change of SC (measured with an adapted version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) between T0 and T1 (n = 292) in a linear regression analysis. Additionally, the course of SC over the time of the pandemic was explored with a linear mixed model. RESULTS Male gender was associated with higher SC compared to female gender over all measurement points. An older age, being in a relationship, having a place to retreat was associated with a change to lower SC during the first time of the pandemic. Psychological distress was associated with SC in men, but not in women. Men, who reported an increase of psychological distress were also more likely to report an increase of SC. DISCUSSION The results demonstrate that psychological distress seems to correlate with SC differently for men and women. This could be due to different excitatory and inhibitory influences on men and women during the pandemic. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the impact of pandemic related psychosocial circumstances in the times of contact restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura I. Kürbitz
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Christian Wiessner
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,Institute for Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Schoon
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Schöttle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Schröder
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany,Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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12
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Ruppert R, Kattari SK, Sussman S. Review: Prevalence of Addictions among Transgender and Gender Diverse Subgroups. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168843. [PMID: 34444595 PMCID: PMC8393320 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We conducted an analysis of the prevalence of substance and behavioral addictions across different transgender and gender diverse (TGD) subgroups. We performed a scoping review using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases and examined 12 addictions, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, illicit drugs, gambling, eating/food, internet, sex, love, exercise, work, and shopping. We presented prevalence rates for each addiction as a function of an individual’s gender identity (stratified into transgender females, transgender males, and gender nonconforming), and used cisgender women and men as reference groups. We included 55 studies in our final analysis, the majority of which investigated substance use disorders among TGD subgroups. Overall findings indicated that substantial differences in substance use exist among US TGD subgroups. There were far fewer publications that examined the prevalence of behavioral addictions across TGD subgroups. However, despite limited research in this area, findings still suggest that notable differences in behavioral addictions may exist between individual TGD subgroups. The conclusions of our review may provide clinicians with a better ability to screen for and treat at-risk individuals within the TGD community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Ruppert
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-302-358-6852
| | - Shanna K. Kattari
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Steve Sussman
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
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13
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Kürbitz LI, Briken P. Is Compulsive Sexual Behavior Different in Women Compared to Men? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10153205. [PMID: 34361988 PMCID: PMC8348482 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The inclusion of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in the ICD-11 has sparked research interest on this topic in recent years. This review aims to investigate gender differences in Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CBD) and persons with CSBD. While impulsivity and psychiatric comorbidity play a role in persons with CSBD regardless of gender, some gender differences can be identified. CSBD is more prevalent in men, with a higher rate of reported sexual behaviors and higher scores on questionnaires measuring CSBD related symptoms. Neuroticism and stress vulnerability seem to play a more important role in the symptomatology of CSBD in women. While it seems plausible that childhood adversities play a role in the development of CSB, the manner with respect to how these adversities affect men and women differently is still to be explored. More clinical studies including the female CSBD population are required to infer clinical implications.
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14
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Jia Y, Shao X, Shen C, Wang W. Development of a structure-validated hypersexuality scale in Chinese university students. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:352. [PMID: 34261462 PMCID: PMC8278725 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03362-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypersexuality is associated with many psychiatric disorders and creates enormous burden for the affected individual, family and society. There are numerous inventories measuring behavioral, emotional or stressful features of hypersexuality, we still need a structure-validated questionnaire to measure hypersexuality in a comprehensive way. METHODS Based on previous inventories and related clinical descriptions of hypersexuality, we designed a matrix of 72 items related to hypersexual experience, and we invited 282 heterosexual university students who experienced hypersexuality at least once life-long to answer the matrix. RESULTS Through exploratory factor analyses and exploratory structural equation modeling, we constructed a Hypersexuality Scale, with a satisfactory model structure of five factors (or scales, 4 items for each scale) of hypersexuality, and named them as the Negative Impact, Emotional Coping, Uncontrolled Behavior, Post-sex Regret, and Increased Interest. Most inter-correlations of these factors were significant but in low or medium levels in all participants. Male students scored significantly higher on Negative Impact and Increased Interest than females did. CONCLUSIONS The five scales described in this study might help to understand hypersexuality, and the Hypersexuality Scale might be applied to the clinical conditions related to hypersexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Jia
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry/ School of Public Health, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xu Shao
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry/ School of Public Health, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chanchan Shen
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry/ School of Public Health, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry/ School of Public Health, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway.
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15
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II. Antidepressants and sexual behavior: Acute fluoxetine, but not ketamine, disrupts paced mating behavior in sexually experienced female rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 199:173040. [PMID: 32931803 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Female sexual dysfunction is both a symptom of depression and exacerbated by treatments for depression. Ketamine, a novel treatment for depression, has been shown to enhance, whereas fluoxetine has been shown to impair sexual motivation. Sexual experience leads to more robust partner preference and paced mating behavior in female rats. Whether acute ketamine and fluoxetine similarly affect sexual motivation and mating behavior in sexually experienced female rats is unknown. Sexually experienced female rats received 10 mg/kg i.p. of ketamine or saline vehicle (Experiment 1) or 10 mg/kg i.p. of fluoxetine or water vehicle (Experiment 2) 30 min before a 10-min no-contact partner preference test followed immediately by a 15-intromission paced mating test. Partner preference and paced mating behavior did not differ between ketamine- and saline-treated rats. In contrast, rats treated with fluoxetine spent significantly less time with either stimulus animal and were less active during the partner preference test than water-treated rats. Additionally, contact-return latency to ejaculation was significantly longer in fluoxetine-treated rats and they spent less time with the male during paced mating in comparison to water-treated rats. Thus, even with sexual experience, fluoxetine disrupts sexual function whereas ketamine has no detrimental effects on sexual behavior in female rats. A growing body of evidence suggests that ketamine is an encouraging new approach to treat depression particularly because it is not associated with sexual dysfunction.
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Janssen E, Prause N, Swinburne Romine R, Raymond N, MacDonald A, Coleman E, Miner MH. Sexual Responsivity and the Effects of Negative Mood on Sexual Arousal in Hypersexual Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM). J Sex Med 2020; 17:1751-1760. [PMID: 32653392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of studies have found that hypersexuality is associated with a high propensity for sexual excitation. In comparison, less is known about the relationship between hypersexuality and sexual arousal at the state level. Also, previous research has revealed a relationship between hypersexuality and negative mood. However, the possibility that sexual response might not be as negatively impacted by negative mood in hypersexual individuals has, as yet, not been tested. AIM The purpose of this study was to investigate sexual responsivity and the effects of negative mood on sexual arousal in hypersexual men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS A total of 211 MSM were assigned to a hypersexuality (N = 81) or a control (N = 130) group using an interview patterned with a semi-structured Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders format. Participants filled out questionnaires and were shown neutral, sexual, and anxiety- and sadness-inducing films. OUTCOMES Changes in penile circumference and self-reported sexual arousal were the primary outcomes analyzed in this study. RESULTS Controlling for age and HIV status, no differences were found in genital response between hypersexual and non-hypersexual men. Also, the 2 groups did not differ in subjective sexual arousal. Moreover, no effects of negative mood were found. Time series clustering analyses revealed 3 groups-low responders and slow and fast high responders. Sexual excitation, but not sexual compulsivity or pornography use, predicted cluster membership. CLINICAL TRANSLATION Hypersexual MSM may benefit more from an exploration of motivational and behavioral, as compared to psychophysiological, mechanisms underlying possible links between (negative) mood and sexual behavior. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS Strengths of the study include its sample size, making it one of the larger psychophysiological sex studies; the use of clinical interviews for group assignment; the inclusion of genital response measures; and the application of time series clustering to examine differences among participants. Limitations include possible sample heterogeneity and the reliance on researcher-selected stimuli. CONCLUSION Given the lack of any effects of negative mood on sexual response in hypersexual MSM, future studies could explore in more depth possible motivational and behavioral effects, including, for example, the impact of negative mood on the tendency to seek out sex as a form of distraction or for validation or emotional support. Janssen E, Prause N, Romine RS, et al. Sexual Responsivity and the Effects of Negative Mood on Sexual Arousal in Hypersexual Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM). J Sex Med 2020;17:1751-1760.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Janssen
- Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, IN, USA.
| | | | | | - Nancy Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Angus MacDonald
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eli Coleman
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michael H Miner
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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17
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Stein DJ, Szatmari P, Gaebel W, Berk M, Vieta E, Maj M, de Vries YA, Roest AM, de Jonge P, Maercker A, Brewin CR, Pike KM, Grilo CM, Fineberg NA, Briken P, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Reed GM. Mental, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders in the ICD-11: an international perspective on key changes and controversies. BMC Med 2020; 18:21. [PMID: 31983345 PMCID: PMC6983973 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-1495-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An update of the chapter on Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) is of great interest around the world. The recent approval of the 11th Revision of the ICD (ICD-11) by the World Health Organization (WHO) raises broad questions about the status of nosology of mental disorders as a whole as well as more focused questions regarding changes to the diagnostic guidelines for specific conditions and the implications of these changes for practice and research. This Forum brings together a broad range of experts to reflect on key changes and controversies in the ICD-11 classification of mental disorders. Taken together, there is consensus that the WHO's focus on global applicability and clinical utility in developing the diagnostic guidelines for this chapter will maximize the likelihood that it will be adopted by mental health professionals and administrators. This focus is also expected to enhance the application of the guidelines in non-specialist settings and their usefulness for scaling up evidence-based interventions. The new mental disorders classification in ICD-11 and its accompanying diagnostic guidelines therefore represent an important, albeit iterative, advance for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan J. Stein
- SA Medical Research Council Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Dept of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Wolfgang Gaebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT, the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and the Centre for Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania ‘L. Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Ymkje Anna de Vries
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annelieke M. Roest
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter de Jonge
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Maercker
- Department of Psychology – Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chris R. Brewin
- Research Deparment of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kathleen M. Pike
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA
| | - Carlos M. Grilo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Naomi A. Fineberg
- Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and University of Hertfordshire, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine & Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Geoffrey M. Reed
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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