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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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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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Ågmo A, Laan E. The Sexual Incentive Motivation Model and Its Clinical Applications. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:969-988. [PMID: 36378887 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2134978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sexual motivation (desire) requires the simultaneous presence of an active central motive state and a stimulus with sexual significance. Once activated, sexual motivation leads to visceral responses and approach behaviors directed toward the emitter of the sexual stimulus. In humans, such behaviors follow cognitive evaluation of the context, including predictions of the approached individual's response. After successful approach and establishment of physical contact, manifest sexual activities may be initiated. Sexual interaction is associated with and followed by a state of positive affect in most animals, whereas aversive consequences may be experienced by humans. The affective reactions may become associated with stimuli present during sexual interaction, and these stimuli may thereby alter their incentive properties. Here we show how the incentive motivation model can be used to explain the origins and possible treatments of sexual dysfunctions, notably disorders of desire. We propose that associations formed between negative outcomes of sexual interaction and the salient stimuli, for example, the partner, underlies hypoactive desire disorder. Highly positive outcomes of sexual interaction enhance the incentive value of the stimuli present, and eventually lead to hyperactive sexual desire. Treatments aim to alter the impact of sexual incentives, mainly by modifying cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Ågmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø
| | - Ellen Laan
- Department of Sexology and Psychosomatic Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam
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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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Lescure RM. (Extra)ordinary Relationalities: Methodological Suggestions for Studying Queer Relationalities Through the Prism of Memory, Sensation, and Affect. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:35-52. [PMID: 35904859 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2103872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This article advances specific methodological suggestions for the study of queer relationalities. Arguing that previous queer scholarship focusing on methodology advances suggestions that are too general to be usefully applied to the study of queer relationalities, this article contends that researchers of queer relationalities can describe and analyze ephemeral and covert instances of queer relationalities in relation to memory, sensation, and affect in order to render them legible, illuminate them, and prevent their subsequent erasure by power. To accomplish this, this article explores three instances of queer relationalities to illustrate how these methodological suggestions can be applied. Additionally, this article aims to intervene in what is generally perceived as constituting proper data in scholarship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Lescure
- Communication Studies Department, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA
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The Study of Sexual Fantasy in Women: a Review of the Findings and Methodological Challenges. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-022-00334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Piccolo EEL, Johnson TW, Wassersug RJ. Castration for Pleasure: Exploring Extreme Castration Ideations in Fiction. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2337-2351. [PMID: 35556189 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02295-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The Eunuch Archive (EA) is an online community which includes individuals who read and write sexual fantasies with themes related to castration and eunuchs. Here we analyzed the 100 stories rated highest by EA readers among the >8800 currently posted. Our goal was to gain insights into commonalities within, and specifics of, castration sexual fantasies. Simply stated, we want to know what the authors (and readers) fantasize about and why. The most popular EA stories link sexual gratification and romantic partnership with genital abuse. They are characterized by the absence of consent for genital ablations and multiple SM-related paraphilias. Many stories feature attraction to, and ablation of, the genitals of pubescent or adolescent males. Some EA members have acted on their interests and been voluntarily castrated. Others wish to be. The most popular stories in the EA collection typically link the sacrifice via SM abuse to securing a permanent sexual partnership. The idea of sacrificing one's genitals to build dyadic adhesion has been noted before in individuals with extreme castration ideations. Here we identify the common features of sexualized fantasies that are popular among individuals with exceptional interest in castration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas W Johnson
- Department of Anthropology (Emeritus), California State University, Chico, CA, USA
| | - Richard J Wassersug
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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Seehuus M, Handy AB, Stanton AM. Change in the Popularity of Transgressive Content in Written Erotica between 2000 and 2016. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:314-321. [PMID: 32011176 PMCID: PMC8936191 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1716206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There is a widely held belief that the amount and intensity of transgressive content in pornography have been rising. Reliably assessing for such an increase, however, is complicated by methodological factors including hand-coding content using conflicting a priori definitions of what constitutes transgressive content. In response to those limitations, the present study used the results of a published empirical content analysis of ~250,000 erotic stories written over 16 years to determine if the amount or popularity of transgressive content (stories high in the themes of violence, family (incest), or BDSM) has changed in that timeframe. Results from the present study indicated no meaningful increase in either the amount of content with those themes or popularity (as measured by story views per day) of any of the three transgressive themes within the erotic narratives over the 16-year period of analysis. These results, in addition to recent research presenting similar findings within pornographic video, do not support popular perceptions that erotic material is becoming increasingly transgressive. Rather, such content within internet-based erotic material, and particularly erotic narratives, appears to be relatively consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Seehuus
- Middlebury College, Psychology Department, Middlebury, Vermont
- University of Vermont, Department of Psychological Sciences, Vermont Psychological Services, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Ariel B. Handy
- The University of Texas at Austin, Psychology Department, Austin, Texas
| | - Amelia M. Stanton
- The University of Texas at Austin, Psychology Department, Austin, Texas
- Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts
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Le Moëne O, Ågmo A. Modeling Human Sexual Motivation in Rodents: Some Caveats. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:187. [PMID: 31507386 PMCID: PMC6719563 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual behavior is activated by motivation. An overwhelming majority of experimental studies of the intricacies of sexual motivation has been performed in rodents, most of them in rats. Sometimes it is desirable to generalize results obtained in this species to other species, particularly the human. It is hoped that studies of the neurobiology of rodent sexual behavior may shed light on the central nervous mechanisms operating in the human, and the search for efficient pharmacological treatments of human sexual dysfunctions relies partly on studies performed in rodents. Then the issue of generalizability of the rodent data to the human becomes crucial. We emphasize the importance of distinguishing between copulatory acts, behavior involving the genitals, and the preceding event, the establishment of physical contact with a potential mate. Comparisons between the structure of copulatory behavior in rats and humans show abysmal differences, but there may be some similarity in the underlying mechanisms. The endocrine control of sex behavior is shortly mentioned, and we also compare the effects of the few drugs known to affect both rodent and human copulatory behavior. The stimuli activating sexual motivation, often called desire in the human literature, are examined, and the sexual approach behaviors in rats and humans are compared. There is a striking similarity between these species in how these behaviors respond to drugs. It is then shown that the intensity of sexual approach is unrelated to the intensity of copulatory behavior. Even though the approach is a requisite for copulation, an activity that requires at least two individuals in close physical contact, these two aspects of sexuality do not covary. This is similar to the role of the testosterone in men and male rats: although the hormone is needed for sex behavior, there is no correlation between serum testosterone concentration and the intensity of copulation. It is also pointed out that human sexual behavior is mostly determined by social conventions, whereas this is not the case in rats and other rodents. It is concluded that some observations in rats can be generalized to the human, but extreme caution must be exercised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Le Moëne
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anders Ågmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
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