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Hawley WR, Cancilla BA, Barnes JL, Morrow GD. Social Perceptions of Masculinity and Sexual Esteem Are Impacted by Viagra Use, Testosterone, and Sexual Performance. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02880-y. [PMID: 38740630 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02880-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Sexual behaviors play a role in the social construction of masculinity. Moreover, this stereotype has been capitalized upon by pharmaceutical companies, as well as those that sell products not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for purposes of marketing sexual medicines. Stereotypical notions of masculinity, however, also emphasize the importance of self-reliance, which may cause some to look unfavorably upon the use of sexual medicine. Consistent with this notion, a male target was viewed as more masculine when his female partner consistently reached orgasm, unless he had no history of erectile dysfunction (ED), but was taking Viagra anyway (Experiment 1; N = 522). In addition, when his partner consistently reached orgasm, ratings of his sexual esteem were also lower if he used Viagra than if he did not, but only if he had no history of ED. In Experiment 2 (N = 711), although there was no effect of a male target's use of testosterone, social perception of his masculinity and sexual esteem increased as his "natural" levels of testosterone increased. In addition, exploratory analysis revealed that if the male target had low (but not normal or high) "natural" levels of testosterone, ratings of his masculinity were higher if his female partner consistently had an orgasm, which suggests that female orgasm served to "rescue" masculinity. Because expectations about drugs drive their use, it is important to address preconceived notions about the use of sexual medicines for purposes of enhancing masculinity and sexual esteem, as the social perception of their use is much more complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne R Hawley
- Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Art Therapy, Pennsylvania Western University-Edinboro, 210 East Normal Street, Edinboro, PA, 16444, USA.
| | - Bryn A Cancilla
- Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Art Therapy, Pennsylvania Western University-Edinboro, 210 East Normal Street, Edinboro, PA, 16444, USA
| | - Julia L Barnes
- Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Art Therapy, Pennsylvania Western University-Edinboro, 210 East Normal Street, Edinboro, PA, 16444, USA
| | - Gregory D Morrow
- Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Art Therapy, Pennsylvania Western University-Edinboro, 210 East Normal Street, Edinboro, PA, 16444, USA
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Lutmer A, Walker AM. Patterns of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication During Sex. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:1449-1462. [PMID: 38361172 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02811-x] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Sexual communication functions as an important relational process expediating satisfying sexual experiences (Sprecher & Hendrick, 2004). Much of the existing literature on sexual communication concerning sexual pleasure biases verbal communication (Babin, 2012). This study adds to the existing research regarding patterns of communication surrounding sex and during sex through qualitative analysis. Further, this inquiry focused on participants' full histories, rather than their tendencies within any current relationship. We analyzed 78 qualitative interview transcripts from participants between the ages of 18 and 69. Participants reported a reluctance to communicate anything but pleasure, discomfort, or dislike during sex to avoid discouraging their partners. Though participants reported a perception that communicating pleasure served as encouragement and affirmation to their partners, most preferred to communicate pleasure nonverbally. Some participants reported a tendency to communicate pain or dislike verbally. Some preferred communication about sexual topics only before or after sexual activities. Participants shared that a high level of comfort with their partner increased sexual communication. How sexual partners communicate sex not only affects pleasure but can only affect intimacy between partners and health. This adds to the scant literature on nonverbal communication during sex and some people's preference for that style (Blunt-Vinti et al., 2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Lutmer
- Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alicia M Walker
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Gerontology, Missouri State University, 901 S National Ave., Strong Hall 466, Springfield, MO, 65810, USA.
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Barreto M, Doyle DM. Benevolent and hostile sexism in a shifting global context. NATURE REVIEWS PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 2:98-111. [PMID: 36504692 PMCID: PMC9717569 DOI: 10.1038/s44159-022-00136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The theory of and research on ambivalent sexism - which encompasses both attitudes that are overtly negative (hostile sexism) and those that seem subjectively positive but are actually harmful (benevolent sexism) - have made substantial contributions to understanding how sexism operates and the consequences it has for women. It is now clear that sexism takes different forms, some of which can be disguised as protection and flattery. However, all forms of sexism have negative effects on how women are perceived and treated by others as well as on women themselves. Some of these findings have implications for understanding other social inequalities, such as ableism, ageism, racism and classism. In this Review, we summarize what is known about the predictors of ambivalent sexism and its effects. Although we focus on women, we also consider some effects on men, in particular those that indirectly influence women. Throughout the Review we point to societal shifts that are likely to influence how sexism is manifested, experienced and understood. We conclude by discussing the broader implications of these changes and specifying areas of enquiry that need to be addressed to continue making progress in understanding the mechanisms that underlie social inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Barreto
- grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - David Matthew Doyle
- grid.8391.30000 0004 1936 8024Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Hevesi K, Horvath Z, Miklos E, Sal D, Rowland DL. Motives that Mediate the Associations Between Relationship Satisfaction, Orgasmic Difficulty, and the Frequency of Faking Orgasm. Sex Med 2022; 10:100568. [PMID: 36115263 PMCID: PMC9780777 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Faking orgasm by women reportedly occurs quite frequently, with both relationship characteristics and orgasmic difficulty being significant predictors. AIM We explored women's motives that might mediate the associations between orgasmic difficulty and relationship satisfaction on the one hand, with the frequency of faking orgasm on the other. METHODS In a study of 360 Hungarian women who reported "ever" faking orgasm during partnered sex, we assessed the direct and indirect (mediated) associations between orgasmic difficulty, relationship satisfaction, and the frequency of faking orgasm. OUTCOMES Determination of motives that mediate the association between orgasmic difficulty and the frequency of faking orgasm, and the association between relationship satisfaction and the frequency of faking orgasm. RESULTS Increased orgasmic difficulty was directly related to increased frequency of faking orgasm (β = 0.37; P < .001), and each variable itself was related to a number of motives for faking orgasm. However, the only motive assessed in our study that mediated the relationship between orgasmic difficulty and the frequency of faking orgasm was insecurity about being perceived as abnormal or dysfunctional (indirect effect: β = 0.13; P < .001). A similar pattern emerged with relationship satisfaction and frequency of faking orgasm. These two variables were directly related in that lower relationship satisfaction predicted higher frequency of faking orgasm (β = -0.15; P = .008). Furthermore, while each variable itself was related to a number of motives for faking orgasm, the only motive assessed in our study that mediated the relationship between the 2 variables was insecurity about being perceived as abnormal or dysfunctional (indirect effect: β = -0.06; P = .008). CLINICAL TRANSLATION Insecurity related to being perceived as abnormal or deficient, along with sexual communication, should be addressed in women with a history of faking orgasm but who want to cease doing so. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The sample was relatively large and the online survey adhered to best practices. Nevertheless, bias may result in sample characteristics when recruitment is achieved primarily through social media. In addition, the cross-sectional sample prevented causal determination and represented Western-based values. CONCLUSIONS The associations between orgasmic difficulty and faking orgasm, and between relationship satisfaction and faking orgasm, are both direct and indirect (mediated). The primary motive for mediating the indirect association between the predictor variables and the frequency of faking orgasm was the insecurity about being perceived as deficient or abnormal. Hevesi K, Horvath Z, Miklos E, et al. Motives that Mediate the Associations Between Relationship Satisfaction, Orgasmic Difficulty, and the Frequency of Faking Orgasm. Sex Med 2022;10:100568.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Hevesi
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Horvath
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary,Corresponding Author: Zsolt Horvath, Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Izabella utca 46, Budapest, H-1064, Hungary. Tel: + 36302309929
| | - Eszter Miklos
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Sal
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David L. Rowland
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso IN, USA
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Chadwick SB, van Anders SM. What happens when people refuse to go along with orgasm coercion? An assessment of refusal strategies, perpetrators’ subsequent reactions, and relationship and psychological outcomes. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2022.2060130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Chadwick
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, Florida United States
| | - Sari M. van Anders
- Canada 150 Research Chair in Social Neuroendocrinology, Sexuality, & Gender/Sex, Professor of Psychology, Gender Studies, & Neuroscience, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Jordan JA, Vandello JA, Heesacker M, Larson-Konar DM. Do Women Withhold Honest Sexual Communication When They Believe Their Partner’s Manhood is Threatened? SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/19485506211067884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We explored whether women who perceive that their partners’ manhood is precarious (i.e., easily threatened) censor their sexual communication to avoid further threatening their partners’ masculinity. We operationalized women’s perceptions of precarious manhood in a variety of ways: In Study 1, women who made more money than their partners were twice as likely as those who did not to fake orgasms. In Study 2, women’s higher perceptions of partners’ precarious manhood indirectly predicted faking orgasms more, lower sexual satisfaction, and lower orgasms rate through greater anxiety and less honest communication. In Study 3, women who imagined a partner whose masculinity was insecure (vs. secure) were less willing to provide honest sexual communication, via anxiety. Together, the studies demonstrate a relationship between women’s perceptions of partner insecurity, anxiety, sexual communication, and sexual satisfaction.
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Chadwick SB, van Anders SM. Orgasm Coercion: Overlaps Between Pressuring Someone to Orgasm and Sexual Coercion. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:633-651. [PMID: 35059945 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02156-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Trying to ensure that a partner orgasms during sex is generally seen as positive, but research has yet to assess how this might involve pressuring partners to orgasm in coercive ways. In the present study, we tested whether pressuring a partner to orgasm is a coercive behavior by assessing how this behavior overlaps with sexual coercion (i.e., pressuring someone into having sex). Participants of diverse gender/sex and sexual identities (N = 912, M age = 31.31 years, SD = 9.41) completed an online survey that asked them whether they had ever felt pressured by a partner to orgasm, to describe what partners have said or done to pressure them, and to answer a series of questions about the most recent incident in which this occurred. Mixed quantitative and qualitative results showed that orgasm pressure tactics were analogous to sexual coercion tactics and that being pressured to orgasm was associated with experiencing sexual coercion, faking orgasms, and negative psychological and relationship outcomes. Together, findings challenge the assumption that trying to ensure a partner's orgasm occurrence is necessarily positive and demonstrate that orgasm coercion exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Chadwick
- Departments of Psychology and Women's Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sari M van Anders
- Departments of Psychology, Gender Studies, and Neuroscience, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Humphrey Hall, 61 Arch Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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Hevesi K, Horvath Z, Sal D, Miklos E, Rowland DL. Faking Orgasm: Relationship to Orgasmic Problems and Relationship Type in Heterosexual Women. Sex Med 2021; 9:100419. [PMID: 34419691 PMCID: PMC8498965 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100419] [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: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although faking orgasm among women appears quite common, the roles of orgasmic problems and relationship type in partnered sex and masturbation have not been fully explored. Aim We assessed the relationship between orgasmic problems (separately in partnered sex and masturbation) and faking orgasm across various types of relationships while also considering the role of demographic and sexual function related covariates. Methods In this study of 1,168 Hungarian women, we assessed orgasmic problems, sexual functioning, and the prevalence and frequency of faking orgasm in 3 relationship types: romantic relationships, one-night stands, and continuing sexual relationships of more than one night. Main Outcome Measure Differences in faking orgasm across 3 types of relationships; the association between faking orgasm in 1 type of relationship with faking orgasm in other types of relationships; and the relationship of “orgasmic problems” in partnered sex and masturbation to the presence and frequency of faking orgasm in various relationship types. Results A subset of women who faked orgasm in 1 relationship type were more likely to fake orgasm in other relationship types. Orgasmic problems predicted the occurrence and frequency of faking orgasm in all 3 relationship types, though to different degrees. Other factors, including orgasmic difficulty during masturbation, the frequencies of masturbation and partnered sex, and the self-rated importance of sex were also related to the frequency of faking orgasm. Conclusion Our findings suggest that faking orgasm has both dispositional and situational elements. “Orgasmic problems” in partnered sex was a consistent and robust predictor of the occurrence and frequency of faking orgasm in different relationship types. Hevesi K, Horvath Z, Sal D, et al. Faking Orgasm: Relationship to Orgasmic Problems and Relationship Type in Heterosexual Women. Sex Med 2021;9:100419.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Hevesi
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Horvath
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Dorottya Sal
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Miklos
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David L Rowland
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso IN USA
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Séguin LJ, Blais M. The Development and Validation of the Orgasm Beliefs Inventory. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2543-2561. [PMID: 34297213 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01911-2] [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: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While orgasm is often conceptualized as a physiological reflex, research has also shown it to be symbolic and to be attributed significant meaning. However, in the absence of a comprehensive measure assessing cultural orgasm scripts and beliefs, the extent to which individuals personally endorse them is unknown. Grounded in sexual script theory, the present research aimed to develop and validate a measure assessing cultural orgasm beliefs, and to investigate gender differences in their endorsement using the new measure. In Study 1, an MTurk sample (N = 448) completed a preliminary version of the Orgasm Beliefs Inventory (OBI). Exploratory factor analyses revealed 11 orgasm beliefs that could be grouped into seven broad categories (Men's Orgasms are Easy/Women's Orgasms are Difficult, Partner Interest Fosters Orgasm, Orgasm is Essential to Men's Sexual Satisfaction, Orgasm as a Relational Quality Benchmark, Orgasm is Unessential to Women's Sexual Satisfaction, Simultaneous Orgasm is Ideal, and Orgasm Requires and Fosters Connection). In Study 2, the OBI was completed by 392 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted and supported a slightly different 7-factor model. The Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, Sexual Scripts Scale, and Types of Jealousy Scales were also completed concurrently with the OBI and yielded results in support of the OBI's convergent and discriminant validity. Compared to women, men scored lower on Men's Orgasms are Easy/Women's Orgasms are Difficult, but higher on Orgasm Absence Reflects Relationship Problems. No other gender differences were found on OBI subscale scores. The OBI is a new measure that can be used in future sexual scripts research to explore the relationships between orgasm beliefs and other sexual outcomes and behaviors (e.g., faking orgasm, sexual communication and assertiveness, sexual function and satisfaction, etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Jeanne Séguin
- Department of Sexology, Faculty of Humanities, Université du Québec à Montréal, 455, René Levesque Est, Room W-R270, Montreal, QC, H2L 4Y2, Canada.
| | - Martin Blais
- Department of Sexology, Faculty of Humanities, Université du Québec à Montréal, 455, René Levesque Est, Room W-R270, Montreal, QC, H2L 4Y2, Canada
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Mollaioli D, Sansone A, Colonnello E, Limoncin E, Ciocca G, Vignozzi L, Jannini EA. Do We Still Believe There Is a G-spot? CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-021-00311-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In the field of female sexuality, the existence of the so-called “G-spot” represents a topic still anchored to anecdotes and opinions and explained using non-scientific points, as well as being overused for commercial and mediatic purposes.
Purpose of Review
The scope of this review is to give an update on the current state of information regarding the G-spot and suggesting potential future directions in the research field of this interesting, albeit controversial, aspect of human sexual physiology.
Recent Findings
From evolutionary, anatomical, and functional points of view, new evidence has rebutted the original conceptualization of the G-spot, abandoning the idea of a specific anatomical point able to produce exceptional orgasmic experiences through the stimulation of the anterior vaginal wall, the site where the G-spot is assumed to be. From a psychological perspective, only few findings to date are able to describe the psychological, behavioral, and social correlates of the pleasure experience by G-spot-induced or, better, vaginally induced orgasm (VAO).
Summary
Recent literature suggests the existence of a G-spot but specifies that, since it is not a spot, neither anatomically nor functionally, it cannot be called G, nor spot, anymore. It is indeed a functional, dynamic, and hormone-dependent area (called clitorourethrovaginal, CUV, complex), extremely individual in its development and action due to the combined influence of biological and psychological aspects, which may trigger VAO and in some particular cases also female ejaculation (FE).
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Shaeer O, Skakke D, Giraldi A, Shaeer E, Shaeer K. Female Orgasm and Overall Sexual Function and Habits: A Descriptive Study of a Cohort of U.S. Women. J Sex Med 2020; 17:1133-1143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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