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McCabe SE, Dickinson K, Engstrom CW, Kcomt L, Veliz PT, Boyd CJ, Parra LA, Evans-Polce R. A national longitudinal study of sexual orientation discordance, sexual identity fluidity, and alcohol and other drug use disorder symptoms. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2024; 50:481-491. [PMID: 39158536 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2378837] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Background: Many national studies fail to account for discordance between sexual orientation dimensions (e.g. a mismatch between sexual identity and sexual attraction) or sexual identity fluidity (e.g. changes in sexual identity over time).Objective: To examine the longitudinal relationships among sexual identity fluidity/stability, sexual orientation discordance/concordance, and alcohol and other drug use disorder symptoms.Methods: The study used nationally representative longitudinal data from Waves 1-5 (2013-2019) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study of US adolescents and adults (N = 24,591).Results: Substance use disorder symptoms were most prevalent (45.8%) among bisexual-stable females relative to all other sexual identity subgroups. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of substance use disorder symptoms were significantly higher among bisexual-stable females vs. heterosexual-stable females in all models (AOR range: 1.94-2.32), while no such associations were found for males. Sexual identity-attraction discordant females had significantly greater AORs (17/20 instances) of substance use disorder symptoms compared to concordant females; this finding was not as consistent for males (6/20 instances).Conclusion: Sexual orientation discordance was significantly associated with substance use disorder symptoms, especially among females discordant in their sexual identity and attraction. Bisexual-stable and discordant females are at highest risk of developing symptomatic substance use; it is vital that they receive screening, no matter where they are in their coming out process. This study highlights pitfalls of relying solely on cross-sectional data using a single sexual orientation dimension to understand the relationship between sexual orientation and substance use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Esteban McCabe
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kara Dickinson
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Curtiss W Engstrom
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Luisa Kcomt
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Philip T Veliz
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carol J Boyd
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Luis A Parra
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rebecca Evans-Polce
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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2
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Pinto J, Lai SY, Low WY. Sexual Fluidity in a Malaysian Sample: A Case for the Presence of Facilitative Environments within a Restrictive Sociocultural and Political Landscape. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:3399-3420. [PMID: 35771718 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2094745] [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 study investigated sexual fluidity in attractions and subsequent fluidity in sexual identities, its associations with sexual orientation identity labels, and self-reported likelihood of future change in sexual identity labels in a sample of same-sex attracted Malaysian women and men. Participants completed an online questionnaire measuring sexual fluidity in attractions and sexual identity, sexual orientation identity labels and likelihood of future change in identity labels. Sexual fluidity in attractions was reported by 72% of women and 64% of men, with 44% of women and 38% of men reporting subsequent fluidity in sexual orientation identities. There were no significant gender differences observed in the frequency of sexual fluidity in attractions and change in sexual identity labels. There were also no significant gender differences in the self-reported likelihood of future change in sexual identity labels. Sexual fluidity was found to be associated with sexual identity labels representing non-exclusive sexual attractions for both men and women. Findings provide preliminary support for the presence of facilitative environments within a largely conservative and restrictive sociocultural and political landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Pinto
- Gender Studies Program, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suat Yan Lai
- Gender Studies Program, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wah Yun Low
- Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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3
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Watts A, Jen S. Context-dependent sexual changes during women's midlife transitions. J Women Aging 2023; 35:542-556. [PMID: 36995271 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2023.2195321] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
For women, midlife represents an important stage of transition, including shifts in physiological, social, and sexual experiences. Prior research demonstrates that women's sexuality is more dynamic and context-dependent than men's. Most research focused on women's sexuality in mid- to later-life emphasizes physiological changes, while largely ignoring changes stemming from social, psychological, and relational contexts. The present study examined midlife women's diverse sexual experiences within the context of their lives. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 women, ages 39-57, and used interpretative phenomenological analysis to investigate perceptions and interpretations of midlife sexual experiences and changes. Themes included changes in sexual engagement, unwanted sexual experiences, body image, and sexual healthcare. Participants reported changes in the frequency of sex and sexual desire within the context of their diverse social roles and identities, prior intimate relationships, and sexual health. Women contrasted perceptions of their own bodies with societal perceptions of sexiness. Frequently reported negative experiences with sexual healthcare informed a distrust of healthcare systems. The diverse and changing nature of participants' experiences supports prior evidence of sexual fluidity and context-dependence. By questioning societal expectations around sexuality and body image, participants illustrated the potential of counternarratives to combat dominant beliefs and stereotypes about midlife women's sexuality. To improve sexual health and education, psychoeducational interventions for women in midlife are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Watts
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Sarah Jen
- School of Social Welfare, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
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4
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Dragan WŁ, Folkierska-Żukowska M. The Biodevelopment of Sexual Orientation: Beyond the Known Horizon. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2993-2999. [PMID: 36575267 PMCID: PMC10684402 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Ł Dragan
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena Str 6, 30-060, Kraków, Poland.
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5
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VanderLaan DP, Skorska MN, Peragine DE, Coome LA. Carving the Biodevelopment of Same-Sex Sexual Orientation at Its Joints. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2939-2962. [PMID: 35960401 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02360-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sexual orientation is a core aspect of human experience and understanding its development is fundamental to psychology as a scientific discipline. Biological perspectives have played an important role in uncovering the processes that contribute to sexual orientation development. Research in this field has relied on a variety of populations, including community, clinical, and cross-cultural samples, and has commonly focused on female gynephilia (i.e., female sexual attraction to adult females) and male androphilia (i.e., male sexual attraction to adult males). Genetic, hormonal, and immunological processes all appear to influence sexual orientation. Consistent with biological perspectives, there are sexual orientation differences in brain development and evidence indicates that similar biological influences apply across cultures. An outstanding question in the field is whether the hypothesized biological influences are all part of the same process or represent different developmental pathways leading to same-sex sexual orientation. Some studies indicate that same-sex sexually oriented people can be divided into subgroups who likely experienced different biological influences. Consideration of gender expression in addition to sexual orientation might help delineate such subgroups. Thus, future research on the possible existence of such subgroups could prove to be valuable for uncovering the biological development of sexual orientation. Recommendations for such future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doug P VanderLaan
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada.
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Malvina N Skorska
- Child and Youth Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Diana E Peragine
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Lindsay A Coome
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada
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6
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Diamond LM. What Develops in the Biodevelopment of Sexual Orientation? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2985-2991. [PMID: 36695963 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02542-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 380 South 1530 East, Room 502, UT, 84112, USA.
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7
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Holladay SD. Environmental contaminants, endocrine disruption, and transgender: Can "born that way" in some cases be toxicologically real? Hum Exp Toxicol 2023; 42:9603271231203382. [PMID: 37751728 DOI: 10.1177/09603271231203382] [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] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Gender is viewed by many as strictly binary based on a collection of body traits typical of a female or male phenotype, presence of a genotype that includes at least one copy of a Y chromosome, or ability to produce either egg or sperm cells. A growing non-binary view is that these descriptors, while compelling, may nonetheless fail to accurately capture an individual's true gender. The position of the American Psychological Association (APA) agrees with this view and is that transgender people are a defendable and real part of the human population. The considerable diversity of transgender expression then argues against any unitary or simple explanations, however, prenatal hormone levels, genetic influences, and early and later life experiences have been suggested as playing roles in development of transgender identities. The present review considers existing and emerging toxicologic data that may also support an environmental chemical contribution to some transgender identities, and suggest the possibility of a growing nonbinary brain gender continuum in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven David Holladay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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8
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Xiang M, Soh KG, Xu Y, Ahrari S, Zakaria NS. The experiences of female bisexual student-athletes in China: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1129961. [PMID: 37034921 PMCID: PMC10074485 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1129961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many scholars have explored the participation of LGBTQ individuals in sports. However, these studies have either categorized homosexuality and bisexuality together or focused only on lesbian, gay, or transgender individuals. There is a lack of research in the literature on bisexual individuals' sports participation and an even more significant lack of Asia perspectives. Therefore, this qualitative study is aimed to explore the experiences of female bisexual student-athletes in China. Methods Semi-structured interviews with four female bisexual student-athletes were conducted and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results Three themes and eight sub-themes were identified. Theme 1. what bisexual identity means, and sub-themes: a struggling journey, emotional attraction, and gender role for female bisexual student-athletes; Theme 2. invalid identity, and sub-themes: lesbian mask, unrecognized identity; Theme 3. perceptions of sports context, and sub-themes: the influence of the sports context on sexual fluidity, relative inclusion, and perceived rejection. Conclusion This study provides new insights into understanding the experience of female bisexual student-athlete. In addition, the results highlight the importance of the need to study bisexuality as a distinct identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Xiang
- Department of Sports Studies, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Kim Geok Soh
- Department of Sports Studies, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Kim Geok Soh,
| | - Yingying Xu
- Department of Philosophy and Civilization Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Seyedali Ahrari
- Department of Professional Development and Continuing Education, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Noor Syamilah Zakaria
- Department of Counsellor Education and Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
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9
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Katz-Wise SL, Todd KP. The current state of sexual fluidity research. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 48:101497. [PMID: 36401908 PMCID: PMC10289116 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Sexual fluidity research (i.e., change over time in one or more sexual orientation dimensions) has grown exponentially, with advancements in conceptual models, measurement, and understanding of sexual orientation as a construct and developmental process that accommodates potential for change. Sexual fluidity research has also moved beyond samples of white cisgender women to consider the experiences of individuals with other sociodemographic characteristics and has examined change across multiple dimensions of sexual orientation, mechanisms of change, and associations with health outcomes. This review provides a brief narrative of historical conceptualizations of sexual orientation and fluidity and the current state of research on sexual fluidity. Finally, we identify opportunities for future research, policy, and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabra L Katz-Wise
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kieran P Todd
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Komlenac N, Herzig R, Pittl M, Perkhofer S, Tucek G, Hochleitner M. A Vignette Study Analyzing Contextual Factors that Influence Emerging Adults' Definitions of Virginity Loss in German-Speaking Countries. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2022; 59:1045-1059. [PMID: 34128744 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1932708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Past research on virginity loss definitions revealed that emerging adults' definitions of virginity loss are associated with emerging adults' own sociodemographic characteristics. However, previous research has not systematically studied whether emerging adults applied different criteria for virginity loss depending on the context of the judged behavior. The current study used vignettes to explore which contextual factors of an intimate partnered behavior influence emerging adults' definition of virginity loss. Each of the 987 participants (75% women/25% men; Mage = 23.7, SD = 3.8) was assigned to one of 16 vignette conditions. The main character's gender, sexual orientation, and commitment to the partner were manipulated in the vignettes, describing the main character engaging in intimate partnered behavior with either a woman or a man. Participants had to indicate whether 13 intimate partnered behaviors qualified as virginity loss in the given context. Emerging adults applied different standards for virginity loss definitions depending on the involved partners' gender. They counted more behaviors as virginity loss in conditions where two people of the same gender engaged in intimate partnered behavior. Healthcare practitioners concerned with emerging adults' sexual health should be aware of these double standards for virginity loss definitions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manuel Pittl
- FH Gesundheit, Health University of Applied Sciences Tyrol
| | | | - Gerhard Tucek
- Institut Therapiewissenschaften, FH Krems University of Applied Sciences
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11
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Diamond LM, Alley J. Rethinking minority stress: A social safety perspective on the health effects of stigma in sexually-diverse and gender-diverse populations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104720. [PMID: 35662651 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For over two decades, the minority stress model has guided research on the health of sexually-diverse individuals (those who are not exclusively heterosexual) and gender-diverse individuals (those whose gender identity/expression differs from their birth-assigned sex/gender). According to this model, the cumulative stress caused by stigma and social marginalization fosters stress-related health problems. Yet studies linking minority stress to physical health outcomes have yielded mixed results, suggesting that something is missing from our understanding of stigma and health. Social safety may be the missing piece. Social safety refers to reliable social connection, inclusion, and protection, which are core human needs that are imperiled by stigma. The absence of social safety is just as health-consequential for stigmatized individuals as the presence of minority stress, because the chronic threat-vigilance fostered by insufficient safety has negative long-term effects on cognitive, emotional, and immunological functioning, even when exposure to minority stress is low. We argue that insufficient social safety is a primary cause of stigma-related health disparities and a key target for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Jenna Alley
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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12
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Gormezano AM, Harris EA, Gauvin SEM, Pinto J, van Anders G, van Anders SM. Sexual Orientation Across Porn Use, Sexual Fantasy, and In-Person Sexuality: Visualizing Branchedness and Coincidence via Sexual Configurations Theory. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1201-1219. [PMID: 35112269 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02202-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Sexual orientation describes sexual interests, approaches, arousals, and attractions. People experience these interests and attractions in a number of contexts, including in-person sexuality, fantasy, and porn use, among others. The extent to which sexual orientation is divergent (branched) and/or overlapping (coincident) across these, however, is unclear. In the present study, a gender/sex and sexually diverse sample (N = 30; 15 gender/sex/ual minorities and 15 majorities) manipulated digital circles representing porn use, in-person sexuality, and fantasy on a tablet during in-person interviews. Participants used circle overlap to represent the degree of shared sexual interests across contexts and circle size to indicate the strength and/or number of sexual interests within contexts. Across multiple dimensions of sexual orientation (gender/sex, partner number, and action/behavior), we found evidence that sexual interests were both branched and coincident. These findings contribute to new understandings about the multifaceted nature of sexual orientations across contexts and provide a novel way to measure, conceptualize, and understand sexual orientation in context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki M Gormezano
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Emily A Harris
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | | | - Jude Pinto
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Greg van Anders
- Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sari M van Anders
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
- Department of Gender Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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13
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Alley J, Diamond LM. Early childhood adversity and Women’s sexual behavior: The role of sensitivity to sexual reward. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2021.100982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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14
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Diamond LM. The New Genetic Evidence on Same-Gender Sexuality: Implications for Sexual Fluidity and Multiple Forms of Sexual Diversity. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:818-837. [PMID: 33620277 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2021.1879721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In September of 2019, the largest-ever (N = 477,522) genome-wide-association study of same-gender sexuality was published in Science. The primary finding was that multiple genes are significantly associated with ever engaging in same-gender sexual behavior, accounting for between 8-25% of variance in this outcome. Yet an additional finding of this study, which received less attention, has more potential to transform our current understanding of same-gender sexuality: Specifically, the genes associated with ever engaging in same-gender sexual behavior differed from the genes associated with one's relative proportion of same-gender to other-gender behavior. I review recent research on sexual orientation and sexual fluidity to illustrate how these findings speak to longstanding questions regarding distinctions among subtypes of same-gender sexuality (such as mostly-heterosexuality, bisexuality, and exclusive same-gender experience). I conclude by outlining directions for future research on the multiple causes and correlates of same-gender expression.
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15
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Came H, Matheson A, Kidd J. Smashing the patriarchy to address gender health inequities: Past, present and future perspectives from Aotearoa (New Zealand). Glob Public Health 2021; 17:1540-1550. [PMID: 34097588 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1937272] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The second wave feminist dream of smashing the patriarchy remains a task yet to be completed on a complex to do list. Women, particularly able-bodied cis-gendered white women however do enjoy the privilege of living longer than men. But our longer lives take place within patriarchal-capitalist systems where many women's social and cultural rights continue to be compromised. How do we ensure that all women can exercise our right to health and wellbeing? In this paper, the authors examine, critique, review and re-vision the dynamics of power and patriarchy over three distinct time periods - 1999, 2019 and 2039. We look to the past to track progress; we look to the present to see what we have achieved and look to the future for what might be. This conceptual paper is informed by the authors' expert knowledge, a review of the literature and the novel use of speculative ethnography. The authors conclude that patriarchy remains not only a negative determinant of women's health that needs to be smashed, but is also a threat to all people and to planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Came
- Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anna Matheson
- School of Health, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacquie Kidd
- Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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16
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Meskó N, Őry F, Csányi E, Juhász L, Szilágyi G, Lubics O, Putz Á, Láng A. Women Walk in High Heels: Lumbar Curvature, Dynamic Motion Stimuli and Attractiveness. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18010299. [PMID: 33401569 PMCID: PMC7795698 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that the angle of women’s lumbar curvature affects men’s attractiveness judgments of them. The theoretically optimal angle of lumbar curvature provides better resistance against both hyperlordosis and hypolordosis as biomechanical costs of a bipedal fetal load that could impair a woman’s fertility. Since men find this attribute attractive, women aim to emphasize it by wearing high-heeled shoes. The primary objective of the present study was to test this evolutionary hypothesis using short videos presenting women walking by the camera. In line with previous findings based on static stimuli (photographs), dynamic stimuli (videos) presenting women walking in high-heeled shoes were expected to elicit increased attractiveness ratings as compared to women wearing flat shoes, which would be associated with the angle of lumbar curvature. Videos were taken of 52 female models walking in two conditions (i.e., wearing either high-heeled or flat shoes). A total of 108 participants (61 males, 47 females) rated the walking models’ physical attractiveness in an online setting. Each model’s lumbar curvature was measured both in high heels and in flat shoes using photographs taken of them prior to each video recording. The results showed that wearing high heels consistently increased the models’ attractiveness, regardless of whether or not it decreased their natural difference from the theoretically optimal angle of lumbar curvature. Both male and female observers showed this positive effect. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between the models’ body mass index (BMI) and their perceived attractiveness scores in both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Meskó
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.Ő.); (E.C.); (L.J.); (Á.P.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Fanni Őry
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.Ő.); (E.C.); (L.J.); (Á.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Edit Csányi
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.Ő.); (E.C.); (L.J.); (Á.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Lea Juhász
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.Ő.); (E.C.); (L.J.); (Á.P.); (A.L.)
| | - Gréta Szilágyi
- Institute of Psychology, Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary, 1037 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Olivér Lubics
- Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1075 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Ádám Putz
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.Ő.); (E.C.); (L.J.); (Á.P.); (A.L.)
| | - András Láng
- Institute of Psychology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (F.Ő.); (E.C.); (L.J.); (Á.P.); (A.L.)
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