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Burkauskas J, Fineberg NA, Ioannidis K, Chamberlain SR, Bowden-Jones H, Griskova-Bulanova I, Pranckeviciene A, Dores AR, Carvalho IP, Barbosa F, Simonato P, De Luca I, Mooney R, Gómez-Martínez MÁ, Demetrovics Z, Ábel KE, Szabo A, Fujiwara H, Shibata M, Melero-Ventola AR, Arroyo-Anlló EM, Santos-Labrador RM, Kobayashi K, Di Carlo F, Monteiro C, Martinotti G, Corazza O. Online Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Associations with Psychological Factors: An International Exploratory Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8823. [PMID: 35886679 PMCID: PMC9323465 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to explore specific online behaviours and their association with a range of underlying psychological and other behavioural factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight countries (Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Portugal, Japan, Hungary, and Brazil) participated in an international investigation involving 2223 participants (M = 33 years old; SD = 11), 70% of whom were females. Participants were surveyed for specific type of Internet use severity, appearance anxiety, self-compassion, and image and use of performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs). Results were compared cross-culturally. The mean time spent online was 5 h (SD = ±3) of daily browsing during the pandemic. The most commonly performed activities included social networking, streaming, and general surfing. A strong association between these online behaviours and appearance anxiety, self-compassion, and IPEDs use was found after adjustment for possible confounders, with higher scores being associated with specific online activities. Significant cross-cultural differences also emerged in terms of the amount of time spent online during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Burkauskas
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 00135 Palanga, Lithuania;
| | - Naomi A. Fineberg
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK; (N.A.F.); (P.S.); (I.D.L.); (G.M.); (O.C.)
| | - Konstantinos Ioannidis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK; (K.I.); (H.B.-J.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO40 2RZ, UK
| | - Samuel R. Chamberlain
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO40 2RZ, UK
| | - Henrietta Bowden-Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK; (K.I.); (H.B.-J.)
| | - Inga Griskova-Bulanova
- Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, 03225 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Aiste Pranckeviciene
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 00135 Palanga, Lithuania;
| | - Artemisa R. Dores
- School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Irene P. Carvalho
- Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Pierluigi Simonato
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK; (N.A.F.); (P.S.); (I.D.L.); (G.M.); (O.C.)
| | - Ilaria De Luca
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK; (N.A.F.); (P.S.); (I.D.L.); (G.M.); (O.C.)
| | - Rosin Mooney
- Medical Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TG, UK;
| | | | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar;
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (K.E.Á.); (A.S.)
| | - Krisztina Edina Ábel
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (K.E.Á.); (A.S.)
| | - Attila Szabo
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (K.E.Á.); (A.S.)
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hironobu Fujiwara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; (H.F.); (M.S.); (K.K.)
- Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Society Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Saitama 103-0027, Japan
- General Research Division, Research Center on Ethical, Legal and Social Issues, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mami Shibata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; (H.F.); (M.S.); (K.K.)
| | - Alejandra R. Melero-Ventola
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical University of Salamanca, 37002 Salamanca, Spain; (M.Á.G.-M.); (A.R.M.-V.)
| | - Eva M. Arroyo-Anlló
- Department of Psychobiology, Neuroscience Institute of Castilla-León, University of Salamanca, 37002 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Ricardo M. Santos-Labrador
- Department of Physical Education, University Teacher’s College ‘Fray Luis de León’, 47010 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - Kei Kobayashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; (H.F.); (M.S.); (K.K.)
| | - Francesco Di Carlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Cristina Monteiro
- Department of Psychometrics, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil;
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK; (N.A.F.); (P.S.); (I.D.L.); (G.M.); (O.C.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK; (N.A.F.); (P.S.); (I.D.L.); (G.M.); (O.C.)
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Principi N, Magnoni P, Grimoldi L, Carnevali D, Cavazzana L, Pellai A. Consumption of sexually explicit internet material and its effects on minors' health: latest evidence from the literature. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2022; 74:332-339. [DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.19.05367-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Hakkim S, Parsa AD, Arafat SMY, Mahmud I, Sathian B, Sivasubramanian M, Kabir R. Pornography—Is It Good for Sexual Health? A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/26318318221088949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The topic of pornography use is controversial. It is important to understand how young people use pornography and determine whether pornography use has adverse effects on health and well-being. Methods: A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL plus, and Cochrane library) with appropriate MeSH terms “sexual health” and “pornography” and Boolean operators “AND” and “OR,” using SPIDER search strategy tools (sample, phenomenon of interest, design, evaluation, and research type). 11 articles were proceeded with systematic review after critical appraisal following PRISMA guidelines. Results: The major findings of the study imply that traditional and unimaginative activities depicted in some pornography and sexualized media are harmful because they impose restricted and circumscribed concepts of sex and sexuality. As a result, sexism, sexual objectification, neoliberal sexual consumerism, and sexual variety are reproduced and reinforced rather than promoted. FPU is linked to better levels of sexual comfort and self-acceptance and reduced levels of anxiety, shame, and guilt over sexual behavior. Pornography consumption has also been linked to increased arousal and orgasm responses, a greater interest in sex, acceptance of various sexual acts, and more sexual experimentation. Conclusion: Watching pornography may be a healthy phenomenon if it is occasional, not impairing the personal and social life; however, it can become pathological if watched excessively and impairs the individual’s functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira Hakkim
- School of Allied Health, Anglia Ruskin University, Essex, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Davod Parsa
- School of Allied Health, Anglia Ruskin University, Essex, United Kingdom
| | - S. M. Yasir Arafat
- Department of Psychiatry, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ilias Mahmud
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Brijesh Sathian
- Department of Geriatrics and Long Term Care, Rumailah Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Russell Kabir
- School of Allied Health, Anglia Ruskin University, Essex, United Kingdom
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Sexual Behaviour and Fantasies in a Group of Young Italian Cohort. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10194327. [PMID: 34640344 PMCID: PMC8509395 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the years, sexual behaviour has changed due to the growing interest in everything related to the sexual sphere. The purpose of the study was to collect information on the sexual habits and behaviours of Italian people of all ages, sexes and sexual orientations and to describe the patterns of sexual behaviour, with the aim of gaining a representative picture of sexuality in Italy, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed a survey with 99 questions about their sexual habits. In our group first sexual experiences occurred on average around the age of 15, whilst the median age of the first sexual intercourse was 17. The fantasies that most stimulated and excited our group (Likert scale ≥ 3) was having sex in public (63.9%), having sex with more than one person at the same time (59.4%), blindfolded sex (64.9%), being tied up (56.3%) and observing a naked person (48.6%). As for pornography, we have shown that 80% of our group watched porn at home, alone or from their smartphones. Our results have several practical implications for the areas of sex education and sexual health. It is necessary to safeguard the health of young people and support them increasing their sexual well-being.
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Kumar P, Patel VK, Bhatt RB, Vasavada DA, Sangma RD, Tiwari DS. Prevalence of Problematic Pornography Use and Attitude Toward Pornography Among the Undergraduate Medical Students. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSEXUAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/2631831821989677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There are mixed views on categorizing pornography as addiction or as a sexual compulsivity or a subset of hypersexual behavior. Due to rise in the Internet access and technologies, the possibilities of conduit for sexual interactions, online pornography, and other type of repetitive behaviors have increased. Aims: The current study aimed to find the prevalence of problematic pornography use and attitude toward pornography. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,050 undergraduate medical students to assess the prevalence of pornography addiction and attitude toward pornography. A Google document containing structured questionnaire in 3 different parts: (a) demographic details of students, (b) Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale, and (c) attitudes toward pornography scale. This Google document was shared with all the undergraduate students through email address and WhatsApp group. Participants who did not respond to the questionnaire were sent 3 reminders at a gap of 3 days. The responses were recorded in Excel sheet and analyzed using Epi-Info software. Results: Prevalence of problematic pornography use among participants was 12.5%. There was statistically high prevalence of problematic pornography use among male participants ( P < .001), nearly daily consumption of pornography per week ( P < .001) and more than 20 min of consumption per day ( P <.001). A statistical significant negative correlation was shown (r = −0.483, P < .001) between age of first exposure to pornography and problematic pornography consumption score. Males, being in a relationship, and those with problematic pornography use had higher score on attitude toward pornography scale. Conclusion: It is important to provide education to students about the effects of problematic pornography use because there is negative correlation between exposure to pornographic imagery on the Internet and levels of genital and sexual esteem; pornography use was associated with poor quality of life, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Gender-specific discussions so as to promote sexual health and participation in media literacy education would be beneficial for young people in changing attitude toward pornography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parveen Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Guru Gobind Singh Government Hospital, Shri M P Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Vishal Kanaiyalal Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Guru Gobind Singh Government Hospital, Shri M P Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Renish Bhupenderbhai Bhatt
- Department of Psychiatry, Guru Gobind Singh Government Hospital, Shri M P Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Disha Alkeshbhai Vasavada
- Department of Psychiatry, Guru Gobind Singh Government Hospital, Shri M P Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Rangdon Dor Sangma
- Department of Psychiatry, Guru Gobind Singh Government Hospital, Shri M P Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Deepak Sachinand Tiwari
- Department of Psychiatry, Guru Gobind Singh Government Hospital, Shri M P Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
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Flesia L, Cavalieri F, Angelini S, Bottesi G, Ghisi M, Tonon E, Roldan AP, Di Nisio A, Garolla A, Ferlin A, Foresta C. Health-Related Lifestyles, Substance-Related Behaviors, and Sexual Habits Among Italian Young Adult Males: An Epidemiologic Study. Sex Med 2020; 8:361-369. [PMID: 32389594 PMCID: PMC7471067 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young adult males are more likely to demonstrate health-risk behaviors than other individuals. The use of specific data about health-risk behaviors within this population might be important to promote effective preventive psychosocial and educational programs and interventions. AIM To provide a detailed description of health-related lifestyles, substance-related behaviors, and sexual habits that can negatively affect fertility, sexual sphere, and health in a large sample of Italian young adult males. METHODS A sample comprising 2,170 males aged 18-21 years, attending the last year of high school, was administered an online questionnaire made up of 39 multiple-choice questions. The questionnaire explored health-related lifestyles, substance-related behaviors, and sexuality and sexual habits. Descriptive analyses were conducted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The outcome measures included data about health-related lifestyles, substance-related behaviors, and sexuality and sexual habits reported by Italian young adult males. RESULTS Health-related lifestyles: 92.9% of the sample reported practicing some physical activity during the week. 90.3% declared a Mediterranean diet and 8.1% a hyperproteic diet. Substance-related behaviors: 33.8% of the sample reported having smoked tobacco at least once in their lives; among them, 71% reported current daily smoking. 40.2% declared drinking alcohol from 5 to 7 days in a week. 32.9% of the sample reported currently using a substance. Sexuality and sexual habits: 97.1% of the sample self-defined themselves as heterosexual. 73.3% of participants rated their knowledge about sexuality as "excellent/good," 58.7% about sexually transmitted infections. Only 4.8% reported having had a seminal liquid examination. Half of the sample (52.2%) declared having had sexual intercourses, in the largest proportion protected sex. 14.7% of the sample reported having at least one sexual dysfunction. 88.6% of participants reported having used pornography, 18.7% every day. CONCLUSION The present study highlighted the need to empower the number and efficacy of preventive interventions to promote health-related behaviors among Italian young male population. Flesia L, Cavalieri F, Angelini S, et al. Health-Related Lifestyles, Substance-Related Behaviors, and Sexual Habits Among Italian Young Adult Males: An Epidemiologic Study. Sex Med 2020;8:361-369.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Flesia
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cavalieri
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Angelini
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gioia Bottesi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Ghisi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Tonon
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Agustina Perez Roldan
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Dwulit AD, Rzymski P. Prevalence, Patterns and Self-Perceived Effects of Pornography Consumption in Polish University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1861. [PMID: 31137778 PMCID: PMC6571756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16101861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional online survey of Polish students (n = 6463) assessed the frequency and patterns of pornography consumption, its self-perceived effects, the prevalence of self-perceived pornography addiction, and opinions on the potential effects of pornography and its legal status. Nearly 80% of students have been exposed to pornography (median age of first exposure: 14 years). Streaming videos were decidedly the most frequent form of use. In the subset of current users (n = 4260), daily use and self-perceived addiction was reported by 10.7% and 15.5%, respectively. The majority of those surveyed did not report any negative effects of pornography use on their sexual function, sexual, and relationship satisfaction. Instead, over one-quarter of students in relationships reported beneficial effects on its quality. The most common self-perceived adverse effects of pornography use included: the need for longer stimulation (12.0%) and more sexual stimuli (17.6%) to reach orgasm, and a decrease in sexual satisfaction (24.5%). Females and males with a Body Mass Index >25 kg/m2 more often reported a self-perceived decrease in relationship quality associated with pornography use. Age of first exposure was significantly associated with reported need for longer stimulation and more sexual stimuli to reach orgasm when using pornography, decrease in sexual satisfaction, and quality of romantic relationship, neglect of basic needs and duties due to pornography use, and self-perceived addiction in both females and males. The highest odds ratios were always observed for age <12 years in reference to exposure at >16 years. In the opinion of most of the surveyed students, pornography may have adverse effects on human health, although access restrictions should not be implemented. The study gives a broad insight into the pornography consumption in young Polish adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Diana Dwulit
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland.
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Donevan M, Mattebo M. The relationship between frequent pornography consumption, behaviours, and sexual preoccupancy among male adolescents in Sweden. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2017; 12:82-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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