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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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Thatcher AS, Wallace L, Fido D. Psychopathic Personality as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Atypical Sexuality and Sexual Coercion Proclivity in the General Population. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2023:10790632231205799. [PMID: 37856577 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231205799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Being sexually coerced can have long-lasting psychological impacts on victims; with perpetration strongly predicted by elevated psychopathic traits. Owing to recent legislative developments in the United Kingdom that criminalize coercive control under the Domestic Abuse Act (2021), this study offers a timely investigation into the mechanisms of sexual coercion in domestic abuse across sexual abuse and coercive control. We used moderation analysis (n = 405) to investigate whether sexual coercion proclivity was predicted by facets of atypical sexuality (non-clinical elevated levels of sex drive, sexual sadism, and sexual masochism), and whether this relationship was moderated by psychopathic personality traits specifically the factor one components, which encompasses interpersonal and affective characteristics. Psychopathic personality traits significantly moderated the positive association between sex drive and sexual coercion proclivity, and between sexual sadism and sexual coercion proclivity in males (but not females), but psychopathic personality traits had no such moderating effect in the sexual masochism model. Results are discussed in terms of identifying risk factors of sexual coercion within a general population sample and international application. Open data and a preprint of this paper are available at [https://osf.io/xkcah/?view_only=134ff9c93ad24ba286515b348ce79c0c].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise Wallace
- University of Derby, Derby, UK
- University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Csako RI, Rowland DL, Hevesi K, Vitalis E, Balalla S. Female Sexuality in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Factors and Sexual Response Associated with Masturbation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2022; 34:521-539. [PMID: 38596385 PMCID: PMC10903691 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2022.2099499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Sexual health includes the state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality. Masturbation is an important sexual activity with many potential benefits which has gained considerable interest in sexuality research in the past twenty years; however, this research is the first of its kind within the Aotearoa/New Zealand context. In this in-depth investigation, we examined frequencies of, reasons for, and activities during masturbation as well as the relationship between masturbation and other factors. Methods Participants were 698 New Zealand women at least 18 years of age participating in a 42-item anonymous online survey collecting comprehensive information about sexual practices and related factors. Results The results indicated that female masturbation has high prevalence in the New Zealand population. Conclusion The pattern of results enabled us to identify the positive effects of masturbation, masturbation practices commonly used by New Zealand women and the differences between New Zealand women who masturbate frequently and less frequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita I. Csako
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David L. Rowland
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, USA
| | - Kriszta Hevesi
- Department of Education and Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emese Vitalis
- Illinois School of Professional Psychology, National Louis University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shivanthi Balalla
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Salguero Lucas L, Pérez Nieto MÁ, Sáez Sesma S, Gordillo León F. Impulsivity and the Experience of Desire in the Choice of Erotic Stimuli. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E4943. [PMID: 32659932 PMCID: PMC7400519 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17144943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: the relationship between erotic desire and personality factors is still relatively understudied. (2) Objective: to study the influence of the experience of desire, as well as impulsivity in the choice of videos, as the behavioral variable in the experimental trial. (2) Method: the sample consisted of 48 adult subjects, who took part in an experimental study that involved watching videos. (3) Results: the linear regression analysis revealed that the behavior involved in choosing videos is predicted by the sexual desire felt at the time of the trial, and not by stable personality factors, such as impulsivity or general self-report levels of sexual desire. (4) Conclusion: it is observed that the specific moment or situation and the behavior have a bigger impact on the erotic desire experienced at the time of the test than certain personality traits, as well as the previous and habitual levels of erotic desire of which an individual reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Salguero Lucas
- Department of Psychology. Faculty of Education and Health. Camilo José Cela University, 28692 Madrid, Spain; (M.Á.P.N.); (F.G.L.)
| | - Miguel Ángel Pérez Nieto
- Department of Psychology. Faculty of Education and Health. Camilo José Cela University, 28692 Madrid, Spain; (M.Á.P.N.); (F.G.L.)
| | | | - Fernando Gordillo León
- Department of Psychology. Faculty of Education and Health. Camilo José Cela University, 28692 Madrid, Spain; (M.Á.P.N.); (F.G.L.)
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Dwulit AD, Rzymski P. The Potential Associations of Pornography Use with Sexual Dysfunctions: An Integrative Literature Review of Observational Studies. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E914. [PMID: 31247949 PMCID: PMC6679165 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8070914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the associations between pornography use and sexual dysfunction based on evidence from observational studies. The existing data in this regard mostly derive from cross-sectional investigations and case reports. There is little if no evidence that pornography use may induce delayed ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, although longitudinal studies that control for confounding variables are required for a full assessment. The associations between pornography use and sexual desire may differ between women and men although the existing data is contradictory and causal relationships cannot be established. The strongest evidence is available for the relation of pornography use with decreased sexual satisfaction, although the results of prospective studies are inconsistent. The paper outlines future research prospects beneficial in understanding the nature of associations between pornography use and sexual dysfunctions in men and women.
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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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Brody S, Costa RM. Vaginal orgasm is associated with indices of women's better psychological, intimate relationship, and psychophysiological function. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3138/cjhs.261-a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A recent study by Therrien and Brotto (2016) examined the associations of orgasm during intercourse, concordance of laboratory genital and subjective arousal, and demographic variables in a group of sexually dysfunctional women. The authors claimed that their results cast doubt on the large body of multi-method multi-national research demonstrating that women's orgasm from penile-vaginal intercourse, and specifically vaginal orgasm are associated with a broad range of indices of women's better psychological, intimate relationship, and psychophysiological health. The problems with Therrien and Brotto's (2016) conclusions are discussed, and include that they did not even measure vaginal orgasm (they measured orgasm during intercourse, which can in some cases consist of orgasm elicited by clitoral masturbation during intercourse), and the non-generalisability of their findings from a sexually dysfunctional sample to the general population of women. Evidence is also presented against their claims that findings regarding orgasm during intercourse have not been investigated by other researchers, and their denial of differences between vaginal orgasm and clitoral orgasm. Denial of the myriad benefits of vaginal orgasm undermines women's sexual and general health potential, and serves only the demands of political correctness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Brody
- Department of General Anthropology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rui M. Costa
- William James Center for Research, ISPA–Instituto Universitario, Lisbon, Portugal
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Baumeister RF, Catanese KR, Vohs KD. Is There a Gender Difference in Strength of Sex Drive? Theoretical Views, Conceptual Distinctions, and a Review of Relevant Evidence. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2016. [DOI: 10.1207/s15327957pspr0503_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The sex drive refers to the strength of sexual motivation. Across many different studies and measures, men have been shown to have more frequent and more intense sexual desires than women, as reflected in spontaneous thoughts about sex, frequency and variety of sexual fantasies, desired frequency of intercourse, desired number of partners, masturbation, liking for various sexual practices, willingness to forego sex, initiating versus refusing sex, making sacrifices for sex, and other measures. No contrary findings (indicating stronger sexual motivation among women) were found. Hence we conclude that the male sex drive is stronger than the female sex drive. The gender difference in sex drive should not be generalized to other constructs such as sexual or orgasmic capacity, enjoyment of sex, or extrinsically motivated sex.
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Chick D, Gold SR. A Review of Influences on Sexual Fantasy: Attitudes, Experience, Guilt, and Gender. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.2190/lgke-g1wg-jabj-wxyh] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The important role of sexual fantasy in human sexuality has received wide support in the past decade and a half. The initial interest in establishing fantasy's normality has shifted to examining the functional aspects of fantasy and the variables that influence it. The following article reviews variables that affect sexual fantasies including the role of an individual's personality/sexual attitude, sexual experience, sex guilt, and gender. Also, a hypothesized link between parental sexual attitudes and their children's fantasy production is explored. A variety of methods have been implemented to investigate fantasy and a number of these methods are critiqued and some possible methodological improvements are suggested. Finally, the similarity of findings across studies and methods seem to warrant expanding fantasy investigation to other areas and some future directions are suggested.
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Pihlgren EM, Gidycz CA, Lynn SJ. Impact of Adulthood and Adolescent Rape Experiences on Subsequent Sexual Fantasies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.2190/pdec-f0c6-4n1n-3n9h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study represents the first investigation of adolescent and adulthood rape experiences on the sexual fantasies of female college student victims. Although students who reported being adulthood rape victims ( N = 44; not victimized in childhood) reported being more depressed than nonvictims who had experienced intercourse ( N = 83) and than nonvictims with no intercourse history ( N = 40), victims' sexual fantasies were generally indistinguishable from nonvictims in terms of multiple indices of fantasy [1]. Even when data analyses were restricted to only those subjects who perceived themselves as victims, significant differences did not emerge, although a number of suggestive trends were discerned. Across all subjects, fantasies were more elaborate in response to the first of two reported fantasies. Victims were generally indistinguishable from nonvictims in terms of demographic characteristics, previous sexual experiences, sex drive, sexual satisfaction, and sex guilt. In summary, the effects of sexual victimization in this sample were neither pervasive nor enduring.
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Altered states of consciousness are related to higher sexual responsiveness. Conscious Cogn 2016; 42:135-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Gold SR, Chick DA. Sexual Fantasy Patterns as Related to Sexual Attitude, Experience, Guilt and Sex. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/01614576.1988.11074932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven R. Gold
- Psychology Department Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC 28723
| | - David A. Chick
- Psychology Department University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research shows that smoking status is unrelated to female sexual difficulties. However, degree of nicotine dependence has not been measured, and the assessment of sexual functioning has not specified penile-vaginal intercourse (henceforth, intercourse), which is more clearly impaired by sexual difficulties than other sexual behaviors. OBJECTIVES To test if smoking status is associated with poorer female sexual function during intercourse, and if nicotine dependence rather than smoking status is related to poorer female sexual function. METHODS During 2012, 129 Portuguese community women reported their smoking status, and completed the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and an adaptation of the FSFI to assess sexual functioning specifically during intercourse, as well as the desire thereof. RESULTS Smokers reported higher desire for intercourse and were more likely to have actually engaged in it in the past 4 weeks. Among the coitally active women in the preceding 4 weeks, nicotine dependence correlated with lower desire for intercourse. Smoking status and nicotine dependence were unrelated to arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain. CONCLUSIONS The findings are consistent with many studies that fail to demonstrate an increased risk of sexual difficulties among female smokers. However, nicotine dependence, rather than smoking status per se, might be associated with lower libido. The results suggest the possibility of an inverse U-shaped relationship between smoking and libido with a moderate use of tobacco being associated with higher sexual desire.
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Klapilová K, Brody S, Krejčová L, Husárová B, Binter J. Sexual satisfaction, sexual compatibility, and relationship adjustment in couples: the role of sexual behaviors, orgasm, and men's discernment of women's intercourse orgasm. J Sex Med 2014; 12:667-75. [PMID: 25402432 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research indicated that (i) vaginal orgasm consistency is associated with indices of psychological, intimate relationship, and physiological functioning, and (ii) masturbation is adversely associated with some such measures. AIM The aim of this study was to examine the association of various dyadic and masturbation behavior frequencies and percentage of female orgasms during these activities with: (i) measures of dyadic adjustment; (ii) sexual satisfaction; and (iii) compatibility perceived by both partners. METHODS In a sample of 85 Czech long-term couples (aged 20-40; mean relationship length 5.4 years), both partners provided details of recent sexual behaviors and completed sexual satisfaction, Spanier dyadic adjustment, and Hurlbert sexual compatibility measures. Multiple regression analyses were used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The association of sexual behaviors with dyadic adjustment, sexual compatibility, and satisfaction was analyzed. RESULTS In multivariate analyses, women's dyadic adjustment is independently predicted by greater vaginal orgasm consistency and lower frequency of women's masturbation. For both sexes, sexual compatibility was independently predicted by higher frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse and greater vaginal orgasm consistency. Women's sexual satisfaction score was significantly predicted by greater vaginal orgasm consistency, frequency of partner genital stimulation, and negatively with masturbation. Men's sexual satisfaction score was significantly predicted by greater intercourse frequency and any vaginal orgasm of their female partners. Concordance of partner vaginal orgasm consistency estimates was associated with greater dyadic adjustment. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that specifically penile-vaginal intercourse frequency and vaginal orgasm consistency are associated with indices of greater intimate relationship adjustment, satisfaction, and compatibility of both partners, and that women's masturbation is independently inversely associated with measures of dyadic and personal function. Results are discussed in light of previous research and an evolutionary theory of vaginal orgasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Klapilová
- Department of General Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Yule MA, Brotto LA, Gorzalka BB. Sexual fantasy and masturbation among asexual individuals. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN SEXUALITY 2014. [DOI: 10.3138/cjhs.2409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Human asexuality is defined as a lack of sexual attraction, and research suggests that it may be best conceptualized as a sexual orientation. Sexual fantasies are thought to be universally experienced and are often understood to represent true sexual desire more accurately than sexual behaviour. We investigated the relationship between asexuality, masturbation and sexual fantasy as part of a larger online study. Self-identified asexual individuals were compared to sexual individuals with and without low sexual desire. A total of 924 individuals (153 men, 533 women, and 238 individuals who did not respond to the query about sex) completed online questions asking about masturbation and sexual fantasy. Five hundred thirty four were classified in the asexual group, 87 met diagnostic criteria for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), 78 met criteria for subthreshold HSDD without distress, and 187 were a sexual comparison group (i.e., identified as sexual, and had no reported difficulties in sexual desire or distress). Asexual individuals were significantly less likely to have masturbated in the past month and significantly more likely to report never having had a sexual fantasy. Specifically, 40% of asexual participants reported never having had a sexual fantasy compared to between 1% and 8% of participants in the sexual groups. Eleven percent of asexual individuals reported that their sexual fantasies did not involve other people, compared to 1.5% of all sexual individuals. Taken together, these findings suggest that there are notable differences in patterns of sexual fantasy between asexual individuals and sexual individuals with and without low sexual desire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morag A. Yule
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lori A. Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Boris B. Gorzalka
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Brody S, Costa RM, Hess U. “Standard Operating Procedures for Female Orgasmic Disorder” is not Based on Best Evidence. J Sex Med 2013; 10:2606-9. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Santos-Iglesias P, Calvillo G, Sierra JC. A further examination of Levine's model of sexual desire. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2011.576697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Costa RM, Miller GF, Brody S. Women Who Prefer Longer Penises Are More Likely to Have Vaginal Orgasms (but Not Clitoral Orgasms): Implications for an Evolutionary Theory of Vaginal Orgasm. J Sex Med 2012; 9:3079-88. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02917.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Brody S, Costa RM, Hess U. Immature psychological defense mechanisms and the misrepresentations of some sex researchers. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2012.697144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Costa RM. Masturbation is related to psychopathology and prostate dysfunction: comment on Quinsey (2012). ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2012; 41:539-540. [PMID: 22528038 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-012-9956-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
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Costa RM, Brody S. Greater Resting Heart Rate Variability Is Associated with Orgasms Through Penile–Vaginal Intercourse, But Not with Orgasms from Other Sources. J Sex Med 2012; 9:188-97. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02541.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Brody S, Costa RM, Hess U, Weiss P. Vaginal Orgasm Is Related to Better Mental Health and Is Relevant to Evolutionary Psychology: A Response to Zietsch et al. J Sex Med 2011; 8:3523-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02444.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Costa RM, Brody S. Anxious and Avoidant Attachment, Vibrator Use, Anal Sex, and Impaired Vaginal Orgasm. J Sex Med 2011; 8:2493-500. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02332.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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23
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Hubin A, De Sutter P, Reynaert C. Etiological factors in female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. SEXOLOGIES 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sexol.2010.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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25
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Camuso J, Rellini AH. Sexual fantasies and sexual arousal in women with a history of childhood sexual abuse. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2010.494659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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26
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Costa RM, Brody S. Immature Defense Mechanisms Are Associated with Lesser Vaginal Orgasm Consistency and Greater Alcohol Consumption before Sex. J Sex Med 2010; 7:775-86. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01559.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Brody S, Costa RM. Overestimation of heterosexually attributed AIDS deaths is associated with immature psychological defence mechanisms and clitoral masturbation during penile–vaginal intercourse. Int J STD AIDS 2009; 20:869-75. [PMID: 19948903 DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2009.009435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Research shows that (1) greater use of immature psychological defence mechanisms (associated with psychopathology) is associated with lesser orgasmic consistency from penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI), but greater frequency of other sexual behaviours and greater condom use for PVI, and (2) unlike the vectors of receptive anal intercourse and punctures, HIV acquisition during PVI is extremely unlikely in reasonably healthy persons. However, the relationship between overestimation of AIDS deaths due to ‘heterosexual transmission’ (often misunderstood as only PVI), sexual behaviour and mental health has been lacking. Two hundred and twenty-one Scottish women completed the Defense Style Questionnaire, reported past month frequencies of their various sexual activities, and estimated the total number of women who died from AIDS in Scotland nominally as a result of heterosexual transmission in the UK from a partner not known to be an injecting drug user, bisexual or infected through transfusion. The average respondent overestimated by 226,000%. Women providing lower estimates were less likely to use immature psychological defences, and had a lower frequency of orgasms from clitoral masturbation during PVI and from vibrator use. The results indicate that those who perceive ‘heterosexual transmission’ led to many AIDS deaths have poorer psychological functioning, and might be less able to appreciate PVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Brody
- Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - R M Costa
- Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
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28
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Weiss P, Brody S. Female sexual arousal disorder with and without a distress criterion: prevalence and correlates in a representative Czech sample. J Sex Med 2009; 6:3385-94. [PMID: 19758283 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01498.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual medicine would benefit from large representative surveys examining the prevalence of genital female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) symptoms (with and without the increasingly controversial distress criterion), as well as novel FSAD correlates and potential "protective" factors. AIMS To examine the extent to which genital FSAD symptoms, with and without a distress criterion, are associated with both historical and current aspects of sexual behavior. METHODS In a representative sample of the Czech population (aged 15-88), 1,000 women were asked whether they currently have impaired lubrication and vaginal swelling (and if so, if this produces marked distress or interpersonal difficulty). They provided details of vaginal orgasm (induced by penile-vaginal intercourse [PVI] without clitoral masturbation) consistency, feelings during their first PVI, estimates of their typical foreplay and PVI durations, their degree of mental focus on vaginal sensations during PVI, among other factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The current prevalence of FSAD with and without a distress criterion and their associations with current and antecedent sexual behaviors and responses. RESULTS The current prevalence of FSAD was 10.3% without, plus 7.5% with a distress criterion (which tended to be associated with more impairments than without distress). History of vaginal orgasm (odds ratio = 2.78), never masturbating (odds ratio = 2.4), not having felt pain and discomfort on first PVI (odds ratio = 2.27), and not having frequent anal intercourse are protective against FSAD with distress, but not without distress. Age (especially over 50) and inadequate focusing of mental attention on vaginal sensations during PVI are associated with increased FSAD risk both with and without distress. CONCLUSIONS FSAD with and without distress appear to be different entities to some extent, with the distressed group showing more long-term signs of psychosexual impairment. We suggest that FSAD with and without distress be considered two different disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Weiss
- Institute for Sexology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Abstract
Desire and arousal disorders are very common. These disorders can cause significant distress to a patient. A successful approach depends on an accurate diagnosis, which is dependent on history. Laboratory evaluation is usually not helpful, whereas psychosexual therapy is helpful in many cases. Although there is some evidence that drug therapy is helpful in some cases, no drug has been approved for the treatment of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chris Carey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Denver Health, USA.
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Shulman JL, Horne SG. Guilty or not? A path model of women's sexual force fantasies. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2006; 43:368-77. [PMID: 17599258 DOI: 10.1080/00224490609552336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This study estimated a path model of women's forceful sexual fantasies. Constructs examined were childhood sexual abuse, feminist beliefs, sexual guilt, erotophilia, and sexual experience. The study clarifies how these factors mediate one another in relationship to forceful sexual fantasies, and is first to examine the effects of feminist beliefs on forceful sexual fantasy. Adult women (N = 261) participated by completing an online survey. A path from sex guilt to forceful sexual fantasy, mediated by erotophilia, was found, wherein low levels of sex guilt and high levels of erotophilia were found to predict forceful sexual fantasy. A direct path between childhood sexual abuse and forceful sexual fantasy was also found. The resulting model is discussed in relation to previously-proposed theories on the role of force in women's sexual fantasies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie L Shulman
- Indiana State University, College of Education, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA.
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Abstract
This article presents the results of a telephone survey regarding the conjugal and sex life of men and women from the Montreal region. Surprising as it may seem, the relationship between sexual and marital functioning within the couple has been the focus of little study to date. In fact, relatively little is known about the relationship among sexual behavior, sexual attitudes, sexual fantasies, and marital functioning. In this survey, a questionnaire covering these four variables was administered to 996 subjects chosen at random. The results indicate that women seem to have a more positive perception of their sexual behavior, whereas men seem to have a more positive perception of their marital life. Multiple regression analyses were run to examine the relationship between marital functioning and items related to sexual functioning. The links between sexual satisfaction and other items of the questionnaire concerning sexual behavior, sexual attitudes, and sexual fantasies were also analyzed. For this purpose, we subdivided the subjects into two age groups (under 60 and 60 and over) based on the loss of interest in sexual activity that the questionnaire allowed to discern in the 60+ group. The relationship between marital functioning and items related to sexual behavior proved statistically significant. Various items pertaining to sexual functioning also proved to be related to a global assessment of sexual satisfaction. Cognitive variables (sexual attitudes and sexual fantasies) were found to influence sexual satisfaction but had a lesser impact on marital functioning. Gender and age (under 60 or 60 and over) also had an effect on these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Trudel
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, and Fernand Séguin Psychiatric Research Center, Louis H. Lafontaine Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Hurlbert DF, Apt C, Hurlbert MK, Pierce AP. Sexual compatibility and the sexual desire-motivation relation in females with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Behav Modif 2000; 24:325-47. [PMID: 10881380 DOI: 10.1177/0145445500243002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Fifty-four female participants with hypoactive sexual desire disorder supplied daily reports of their sexual desire and motivation. The relation between desire and motivation remained statistically significant when controlling for sexual compatibility, sexual stress, sexual fantasy, and marital and sexual satisfaction. Findings suggest that (a) women higher in sexual compatibility experience greater sexual motivation regardless of their marital and sexual satisfaction, their sexual desire intensity, and depressive symptomatology; and (b) the relation between sexual compatibility and sexual desire is mediated by the propensity of those women high in sexual compatibility to have greater marital and sexual satisfaction. Within-subject analyses that controlled for autocorrelation and linear trends in the time series revealed that 40% of the women experienced significantly higher sexual motivation on greater sexual desire days. A discussion of these findings and evidence for the addition of sexual motivation as a distinct phase in the human sexual response cycle are explored.
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Abstract
Sexual self-schemas are cognitive generalizations regarding sexual aspects of the self; they represent a core component of one's sexuality. We contend that individual differences in sexual self-view are an important cognitive diathesis for predicting sexual difficulty or dysfunction. We illustrate the role of sexual self-schemas in sexual behavior and responsiveness in healthy female and male samples. Next, we examine the diathetic properties of sexual self-schemas. Finally, we discuss an empirical test of the proposed diathesis-stress interaction, reviewing the role of women's sexual self-views on sexual morbidity following diagnosis and treatment for gynecologic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Andersen
- Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1222, USA.
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Cyranowski JM, Aarestad SL, Andersen BL. The role of sexual self-schema in a diathesis-stress model of sexual dysfunction. APPLIED & PREVENTIVE PSYCHOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF APPLIED AND PREVENTIVE PSYCHOLOGY 1999; 8:217-228. [PMID: 19587834 PMCID: PMC2706507 DOI: 10.1016/s0962-1849(05)80078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sexual self-schemas are cognitive generalizations regarding sexual aspects of the self that represent a core component of one's sexuality. We contend that individual differences in the sexual self-view represent an important cognitive diathesis for predicting sexual difficulty or dysfunction. We illustrate the role of sexual self-schemas on sexual behavior and responsiveness in healthy female and male samples. Next, we describe how diathesis-stress models of psychopathology have been applied to the sexual arena, and discuss the critical features of clinically useful diathesis variables. Drawing from these criteria, we examine the diathetic properties of sexual self-schemas. Finally, we discuss an empirical test of the proposed diathesis-stress interaction, reviewing the role of women's sexual self-views on sexual morbidity following diagnosis and treatment for gynecologic cancer.
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Andersen BL, Cyranowski JM. Women's sexuality: behaviors, responses, and individual differences. J Consult Clin Psychol 1996. [PMID: 8543712 DOI: 10.1037//0022-006x.63.6.891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Classic and contemporary approaches to the assessment of female sexuality are discussed. General approaches, assessment strategies, and models of female sexuality are organized within the conceptual domains of sexual behaviors, sexual responses (desire, excitement, orgasm, and resolution), and individual differences, including general and sex-specific personality models. Where applicable, important trends and relationships are highlighted in the literature with both existing reports and previously unpublished data. The present conceptual overview highlights areas in sexual assessment and model building that are in need of further research and theoretical clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Andersen
- Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1222, USA
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Beck JG, Bozman AW. Gender differences in sexual desire: the effects of anger and anxiety. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 1995; 24:595-612. [PMID: 8572909 DOI: 10.1007/bf01542182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The effects of anxiety and anger on subjective sexual desire in men and women, following Kaplan's model of hypoactive desire disorders, were examined. Gender-appropriate erotic audiotapes containing statements designed to elicit anxiety, anger, or situationally appropriate feelings (control condition) were presented to 24 men and 24 women. Dependent measures included subjective anxiety and time to expressed desire to terminate the sexual encounter. Results indicated that, for women, both anger and anxiety significantly reduced desire relative to the control condition, with anger showing a more marked effect. For men, similar results were noted, although fewer differences were observed between the anxiety and anger conditions. Significantly more women (79%) than men (21%) indicated that they would have terminated the encounter during the anger condition. Results are discussed in light of potential gender differences in factors that influence sexual desire, with directions for future research highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Beck
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo 14260, USA
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Abstract
A Female Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire (FSFQ) was developed from factor analysis of ratings through which women indicated the erotic potency of fantasies depicting nominated sexual activities. Five dimensions of sexual fantasy (genital, sensual, sexual power, sexual suffering, forbidden sexual-activity themes) are assessed by FSFQ. The extent to which themes within FSFQ were rated as sexually arousing correlated with the levels of physiological response recorded by vaginal photoplethysmography while women engaged in fantasy employing these themes. Sexual fantasy as assessed by the FSFQ correlated only moderately with scores on measures of non-sexual cognition such as the Imaginal Processes Inventory and the Betts Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery, and women with high and low scores on FSFQ were not readily differentiated by biographic and demographic variables. Contexts in which the FSFQ can be used are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Meuwissen
- Department of Psychology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
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Abstract
Sixty-six men provided ratings of the extent to which they regarded fantasies depicting nominated sexual activities as sexually arousing. A Male Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire (MSFQ) with five subscales was constructed following factor analysis of these ratings. The subscales yield separate scores for fantasies representing sensual, genital, public sex, sexual dominance-submission, and sexual aggression themes. Levels of penile tumescence recorded while men engaged in fantasies depicting content represented in the MSFQ correlated with the extent to which these men earlier had rated these same fantasies as sexually arousing. Since ratings on the MSFQ did not correlate substantially or consistently with scores on the Betts Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery, the Imaginal Processes Inventory, and the Gordon Test of Visual Imagery Control, sexual fantasy may be mediated by processes different from those involved in non-sexual imagery and daydreaming. The need to validate use of the MSFQ in several clinical contexts is noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Smith
- Department of Psychology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Borgeat F, Rezanowicz T, Chaloult L. [Preconscious and conscious stimulation of erotic imagination]. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 1988; 33:394-8. [PMID: 3044568 DOI: 10.1177/070674378803300515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The stimulation of erotic fantasies through the association of relaxation and erotic conscious or preconscious suggestions has been evaluated. This study was attempted following positive results in the stimulation of fantasmatic activity in alexithymic subjects with a similar procedure. Thirty female subjects, allocated into three groups practiced relaxation daily for two weeks including three sessions with psychological measures. During the second week, erotic suggestions, preconscious for one group and conscious for another one, were added. The third group (control) received only relaxation throughout. Results have shown an increase of sexual arousal and erotic imagery during the sessions with erotic suggestions. Sexual activities and desire increased in the two experimental groups. There was no difference between the effects of the preconscious and conscious suggestions. Possible clinical applications of such a procedure are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Borgeat
- Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, Québec
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