1
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Sharman LS, Fitzgerald R, Douglas H. Prevalence of Sexual Strangulation/Choking Among Australian 18-35 Year-Olds. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02937-y. [PMID: 38961025 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02937-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
In Australia, strangulation has been explicitly criminalized in all states and territories. However, it continues to be a "normalized" sexual practice despite its potentially fatal consequences and associated short and long-term sequelae. This research aimed to establish the prevalence of strangulation during sex and examine predictors of positive perceptions toward sexual strangulation in Australia. Confidential, cross-sectional online surveys were conducted with 4702 Australians aged 18-35 years. Participants were 47% cis-men, 48% cis-women, and 4% trans or gender diverse. A total of 57% reported ever being sexually strangled (61% women, 43% men, 79% trans or gender diverse) and 51% reported ever strangling a partner (40% women, 59% men, 74% trans or gender diverse). Differences were found across genders on all variables of sexual strangulation, including frequency of engagement, level of pressure on the neck, consequences, wanting and enjoyment, and how consent was given/received. However, when split by gender, sexual orientation of men and women revealed further differences in behaviors, consequences, and wanting, particularly among straight and bisexual women. After accounting for exposure to strangulation in pornography and previous experience of sexual strangulation, positive perceptions of being strangled (R2 = .51) and strangling a partner (R2 = .53) were predicted by ratings that it could be done safely and social normative factors. These findings suggest strangulation is common during sex among young Australians. Non-stigmatizing education strategies are needed to engage with young people so they have a better understanding of the risks involved and how to negotiate consent and safety regarding sexual strangulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah S Sharman
- Melbourne Law School, Faculty of Law, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Robin Fitzgerald
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Heather Douglas
- Melbourne Law School, Faculty of Law, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
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2
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Steele B, Degli Esposti M, Mandeville P, Humphreys DK. Sexual Violence Among Higher Education Students in the United Kingdom: Results from the Oxford Understanding Relationships, Sex, Power, Abuse and Consent Experiences Study. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024; 39:1926-1951. [PMID: 37983759 PMCID: PMC10993636 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231212167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Sexual violence (SV) experienced by higher education students is a prevalent public health problem. Collecting data on SV through self-report surveys in higher education institutions (HEIs) is essential for estimating the scope of the problem, the first step to adequately resourcing and implementing prevention and response programming and policies. However, in the United Kingdom, data is limited. We used data from the cross-sectional Oxford Understanding Relationships, Sex, Power, Abuse and Consent Experiences survey, administered to all students at a university in the United Kingdom in May 2021 (n = 25,820), to estimate the past year prevalence of SV. We analyzed data from respondents who answered at least one question on SV (n = 1,318) and found that 20.5% of respondents experienced at least one act of attempted or forced sexual touching or rape, and 52.7% of respondents experienced at least one act of sexual harassment (SH). We found that women experienced the highest rates of SV. Attempted forced sexual touching was far more common than forced sexual touching, or rape. Sexist remarks or jokes were the most common act of SH. Most acts of SV took place at the university. These findings reveal that the prevalence of SV in HEIs in the United Kingdom could be far higher than what is experienced in the general population. While this study reflects the context in only one institution, it underlines the need for continued monitoring to develop rigorous, evidence-based, and targeted prevention and response strategies.
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3
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Herbenick D, Guerra-Reyes L, Patterson C, Wilson J, Rosenstock Gonzalez YR, Voorheis E, Whitcomb M, Kump R, Theis E, Rothman EF, Nelson KM, Maas MK. #ChokeMeDaddy: A Content Analysis of Memes Related to Choking/Strangulation During Sex. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:1299-1315. [PMID: 36526942 PMCID: PMC9757635 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02502-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent research indicates that some young people initially learn about sexual choking through Internet memes. Thus, a qualitative content analysis was performed on 316 visual and textual memes collected from various social media websites and online searches to assess salient categories related to choking during sex. We identified nine main categories: communication, gendered dynamics, choking as dangerous, choking as sexy, sexualization of the nonsexual, shame and worry, romance/rough sex juxtaposition, choking and religious references, instructional/informational. Given that memes, through their humor, can make difficult topics more palatable and minimize potential harm in the phenomenon they depict, more concerted, synergistic effort that integrates media literacy into sexuality education programming on the potential risks that may ensue for those engaging in sexual choking is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, SPH 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, SPH 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Callie Patterson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, SPH 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Jodi Wilson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, SPH 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Yael R Rosenstock Gonzalez
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, SPH 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Eva Voorheis
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, SPH 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Maddy Whitcomb
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, SPH 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Rachel Kump
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, SPH 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Evan Theis
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, SPH 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Emily F Rothman
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly M Nelson
- Department of Community Health Sciences and Department of Psychiatry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan K Maas
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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4
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Herbenick D, Fu TC, Patterson C. Sexual Repertoire, Duration of Partnered Sex, Sexual Pleasure, and Orgasm: Findings from a US Nationally Representative Survey of Adults. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 49:369-390. [PMID: 36151751 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2126417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In a confidential U.S. nationally representative survey of 2,525 adults (1300 women, 1225 men), we examined participants' event-level sexual behaviors, predictors of pleasure and orgasm, and perceived actual and ideal duration of sex, by gender and age. Event-level kissing, cuddling, vaginal intercourse, and oral sex were prevalent. Sexual choking was more prevalent among adults under 40. While women and men reported a similar actual duration of sex, men reported a longer ideal duration. Participants with same-sex partners reported a longer ideal duration than those with other-sex partners. Finally, findings show that gendered sexual inequities related to pleasure and orgasm persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Callie Patterson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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5
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Nguyen TC, Donovan EE, Wright ML. Doula Support Challenges and Coping Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Maternal Health Inequities. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 38:1099-1110. [PMID: 34894931 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1991641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made birthing more stressful and isolating, which has raised particular concern for populations of birthing people affected by maternal health inequities. Doulas have been proposed as one means of improving health outcomes by providing emotional, physical, and informational support to patients and their families before, during, or after labor. However, the social and economic conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic have posed new challenges for doula care. We conducted thematic analysis on 25 semi-structured interviews with practicing doulas in the United States to explore changes to doula care during the pandemic. Although doulas have faced many challenges in providing virtual and socially-distanced support during the pandemic, the rising use of telehealth among doulas has revealed new coping strategies and opportunities for virtual communication with the doula community. Our findings indicate that doula experiences during the pandemic can inform future doula care practices, particularly for birthing people of color and low-income birthing people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien C Nguyen
- College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas
| | - Erin E Donovan
- Department of Communication Studies, The University of Texas
| | - Michelle L Wright
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas
- Department of Women's Health, Dell Medical School
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6
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Herbenick D, Fu TC, Eastman-Mueller H, Thomas S, Svetina Valdivia D, Rosenberg M, Guerra-Reyes L, Wright PJ, Kawata K, Feiner JR. Frequency, Method, Intensity, and Health Sequelae of Sexual Choking Among U.S. Undergraduate and Graduate Students. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:3121-3139. [PMID: 35902430 PMCID: PMC9333342 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Although sexual choking is now prevalent, little is known about how people engage in choking in terms of frequency, intensity, method, or potential health sequelae. In a campus-representative survey of undergraduate and graduate students, we aimed to: (1) describe the prevalence of ever having choked/been choked as part of sex; (2) examine the characteristics of choking one's sexual partners (e.g., age at first experience, number of partners, frequency, intensity, method); (3) examine the characteristics of having been choked during sex; and (4) assess immediate responses of having been choked including the extent to which frequency and method (e.g., hand, ligature, limb) of having been choked predicts the range of responses endorsed by participants. A total of 4254 randomly sampled students (2668 undergraduate, 1576 graduate) completed a confidential online survey during Spring 2021. The mean age of first choking/being choked was about 19, with more undergraduates than graduate students reporting first choking/being choked in adolescence. Women and transgender/gender non-binary participants were significantly more likely to have been choked than men. Participants more often reported the use of hands compared to limbs or ligature. Common responses to being choked were pleasurable sensations/euphoria (81.7%), a head rush (43.8%), feeling like they could not breathe (43.0%), difficulty swallowing (38.9%), unable to speak (37.6%), and watery eyes (37.2%). About 15% had noticed neck bruising and 3% had lost consciousness from being choked. Greater frequency and intensity of being choked was associated with reports of more physical responses as was use of limb (arm, leg) or ligature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Heather Eastman-Mueller
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Sally Thomas
- Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Dubravka Svetina Valdivia
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public, Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Paul J Wright
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Division of Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - John R Feiner
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
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7
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Huibregtse ME, Alexander IL, Klemsz LM, Fu TC, Fortenberry JD, Herbenick D, Kawata K. Frequent and Recent Non-fatal Strangulation/Choking During Sex and Its Association With fMRI Activation During Working Memory Tasks. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:881678. [PMID: 35722189 PMCID: PMC9201570 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.881678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Being strangled, or “choked,” by a sexual partner has emerged as a prevalent, often wanted and consensual sexual behavior among adolescent and young adult women, yet the neurological consequences of repeated exposure to this behavior are unknown. The objective of the study was to examine the association between a history of repeated, recent choking/strangling episodes during sex and fMRI activation during working memory tasks in young adult women. This case-control study involved young adult women (18–30 years old) at a large, public university, and consisted of two study groups: a choking group consisting of participants who were recently and frequently choked/strangled during sex by a partner (≥4 times in the past 30 days) and a choking-naïve (control) group who had never been choked/strangled during sex. Participants completed two variations of the N-back (0-back, 1-back, and 2-back) working memory task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): verbal and visual N-back tasks. Data from 20 participants per group were available for analysis. Between-group differences for accuracy and reaction time were not significant for either variation of the N-back task. Significant differences in fMRI activation patterns were detected between the choking and the choking-naïve groups for the three contrasts of interest (1-back > 0-back, 2-back > 0-back, and 2-back > 1-back). The choking group exhibited increased activation in multiple clusters relative to the choking-naïve group for the contrasts between the 1-back and 2-back conditions compared to the 0-back conditions (e.g., superior frontal gyrus, corpus callosum). However, the choking-naïve group exhibited increased activation relative to the choking group in several clusters for the 2-back > 1 back contrast (e.g., splenium, middle frontal gyrus). These data indicate that recent, frequent exposure to partnered sexual strangulation is associated with different neural activation patterns during verbal and visual working memory tasks compared to controls, suggesting that being choked/strangled during sex may modify the allocation of neural resources at increasing levels of cognitive load. Further investigation into the neurologic effects of this sexual behavior is warranted, given the prevalence of sexual choking among adolescent and young adult women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Huibregtse
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Isabella L. Alexander
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Lillian M. Klemsz
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Tsung-chieh Fu
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - J. Dennis Fortenberry
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Debby Herbenick
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Keisuke Kawata
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8
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Herbenick D, Patterson C, Khan S, Voorheis E, Sullivan A, Wright P, Keene S. "Don't Just Randomly Grab Someone's Neck during Intercourse!" An Analysis of Internet Articles about Choking/Strangulation during Sex. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 49:41-55. [PMID: 35570586 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2065392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sexual choking/strangulation has become prevalent among young U.S. adults, yet little is known about media articles that teach readers about choking. We conducted a content analysis of 27 Internet articles, examining how choking is described, information related to health risks and healthcare, and article accuracy. Most articles described choking in positive terms and indicated choking can be done safely or properly, even while acknowledging potential dangers. Only two articles indicated having undergone expert/medical review. Few gave information about signs that would warrant seeking healthcare. Sexuality professionals need to be aware of choking-related information and misinformation in online media articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Callie Patterson
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Shahzarin Khan
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Eva Voorheis
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Anne Sullivan
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Paul Wright
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Samantha Keene
- School of Social and Cultural Studies, The Institute of Criminology, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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9
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Wright PJ, Herbenick D, Tokunaga RS. Pornography and Women's Experience of Mixed-Gender Sexual Choking/Strangulation: Eroticization Mediates, Perceived Similarity Moderates. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 27:173-182. [PMID: 35535648 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2022.2073406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sexual choking, which is a form of strangulation, can lead to various health consequences, including death. Recent surveys suggest that sexual choking is prevalent among young U.S. adults, a demographic also likely to view pornography. Pornography professionals, social commentators, and scholars have noted that mixed-gender choking is normative in contemporary pornography. Further, the pornographic portrayal of sexual choking is gendered; men choke women more often than women choke men. Guided by the sexual script acquisition, activation, application model (3AM) of mediated sexual socialization, the present campus-representative probability study explored associations between heterosexual-identified women's pornography exposure and sexual choking behavior. The more frequently women viewed pornography, the more often they were exposed to pornographic depictions of sexual choking. Exposure to sexual choking, in turn, was associated with being choked by men, but not choking men. The link between choking exposure and being choked was mediated by the eroticization of choking (rather than reduced agency to stop rough sex) and became stronger the more women perceived themselves as similar to actors in pornography. These results suggest that women's experience of sexual choking is influenced by their use of pornography, but in an active and willing, rather than a passive and unwilling, manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Wright
- The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Debby Herbenick
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion in the School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington
| | - Robert S Tokunaga
- The Department of Communication, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
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10
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Svetina Valdivia D, Herbenick D, Fu TC, Eastman-Mueller H, Guerra-Reyes L, Rosenberg M. Meanings of Rough Sex across Gender, Sexual Identity, and Political Ideology: A Conditional Covariance Approach. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 48:579-592. [PMID: 35100948 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2029781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate how various subgroups based on gender, sexual identity, and political ideology conceptualize rough sex. We used available data from a 2020 survey of randomly sampled undergraduate students at a large public university in the Midwestern U.S. (n = 4,989). The dichotomous responses to 13 items on the rough sex meaning scale were analyzed using a conditional covariance approach to better understand which behaviors commonly described as rough sex behaviors were prevalent. Our results showed that rough sex was conceptualized largely as a two-dimensional construct for vast majority of subgroups. Across all subgroups, nine of the 13 behaviors clustered along two dimensions in the same way. Specifically, four behaviors related to hair pulling, being pinned down, hard thrusting, and throwing someone onto a bed clustered together as one dimension (spanking and tearing clothes off being present along this dimension for vast majority of the subgroups). Being tied up, slapping, choking, punching, and making someone have sex behaviors formed a separate dimension of rough sex across all studied groups (with biting and scratching being associated with this dimension for vast majority of subgroups).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dubravka Svetina Valdivia
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Heather Eastman-Mueller
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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11
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Herbenick D, Fu TC, Kawata K, Eastman-Mueller H, Guerra-Reyes L, Rosenberg M, Valdivia DS. Non-Fatal Strangulation/Choking During Sex and Its Associations with Mental Health: Findings from an Undergraduate Probability Survey. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 48:238-250. [PMID: 34596011 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1985025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Choking/strangulation during sex is prevalent among young adults in the United States. We examined associations between having ever been choked and participants' current mental health symptoms (e.g., feeling depressed, anxious, sad, lonely) in the prior 30 days and in the prior year. Participants were 4352 randomly sampled undergraduates who completed a confidential online survey and reported lifetime partnered sexual activity. 33.6% of women and 6.0% of men reported having been choked more than five times. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, having been choked remained significantly associated with all four mental health outcomes, except for overwhelming anxiety among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Division of Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Heather Eastman-Mueller
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Dubravka Svetina Valdivia
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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12
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Herbenick D, Guerra-Reyes L, Patterson C, Rosenstock Gonzalez YR, Wagner C, Zounlome NOO. "If Their Face Starts Turning Purple, You Are Probably Doing Something Wrong": Young Men's Experiences with Choking During Sex. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 48:502-519. [PMID: 34873995 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.2009607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Choking/strangulation during sex has become prevalent in the United States. Yet, no qualitative research has addressed men's choking experiences. Through interviews with 21 young adult men, we examined the language men use to refer to choking, how they first learned about it, their experiences with choking, and consent and safety practices. Men learned about choking during adolescence from pornography, partners, friends, and mainstream media. They engaged in choking to be kinky, adventurous, and to please partners. While many enjoyed or felt neutral about choking, others were reluctant to choke or be choked. Safety and verbal/non-verbal consent practices varied widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Callie Patterson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Yael R Rosenstock Gonzalez
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Caroline Wagner
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Nelson O O Zounlome
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, College of Education, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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