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Schippers EE, Hoogsteder LM, de Vogel V. Theories on the Etiology of Deviant Sexual Interests: A Systematic Review. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024:10790632241271308. [PMID: 39138133 DOI: 10.1177/10790632241271308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Not much is known about the etiology, or development, of deviant sexual interests. The aim of this systematic review was to provide a broad overview of current theories on the etiology of sexual deviance. We conducted a systematic search of the databases PubMed and APA PsycInfo (EBSCO). Studies were included when they discussed a theory regarding the etiology or development of sexual deviance. Included studies were assessed on quality criteria for good theories. Common etiological themes were extracted using thematic analysis. We included 47 theories explaining sexual deviance in general as well as various specific deviant sexual interests, such as pedophilia and sadism/masochism. Few theories (k = 7) were of acceptable quality as suggested by our systematic assessment of quality criteria for good theories (QUACGOT). These theories indicated that deviant sexual interests may develop as the result of an interplay of various factors: excitation transfer between emotions and sexual arousal, conditioning, problems with "normative" sexuality, and social learning. Neurobiological findings could not be included as no acceptable quality neurobiological theories could be retrieved. The important roles of excitation transfer and conditioning designate that dynamic, changeable processes take part in the etiology of sexual deviance. These same processes could potentially be deployed to diminish unwanted deviant sexual interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline E Schippers
- Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, section Forensic Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Larissa M Hoogsteder
- Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Vivienne de Vogel
- Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, section Forensic Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Larva MA, Rantala MJ. An Evolutionary Psychological Approach Toward BDSM Interest and Behavior. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:2253-2267. [PMID: 38769280 PMCID: PMC11176219 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02881-x] [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] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, and Sadism/Masochism (BDSM) have gained increased attention and discussion in recent years. This prevalence is accompanied by a shift in perceptions of BDSM, including the declassification of sadomasochism as a paraphilic disorder. Evolutionary psychology offers a unique perspective of why some individuals are interested in BDSM and why some prefer certain elements of BDSM over others (e.g., dominance versus submission). In this paper, we examine BDSM from an evolutionary standpoint, examining biopsychosocial factors that underlie the BDSM interests and practice. We articulate this perspective via an exploration of: proximate processes, such as the role of childhood experiences, sexual conditioning, and physiological factors; as well as ultimate explanations for power play and pain play dimensions of BDSM, highlighting the potential adaptive advantages of each. While BDSM may not be adaptive in itself, we examine the literature of sex differences in BDSM role preferences and argue that these preferences may stem from the extreme forms of behaviors which enhance reproductive success. In the realm of pain play, we explore the intersection of pain and pleasure from both physiological and psychological perspectives, highlighting the crucial role of psychological and play partner factors in modulating the experience of pain. Finally, we encourage future research in social sciences to utilize evolutionary frameworks to further explore the subject and help alleviate the mystification surrounding BDSM. This multifaceted exploration of BDSM provides valuable insights for clinicians, kink-identified individuals, and scholars seeking to understand the evolutionary perspectives of human sexual behavior and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Larva
- INVEST Research Flagship Centre (Psychology), University of Turku, Assistentinkatu 7, N20014, Turku, Finland.
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Scorolli C. Re-enacting the Bodily Self on Stage: Embodied Cognition Meets Psychoanalysis. Front Psychol 2019; 10:492. [PMID: 31024371 PMCID: PMC6460994 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The embodied approach to cognition consists in a range of theoretical proposals sharing the idea that our concepts are constitutively shaped by the physical and social constraints of our body and environment. Still far from a mutually enriching interplay, in recent years embodied and psychoanalytic approaches are converging on similar constructs as the ones of intersubjectivity, bodily self, and affective quality of verbal communication. Some efforts to cope with the sentient subject were already present in classical cognitivism: having expunged desires and conflicts from the cognitive harmony, bodily emotions re-emerged but only as a noisy dynamic friction. In contrast, the new, neural, embodied cognitive science with its focus on bodily effects/affects has enabled a dialogue between neuro-cognitive perspectives and clinic-psychological ones, through shared conceptual frameworks. I will address crucial issues that should be faced on this reconciling path. With reference to two kinds of contemporary addictions - internet addiction disorder and eating disorders - I will introduce a possible therapeutic approach that is built upon the core role of the acting-sentient bodily self in a dynamic-social and affective environment. In Psychoanalytic Psychodrama, the spontaneous re-enactment of a past (socially and physically constrained) experience is actualized by means of the other, the Auxiliary Ego. This allows homeostatic and social-emotional affects, i.e., drives and instincts, to be re-experienced by the agent, the Protagonist, in a safe scenario. The director-psychoanalyst smoothly traces back this simulation to the motivated, and constrained, early proximal embodied interactions with significant others, and to the related instinctual conflicting aims. The psychoanalytic reframing of classical psychodrama does not merely exploit its original cathartic function, rather stands out for exploring the interpersonal constitution of the self, through an actual "re-somatization" of psychoanalytic therapy. Unspoken/unspeakable feelings pop up on stage: the strength of this treatment mainly rests on re-establishing the priority of the embodied Self over the narrative Self. By pointing out the possible conflicts between these two selves, this method can broaden the embodied cognition perspective. The psychodramatic approach will be briefly discussed in light of connectionist models, to finally address linguistic and methodological pivotal issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Scorolli
- Department of Philosophy and Communication Studies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Heffernan ME, Chong JY, Fraley RC. Are People Attracted to Others Who Resemble Their Opposite-Sex Parents? An Examination of Mate Preferences and Parental Ethnicity Among Biracial Individuals. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1948550618794679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It is generally believed that people tend to be attracted to and pair with others who resemble their opposite-sex parents. Studies 1A ( n = 1,025) and 1B ( n = 3,105) tested this assumption by examining whether biracial adults were more likely to be paired with partners who matched their opposite-sex parent’s ethnicity. Study 2 ( n = 516) examined whether biracial adults were more likely to be attracted to targets whose ethnicity matched that of their opposite-sex parent. Although biracial adults were more likely to pair with and be attracted to others who resembled their parents compared to those who did not, the sex of the parent was largely inconsequential. These findings have implications for models of mate preferences, including the traditional perspectives (which assume that the opposite-sex parent has greater influence on adult mating preferences) and ethological models (which assume that the sex of the parent is irrelevant with regard to influence on mating preferences).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jia Y. Chong
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - R. Chris Fraley
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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Mollaioli D, Di Sante S, Limoncin E, Ciocca G, Gravina GL, Maseroli E, Fanni E, Vignozzi L, Maggi M, Lenzi A, Jannini EA. Validation of a Visual Analogue Scale to measure the subjective perception of orgasmic intensity in females: The Orgasmometer-F. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202076. [PMID: 30157203 PMCID: PMC6114295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The female orgasm represents one of the most complex functions in the field of human sexuality. The conjunction of the anatomical, physiological, psycho-relational and socio-cultural components contributes to make the female orgasm still partly unclear. The female orgasmic experience, its correlates and the relation with sexual desire, arousal and lubrication as predictors are highly debated in scientific community. In this context, little is known about the impact of female sexual dysfunction (SD) on sexual pleasure expressed by subjective orgasmic intensity, and there are no suitable psychometric tools suited to investigate this dimension. Thus, we validate, in female subjects, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) that we named Orgasmometer-F, to verify if SD is accompanied by a lower perceived orgasmic intensity. A total of 526 women, recruited through a web-based platform and from sexological outpatient clinic, were enrolled in the study. They were divided into, on the basis of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score in two groups: 1) 112women suffering from SD, (SD Group); and 2) 414 sexually healthy women (Control Group). The participants were requested to fill out the Orgasmometer-F, recording orgasmic intensity on a Likert scale from 0 (absence of orgasmic intensity) to 10 (maximum orgasmic intensity experienced). Women with SD experienced significantly lower orgasmic intensity than controls, as measured by the Orgasmometer-F (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, masturbatory frequency was positively correlated with orgasmic intensity, as were the lubrication, orgasm and sexual satisfaction domains of the FSFI. The Orgasmometer-F was well understood, had a good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93) and a high AUC in differentiating between women with and without sexual dysfunction (AUC = 0.9; p < 0.0001). The ROC curve analysis showed that a cut-off <5 had 86.5% sensitivity (95% CI 82,8–89,6), 80.4% specificity (95% CI 71.8–87.3), 75.4% positive predictive value (PPV) and 89.5% negative predictive value (NPV). In conclusion, the Orgasmometer-F, a new psychometrically sound tool for measuring orgasmic intensity in female population, demonstrated that SD impair orgasmic intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Mollaioli
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Di Sante
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Limoncin
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Ciocca
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Gravina
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Elisa Maseroli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Egidia Fanni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emmanuele A. Jannini
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Bressan P, Damian V. Fathers' eye colour sways daughters' choice of both long- and short-term partners. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5574. [PMID: 29615697 PMCID: PMC5883032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23784-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In several species, mate choice is influenced by parental features through sexual imprinting, but in humans evidence is scarce and open to alternative explanations. We examined whether daughters' preference for mates with light vs dark eyes is affected by the eye colour of parents. In an online study, over one thousand women rated the attractiveness of men as potential partners for either a long- or a short-term relationship. Each male face was shown twice, with light (blue or green) and with dark (brown or dark brown) eyes. Having a light-eyed father increased the preference for light-eyed men in both relationship contexts. Having light eyes increased this preference too, but only when men were regarded as potential long-term companions. Asymmetrically, in real life, father's eye colour was the only predictor of partner's eye colour; own colour was irrelevant. Mother's eye colour never mattered, affecting neither preferences nor real-life choices. The effect of paternal eye colour was modulated by the quality of the relationship between father and daughter, suggesting (flexible) sexual imprinting rather than a simple inheritance of maternal preferences. Our data provide evidence that in humans, as in birds and sheep, visual experience of parental features shapes later sexual preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bressan
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Generale, Università di Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - Valeria Damian
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Generale, Università di Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
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Father's physique influences mate preferences but not the actual choice of male somatotype in heterosexual women and homosexual men. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Griffee K, Stroebel SS, O’Keefe SL, Harper-Dorton KV, Beard KW, Young DH, Swindell S, Stroupe WE, Steele K, Lawhon M, Kuo SY. Sexual imprinting of offspring on their parents and siblings. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2017.1307632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Griffee
- Division of Social Sciences, Concord University, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712, USA
| | - Sandra S. Stroebel
- School Psychology Program, Marshall University Graduate College, 100 Angus E. Peyton Drive, South Charleston, WV 25303-1600, USA
| | - Stephen L. O’Keefe
- School Psychology Program, Marshall University Graduate College, 100 Angus E. Peyton Drive, South Charleston, WV 25303-1600, USA
| | | | - Keith W. Beard
- Department of Psychology, Marshall University, One John Marshall Dr., Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Debra H. Young
- Charleston Division, School of Social Work, West Virginia University, Charleston, WV, USA
| | - Sam Swindell
- Justice, Law and Public Safety Studies Department, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL USA
- Attorney and Counselor at Law, Christiansburg, VA USA
| | - Walter E. Stroupe
- Department of Criminal Justice, West Virginia State University, P.O. Box 1000, Institute, WV 25112-1000, USA
| | - Kerri Steele
- Department of Criminal Justice, West Virginia State University, P.O. Box 1000, Institute, WV 25112-1000, USA
| | - Megan Lawhon
- Department of Psychology, Marshall University, One John Marshall Dr., Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Shih-Ya Kuo
- Department of Criminal Justice, West Virginia State University, P.O. Box 1000, Institute, WV 25112-1000, USA
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Varella Valentova J, Bártová K, Štěrbová Z, Corrêa Varella MA. Influence of sexual orientation, population, homogamy, and imprinting-like effect on preferences and choices for female buttock size, breast size and shape, and WHR. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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11
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Imprinting and flexibility in human face cognition. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33545. [PMID: 27680495 PMCID: PMC5062761 DOI: 10.1038/srep33545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Faces are an important cue to multiple physiological and psychological traits. Human preferences for exaggerated sex typicality (masculinity or femininity) in faces depend on multiple factors and show high inter-subject variability. To gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying facial femininity preferences in men, we tested the interactive effect of family structure (birth order, sibling sex-ratio and number of siblings) and parenthood status on these preferences. Based on a group of 1304 heterosexual men, we have found that preference for feminine faces was not only influenced by sibling age and sex, but also that fatherhood modulated this preference. Men with sisters had a weaker preference for femininity than men with brothers, highlighting a possible effect of a negative imprinting-like mechanism. What is more, fatherhood increased strongly the preference for facial femininity. Finally, for fathers with younger sisters only, the more the age difference increased between them, the more femininity preference increased. Overall our findings bring new insight into how early-acquired experience at the individual level may determine face preference in adulthood, and what is more, how these preferences are flexible and potentially dependent on parenthood status in adult men.
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Beard KW, Stroebel SS, O’Keefe SL, Harper-Dorton KV, Griffee K, Young DH, Swindell S, Steele K, Linz TD, Moore KB, Lawhon M, Campbell NM. Childhood and adolescent sexual behaviors predict adult sexual orientations. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2015.1067568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Keith W. Beard
- Department of Psychology, Marshall University, One John Marshall Dr., Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Sandra S. Stroebel
- School Psychology Program, Marshall University Graduate College, 100 Angus E. Peyton Drive, South Charleston, WV 25303-1600, USA
| | - Stephen L. O’Keefe
- Department of Psychology, Marshall University, One John Marshall Dr., Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | | | - Karen Griffee
- Division of Social Sciences, Concord University, P.O. Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712, USA
| | - Debra H. Young
- West Virginia University, School of Social Work, Charleston Division, Charleston, WV, USA
| | - Sam Swindell
- Athena Justice Solutions, LC, 2207 Glade Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Kerri Steele
- Department of Criminal Justice, West Virginia State University, P.O. Box 1000, Institute, WV 25112-1000, USA
| | - Thomas D. Linz
- Department of Psychology, Marshall University, One John Marshall Dr., Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Karla Beth Moore
- Department of Psychology, Marshall University, One John Marshall Dr., Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Megan Lawhon
- Department of Psychology, Marshall University, One John Marshall Dr., Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Natalie M. Campbell
- School Psychology Program, Marshall University Graduate College, 100 Angus E. Peyton Drive, South Charleston, WV 25303-1600, USA
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Griffee K, O’Keefe SL, Beard KW, Young DH, Kommor MJ, Linz TD, Swindell S, Stroebel SS. Human Sexual Development is Subject to Critical Period Learning: Implications for Sexual Addiction, Sexual Therapy, and for Child Rearing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/10720162.2014.906012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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The sexual attraction toward disabilities: a preliminary internet-based study. Int J Impot Res 2013; 26:51-4. [PMID: 24048013 DOI: 10.1038/ijir.2013.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Devotism, defined as sexual attraction toward disabilities, has not undergone extensive study. To verify whether devotees have characteristics suggestive of a paraphilic behavior, an ad hoc internet questionnaire was developed to study a population of 209 subjects enrolled from online devotee communities. With respect to the sexual preference, we observe a first population comprising subjects sexually attracted by disability per se and considers it as an erotic object. In the absence of disability, this group is also unable to become sexually aroused and experiences discomfort due to their condition. The second subpopulation comprises subjects attracted by specific characteristics of people with disabilities such as adaptability, fortitude, courage and ability to overcome obstacles. This group experiences low levels of discomfort for their sexual preference. Further studies will be necessary to confirm these data.
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Do early caregiving experiences shape what people find attractive in adulthood? Evidence from a study on parental age. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Jannini EA, Limoncin E, Ciocca G, Buehler S, Krychman M. Ethical Aspects of Sexual Medicine. Internet, Vibrators, and Other Sex Aids: Toys or Therapeutic Instruments? J Sex Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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