Groping Research Articles

The spiraling effect of incivility enacted through information and communication technology (ICT) in the workplace

PurposeThis research provides an empirical test of Andersson and Pearson’s (1999) theoretical incivility spiral. Rather than investigate the incidence of incivility perpetration following incivility victimization in face-to-face interactions, this study tests for evidence of an incivility spiral due to communications enacted through information and communication technology (ICT) based on affective events theory (AET) (Weiss and Cropanzano, 1996). Further, the moderating impacts of both gender and incivility climate on this relationship are considered.Design/methodology/approachThe sample for this Time 1–Time 2 survey-based research was comprised of 354 full-time working adults from a wide range of organizations. We employed hierarchical moderated regression analyses as our primary data analytic technique.FindingsResults demonstrate that victims of ICT incivility at Time 1 are likely to be perpetrators of ICT incivility at Time 2. Furthermore, this relationship is stronger for men than it is for women and is exacerbated in cultures that have a low tolerance for ICT incivility.Originality/valueThis is the first known test of the incidence of an incivility spiral due to communications enacted through ICT. There is special cause for concern given the often-impersonal nature of ICT use (and abuse) in organizations. Individuals may feel emboldened by the distance and perceived safety ICT mediation affords and may be less likely to moderate their online interactions with colleagues. Absent the physical intimacy and non-verbal signals that face-to-face interactions provide, individuals may be more likely to perpetuate incivility in ICT interactions even if there is no implicit intent to harm others.

The intimate lives of hunter-gatherer children and adolescents

The primary aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the daily lives and experiences of children and adolescents in contemporary hunter-gatherer societies. The study focuses on cultural and demographic factors that influence children’s experiences and examines general characteristics of childhood among forager communities. A secondary aim of the paper is to discuss, when possible, links between hunter-gatherer children’s lives and the archaeological record. This review focuses on the Aka and other Congo Basin hunter-gatherer because of the extensive amount of recent research on childhood in these groups, but also includes comparisons with foragers in other natural and social settings. The study analyses multiple features of childcare and children’s experiences, such as infant care, physical and emotional intimacy, play, co-sleeping and social learning. Hunter-gatherer societies have relatively unique cultural practices common to many groups living in diverse natural environments and which seem to have been conserved over time and space (Hewlett BS et al 2024). The archaeological record may have limited physical artefacts associated with children, but their lived experiences and activities can still manifest as discernible archaeological signatures. The examination of childhood in hunter-gatherer societies yields valuable insights into the breadth of human experiences and the impact of cultural practices on and by children. Understanding the cultural diversity, life experiences, and behavioural patterns of contemporary hunter-gatherer children holds promise for enriching our understanding and interpretation of children in prehistoric archaeological contexts. The findings demonstrate that children played an active and influential role within their communities, engaging in, learning from, and contributing to cultural practices and archaeological signatures.

Humanized AI in hiring: an empirical study of a virtual AI job interviewer’s social skills on applicants’ reactions and experience

In this study, we investigate the effects of the use of advanced technologies based on AI in HRM, and particularly the use of virtual agent embedding anthropomorphic features in recruitment interview (hereafter referred to as AI job interviewer). We question the extent to which the AI job interviewer endowed with social skills affects the nature of the interaction, and specifically, applicants’ perceptions, experience and reactions during the interview. We focus on intimacy as a core social skill. Data were gathered from 94 applicants who completed an interview training session with an AI job interviewer that exhibited either multimodal expression of intimacy behaviors or no intimacy behaviors. Following the interaction, participants completed a questionnaire asking about their perceptions of intimacy, user experience, impression management and fairness. The findings demonstrate the reciprocity of intimacy behaviors and a positive user experience in the intimacy condition. By illustrating how AI job interviewers with social skills can affect the social relation established during a recruitment interview and provide satisfactory experiences, the present study offers promising avenues for improving the quality and effectiveness of human resource tools using AI devices, while also highlighting some managerial and ethical concerns.

Her, His, and their journey with endometriosis: a qualitative study.

Endometriosis, impacting roughly 10% of reproductive-age women and girls globally, presents diagnostic challenges that can cause significant delays between symptom onset and medical confirmation. The aim of the current study was to explore the experience of women with endometriosis as well as that of their partners, from pre-diagnosis to diagnosis to post-diagnosis. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 couples coping with endometriosis. Each partner was interviewed separately, and each interview was analyzed both individually and as part of a dyad, using the dyadic interview analysis method. Three main themes emerged: (i) "Relationship in the shadow of uncertainty": Coping with health symptoms prior to the formal endometriosis diagnosis; (ii) Coping together or alone when receiving the endometriosis diagnosis; and (iii) "The day after the diagnosis": Moving between adversity and growth. The study's findings emphasize the importance of viewing the diagnosis from a dyadic perspective and comprehensively - that is, from pre-diagnosis to accepting the formal diagnosis to post-diagnosis. This journey can have a profound impact on both couple members, affecting their day-to-day functioning, communication, emotional and physical intimacy, and fertility.

Sexual Aversion, Disgust, and Fear of Intimacy: A Comprehensive Case History Using a Multimodal Therapeutic Approach.

This single-case study examines the psychotherapeutic journey of a 23-year-old woman experiencing a persistent and long-standing fear of emotional intimacy and aversion to physical intimacy, which led to the active avoidance of sexual encounters, psychological distress, and interpersonal difficulties. Over 26 one-hour sessions, an integrative therapeutic approach was employed, combining elements from psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment, cognitive-behavioral, and exposure therapies, with psychoeducation and sex education playing pivotal roles. The treatment resulted in significant improvements, as evidenced by both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Quantitative measures of emotional distress-specifically anxiety, depression, and fear of intimacy-initially increased during intentional exposure but showed significant improvements at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Qualitative data revealed enhancements in self-concept, increased self-compassion, and improved social functioning aligned with the individual's life aspirations. This case study highlights effective therapeutic strategies for addressing sexual aversion in young adults and demonstrates the potential for alleviating symptoms and enriching quality of life through an integrative approach.

Evolving social values: Intersectional Analysis of Same-sex and Interracial Couples in Magazine Advertisements

This study used a quantitative content analysis and qualitative image analysis to explore the representation and intersectionality of same-sex and opposite-sex couples with interracial and intraracial couples in advertisements from Canadian Living, Châtelaine, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Men’s Health, Reader’s Digest, and Sports Illustrated magazines between January 2021 to March 2024. Observations collected from a sample of 208 advertisements depicting two or more adults were used to tentatively suggest dominant Canadian social values towards same-sex and interracial couples. Advertisement images were coded for gender, race, the activity depicted, the physical touch between adults, and the presence of children. Results showed that representation of same-sex couples, both interracial and intraracial, was higher than the proportion reported in Canada in 2016. Similarly, the representation of interracial couples, both same-sex and opposite- sex, was higher than the proportion reported in Canada in 2021. These two findings suggest growing acceptance of same-sex relationships and interracial relationships. Interracial couples involving a White female partner occurred far more often than those involving a White male partner, suggesting social disapproval of unions between White women and visible minorities may no longer prevail. However, in advertisements with interracial or intraracial couples, depictions of physical intimacy favoured couples that were of the opposite sex. Advertisements with same-sex couples displaying intimacy were more often intraracial than interracial. Displays of intimacy from same-sex couples were almost exclusively between two women, and no interracial couples were engaged in very intimate touch. Results of the intersectional analysis finds a bias favouring intraracial, opposite-sex couples over both interracial, same-sex couples and interracial, opposite-sex couples unless the couples were engaged in simple touch, conveying friendship over intimacy. These biases suggest social approval of interracial relationships and same-sex relationships as long as they appear superficial or casual and potential social disapproval of relationships that are both interracial and same-sex. Only four advertisements depicted children with couples, and these showed a bias favouring opposite-sex, intraracial couples. The overall results from this study indicate that although there is increased representation of same-sex couples and interracial couples, advertisements may continue to reflect and perpetuate heteronormative and intraracial social values in concepts of relationships and family.

The social microcosm revisited: A replication of Kivlighan et al. (2021) on the reciprocal relationship between in-session and intersession intimate behaviors.

The present study represents a replication and extension of Kivlighan et al.'s (2021) study, focusing on the social microcosm hypothesis, which posits that group members' interpersonal relationships, operationalized by intimate behaviors such as expressing anger or caring, inside the group, mirror their interpersonal relationships outside of the group. We examined the reciprocal associations between a group member's (e.g., actors) and the other group members' (e.g., partners) in-session and intersession intimate behaviors. The participants were 122 Italian graduate students (89.3% identifying as women) participating in eight-session interpersonal growth groups led by six experienced group therapists. Before each session group members completed the Interpersonal Relations Scale Checklist (Shadish, 1984) indicating their intersession intimate behaviors in the previous week. After each session group members completed the Interpersonal Relations Scale Checklist indicating their own in-session intimate behaviors. We used dynamic structural equation modeling to examine the reciprocal, temporal associations among group members' intersession and in-session intimate behaviors. The replication hypotheses were not confirmed. However, when partners engaged in higher than average intersession intimate behaviors in the previous week, then actors engaged in more in-session intimate behaviors in the current session. In addition, when actors and partners engaged in higher than average in-session intimate behaviors in the previous session, then actors engaged in significantly more intersession intimate behaviors in the current week. The results provide partial support for social microcosm theory, which predicts a reciprocal relationship for in-session and intersession intimate behaviors. As described above, there was a reciprocal relationship for partners' but not for actors' intimate behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Assessing the Impact of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) on Relationship Satisfaction, Quality of Life, and Support Group Participation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background/Objectives: The Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) is a 6-month, home-based intervention aimed at enhancing mental health in men undergoing curative prostate cancer treatment. This exploratory secondary analysis evaluates PC-PEP's impact on relationship satisfaction, quality of life, and support group attendance among partnered participants. Methods: In a crossover randomized clinical trial ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03660085) of 128 men aged 50-82 scheduled for curative prostate cancer surgery or radiotherapy, 119 participants in relationships were included. Of these, 59 received the 6-month PC-PEP intervention, while 60 were randomized to a waitlist-control arm, receiving standard care for 6 months before starting PC-PEP. The intervention included daily emails with video instructions on mental and physical health, diet, social support, fitness, stress reduction, and intimacy. Outcomes were assessed using the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P). Results: While relationship satisfaction remained stable, a significant improvement in emotional well-being was observed at 12 months in participants undergoing radiation therapy (p = 0.045). The PC-PEP intervention also led to significantly higher support group attendance at both 6 months (p = 0.001) and 12 months (p = 0.003), emphasizing its role in fostering social support and community engagement. Conclusions: The PC-PEP program effectively maintains relationship satisfaction and enhances emotional well-being, particularly in patients with fewer physical side effects. Its design promotes comprehensive care by integrating physical, psychological, and social support, making it a valuable resource for improving the quality of life in prostate cancer patients and potentially applicable to other cancer types.

Perceived usefulness of sex and relationship education sources among sexual minority men

ABSTRACT Intimacy and relationships are important to sexual minority men, yet traditional sex and relationship education from sources such as schools and families may lack perceived usefulness. Consequently, sexual minority men may seek information from alternative sources, but little research has explored the usefulness of these alternatives. A national survey of sexual minority men in Australia (n = 936, Mage = 38.9) evaluated the usefulness of seven sources of information: school programmes, family, peers and friends, social media and the Internet, popular culture, pornography, and official information sources. Five topics were examined for each source: sexual and reproductive physiology, HIV/STI prevention, relationship skills, consent and needs negotiation, and sexual and intimate behaviours. Participants rated the sources as minimally to moderately useful. Official information sources were rated most useful, followed by peers and friends, social media and the Internet, popular culture, pornography, school, and family. Older men found most sources less useful than younger participants. Perceived usefulness varied across topics (e.g. popular culture and peers and friends rated most useful for relationship skills). These findings underscore the limited relevance of conventional sex and relationship education for sexual minority men and highlight the need for enhanced education programmes.

Understanding sexual violence experiences of transgender and gender diverse people: an interpretative phenomenological study

ABSTRACT Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people represent a small percent of the population and yet, they experience sexual violence (SV) at disproportionately high rates compared to their cisgender counterparts. Little is known about how SV relates to TGD people’s gender identity and their ability to engage in posttraumatic growth (PTG). The purpose of the present study is to gain a nuanced understanding of the role that SV plays in the lives of TGD people. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight TGD participants, and an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) revealed two superordinate (i.e. negative impacts of SV on self and factors that facilitated recovery from SV) and twelve subordinate (i.e. systemic oppression, mental health outcomes, gender dysphoria and transitioning, difficulties with disclosure, lack of resources, physical intimacy, advocacy, connection and support, strengths, posttraumatic growth, affirming resources, and hope) themes. Implications for practice include the use of gender-affirming interventions; understanding the potential interplay between gender dysphoria, oppression, and trauma; and exploration of strengths and avenues for growth. Directions for future research include the use of diverse samples and a mixed-method approach to studying this topic.

Appearance investment and intimacy: direct and indirect effects in the context of romantic relationships

Physical appearance is highly valued in Western society and has the potential to impact many domains of personal life, including romantic relationships. This study examined the direct effect of appearance investment on intimacy and indirect effects through perfectionist self-presentation presentation and relationship mindfulness, utilizing a Structural Equation Model approach. Appearance schemas are cognitive generalizations about the importance of physical appearance within one’s self-concept and contribute to cognitive and behavioral investment in appearance. Concern for appearance influences how individuals interact with others and process the world around them, thus it has the potential to influence relationship health. However, no study to date has investigated how appearance investment relates to key components of relationship functioning, such as intimacy, nor the mechanisms for these relations. We collected self-report data from 220 adults who were in a current romantic relationship and living in the United States. Findings showed that higher concern for appearance is negatively associated with intimate behavior through the mechanism of presenting as perfect within the relationship. This study illustrates the importance of examining how appearance investment may impact intimacy within romantic relationships, as well as the factors that mediate this relationship, providing implications for future research and social and interventional implications.

Performance Evaluation of Structural Health Monitoring System Applied to Full-Size Composite Wing Spar via Probability of Detection Techniques.

Probability of detection (POD) is an acknowledged mean of evaluation for many investigations aiming at detecting some specific property of a subject of interest. For instance, it has had many applications for Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), aimed at identifying defects within structural architectures, and can easily be used for structural health monitoring (SHM) systems, meant as a compact and more integrated evolution of the former technology. In this paper, a probability of detection analysis is performed to estimate the reliability of an SHM system, applied to a wing box composite spar for bonding line quality assessment. Such a system is based on distributed fiber optics deployed on the reference component at specific locations for detecting strains; the attained data are then processed by a proprietary algorithm whose capability was already tested and reported in previous works, even at full-scale level. A finite element (FE) model, previously validated by experimental results, is used to simulate the presence of damage areas, whose effect is to modify strain transfer between adjacent parts. Numerical data are used to verify the capability of the SHM system in revealing the presence of the modeled physical discontinuities with respect to a specific set of loads, running along the beam up to cover its complete extension. The POD is then estimated through the analysis of the collected data sets, wide enough to assess the global SHM system performance. The results of this study eventually aim at improving the current strategies adopted for SHM for bonding analysis by identifying the intimate behavior of the system assessed at the date. The activities herein reported have been carried out within the RESUME project.

Finding love in algorithms: deciphering the emotional contexts of close encounters with AI chatbots

Abstract AI chatbots are permeating the socio-emotional realms of human life, presenting both benefits and challenges to interpersonal dynamics and well-being. Despite burgeoning interest in human–AI relationships, the conversational and emotional nuances of real-world, in situ human–AI social interactions remain underexplored. Through computational analysis of a multimodal dataset with over 35,000 screenshots and posts from r/replika, we identified seven prevalent types of human–AI social interactions: intimate behavior, mundane interaction, self-disclosure, play and fantasy, customization, transgression, and communication breakdown, and examined their associations with six basic human emotions. Our findings suggest the paradox of emotional connection with AI, indicated by the bittersweet emotion in intimate encounters with AI chatbots, and the elevated fear in uncanny valley moments when AI exhibits semblances of mind in deep self-disclosure. Customization characterizes the distinctiveness of AI companionship, positively elevating user experiences, whereas transgression and communication breakdown elicit fear or sadness.

Introducing 'Brother-Love': If 'No-Homo' Were Invented in the Victorian Era

Working off of information surrounding nineteenth century intimate male friendships provided by E. Anthony Rotundo’s 1989 article “Romantic Friendship: Male Intimacy and Middle-Class Youth in the Norther United States, 1800-1900,” as well as ideas of female intimacy of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Julian Carter’s 2005 article “On Mother-Love: History, Queer Theory, and Nonlesbian Identity,” the concept of “brother-love” encompasses important components of intimate male friendships during the Victorian period. Hidden physical and emotional intimacy were vital to these intimate friendships, in ways differing from Carter’s “mother-love” as explored in this project. Anna Clark’s concept of “Twilight Moments” (2005) will help explain “brotherlove” as it is compared to Carter’s “mother-love.” “Brother-love” is a response to contemporary terms and concepts queer scholars use when focusing on historical moments, and it provides an alternative frame of reference for intimate and romantic male friendships while extracting contemporary influence of same-sex relations.

Investigating the role of metaverse influencers’ attributes for the next generation of services

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to identify the most important attributes of metaverse influencers and examine their impact on customer engagement and social glue.Design/methodology/approachThree studies (one qualitative and two quantitative) were conducted to understand the phenomenon better. The qualitative study (Study 1) was conducted to identify the antecedents of the theoretical model, which was tested in Study 2 using the covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) technique. Study 3 then divided the respondents based on the metaverse influencer attribute preferences.FindingsResults of Study 1 revealed the six most influential attributes of metaverse influencers: physical attractiveness, social attractiveness, perceived credibility, metaverse-influencer fit, intimacy and attitude homophily. Further, Study 2 validated that attractiveness and perceived credibility enhance engagement. Also, the results revealed that intimacy, perceived credibility and homophily enhance social glue. Moreover, parasocial relationships mediate the association between intimacy, attitude homophily, perceived credibility and (engagement and social glue). The conditional indirect effect of physical attractiveness, social attractiveness and metaverse–influencer fit on (engagement and social glue) via parasocial relationships at different high and low levels of self-discrepancy was significant. Finally, Study 3 used latent class analysis to reveal different clusters of metaverse users.Originality/valueThis research enriches our understanding of metaverse influencers, contributing to the influencer marketing literature. It offers actionable insights for marketers by elucidating key influencer attributes, aiding in enhancing engagement and social glue.

(057) INCREASING INTIMATE INTERACTIONS AS AN INTERVENTION FOR IMPROVING SEXUAL AND RELATIONAL SATISFACTION IN COUPLES

Abstract Introduction Intimacy is a critical component of satisfying romantic relationships; it is consistently, positively associated with sexual and relational satisfaction. While the cognitive perception of intimacy and related feelings of love, affection, and closeness are important, there is ample theory suggesting intimacy is more than a feeling. The central components of intimacy are love, affection, self-disclosure, and mutual validation, all of which include both behavioral and cognitive aspects of connection. The widely-accepted Interpersonal Process Model of Intimacy suggests that the exchange of intimate behaviors and experiences over time create subjective feelings of intimacy. As such, intimacy is most accurately understood as a critical agent in both the creation and maintenance of satisfying romantic relationships, not simply a byproduct of them. While intimacy is heavily researched in evaluations of satisfying relationships, it is almost exclusively assessed using an individual’s subjective feelings of intimacy. To date, little research has evaluated intimacy as a behavioral exchange between partners. Furthermore, extant research on treatments for relational and sexual dissatisfaction to date almost exclusively consider subjective feelings of intimacy as an outcome associated with increased satisfaction. Clinical research has yet to utilize intimacy as an active agent in the development and maintenance of satisfying relationships. Conducting research and creating interventions using the Interpersonal Process Model of Intimacy may allow for development of better couples’ interventions. Objective The current study aimed to evaluate whether intimacy, when conceptualized as a result of repeated, reciprocal interactions between partners, could be an active facilitator of satisfaction in relationships. By manipulating intimate interactions (e.g., kissing, sharing secrets, massages) between partners over time, the current study tested a potential self-directed, personalized, and affordable intervention for improving sexual and relational satisfaction in couples. Methods Couples were randomized to a treatment or assessment-only control group. In the treatment group, each individual within a couple rated intimate interactions that make them feel intimate with their partner from a previously compiled list of intimate interactions. Each individual was given a list of their partner’s highest rated intimate interactions and instructed to initiate one from the list each day for one month. Partners’ sexual and relational satisfaction were assessed over time. Results Data collection is ongoing; completion is anticipated by the end of January, 2024. Participants’ sexual and relational satisfaction will be assessed within each couple over time and between the treatment and control group overall. Conclusions The current study evaluates a potential intervention for improving relational and sexual satisfaction in couples. If effective, this treatment could be an accessible, affordable, and personalized treatment for couples. Disclosure No.

Body Safety Training Program for Children with Disabilities; A Case Study of Department of Special Education Punjab Pakistan

The current study aimed to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a sexual abuse prevention training program to increase personal body safety skills in children having intellectual, hearing, visual or physical disability. A quasi-experimental design with Within-subject was used in which participants were compared on pre-test and post-test. A sample of 40 participants (n=20 boys, n=20 girls), age range 06-19, attended 8-week training were taken purposively. Personal Body Safety Training Program was used as school-based program which delivered the child sexual abuse prevention knowledge and self-protection school-based What If’ Situations Test used as pre and post result measure. The ‘What If’ Situations Test (WIST-III-R) contains six scales designed to assess children’s abilities to recognize, resist, and report inappropriate touching. Paired sample t test, independent t test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. The Results showed that by attending such programs, children with disabilities could increase their knowledge of personal safety skills and apply this knowledge in their day-to-day lives. Results showed significant differences between pre and post scores of participants after undergoing the Personal Body Safety Training Program. Moreover, a significant difference was found between participants disability wise in pretest and posttest scores but there was no significant difference observed between boys and girls. The study inculcated that the training contributed positively to the children’s sense of personal space and reporting skills.

Abstract A017: Patient-reported experience related to aspects of quality of life after cystectomy from an exploratory focus group

Abstract Purpose: These exploratory focus groups examined patient experiences after having a cystectomy following bladder cancer. Methods: US individuals aged >50 years with self-reported diagnosis of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) or muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who had undergone partial or radical cystectomy were recruited through a Patient Engagement Research Council program and invited to participate in an exploratory focus group (October 2022). Patients completed a prework survey on initial diagnosis, treatments, and how aspects of their life changed over time from pre-diagnosis, around the time of decision to undergo cystectomy, 90 days after cystectomy, and at present day. Patients attended gender-specific focus group sessions to discuss their patient journey, support needs, and how having a cystectomy affected their lives. Discussions were facilitated by a gender-matched moderator using a semi-structured discussion guide. Patients provided written informed consent and were compensated for their time. Key themes were identified by coding of audio transcripts and direct observations via the qualitative research analysis software MAXQDA. Results: Patients were six White adults (female n=3, male n=3, median age 68 years) with NMIBC (n=2) or MIBC (n=4) who underwent radical cystectomy between 2000 and 2020. Patients reported that bladder-sparing approaches were rarely introduced or discussed by their care team during their diagnostic journey, instead identifying disease eradication and pain improvement as primary drivers for choosing cystectomy. In the first 90 days post-surgery, patients reported that cystectomy negatively affected their ability to perform daily activities, mental health, and physical intimacy while adapting to a “new normal,” citing challenges with urinary diversion routes. Female patients cited a general lack of female-centric support (e.g. feminine hygiene and care education) as their support groups were mostly comprised of male patients focusing on male-centric issues (e.g., erectile dysfunction). In the present day, patients reported lower sex drive, satisfaction with body image, and physical intimacy. Patients called for more privacy consideration during medical examinations, better ostomy care support, increased awareness among healthcare professionals about the struggles patients face throughout their cystectomy journey, and improved education about available treatment options (including bladder preservation) and possible ramifications of cystectomy on all aspects of life (including sexual health and female-centric needs). Conclusions: Cystectomy can negatively affect patients’ lives, affecting their ability to participate in daily activities, mental health, and physical intimacy among those with NMIBC and MIBC. Patients expressed the need for holistic, long-term support (including awareness of treatment options, emotional support, and ostomy care) before, during, and after cystectomy. Citation Format: Nida Imran, Wesley Peters, Karen Fixler, Priyanka Madireddi, Lisa M. Shea, Andrea Ireland. Patient-reported experience related to aspects of quality of life after cystectomy from an exploratory focus group [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Bladder Cancer: Transforming the Field; 2024 May 17-20; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(10_Suppl):Abstract nr A017.

Jumpa Penggemar Artis dari Lensa Interaksi Parasosial Virtual

Meeting fans is something that is difficult to realize during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the entertainment industry reproduces the relationship between fans and celebrities through social media-mediated fan encounters in order to balance the impact of business and intimate relationships with fans. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, the author explores celebrity and fan interactions at South Korean celebrity Lee Sung Kyung's fanmeeting via TikTok using Horton and parasocial theory. Previous research has not explained the interactions between celebrities and fans when fanmeetings take place in virtual spaces with a qualitative approach. The form of virtual fanmeetings actually repeats previous offline fanmeetings. Both sell artist personas as commodities. However, the absence of physical interaction makes these virtual fanmeetings very difficult to distinguish from broadcasts on conventional television. The author believes that fanmeetings are offline products that cannot be replaced with virtual content because they do not involve voluntary interactions such as hugs, handshakes, or other physical interactions that play a role in physical and emotional intimacy. This research strengthens Horton & Wohl's (11956) that the interaction between the audience and the celebrity is actually one-sided, not dialectical, controlled by the celebrity, and there is no mutual development of the relationship. Furthermore, celebrity parasocial interaction in this study is shown as "selective self-presentation of the sender of the message" in mediated communication.

Sexual Activity in Adults with Pediatric-Onset Spinal Cord Injury: Injury, Demographic, and Lifestyle Factors.

Sexual development is a complex process of understanding oneself as a sexual being. Youth with spinal cord injury (SCI) navigate the typical phases of sexual development along with the physical and psychological sequelae of an SCI. As youth with SCI progress from adolescence to emerging adulthood, sexual activity-physical intimacy and sexual intercourse-is an important milestone. The aims of the study were to (1) describe frequency of physical intimacy among adults with pediatric-onset SCI and (2) identify injury, demographic, and lifestyle factors that predict frequency of physical intimacy. Adults with pediatric-onset SCI who were former patients within a North American pediatric hospital system (N = 277) completed a structured telephone interview that included medical and sociodemographic information and standardized measures of psychological functioning. Participants rated physical intimacy and sexual intercourse frequency on a 5-point Likert scale, with a response of monthly, weekly, or daily classified as regular frequency and never or yearly as irregular frequency. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted with physical intimacy frequency as the primary outcome. Of the participants, 55% engaged in physical intimacy and 49% engaged in sexual intercourse with regular frequency. In logistic regression analyses, living independently of parents, being married, and higher perceived social integration increased likelihood of regular frequency of physical intimacy. Injury severity and secondary medical complications were not significant independent predictors of frequency of physical intimacy. Half of adults with pediatric-onset SCI engage in regular physical intimacy; this is below the estimates for the general population. Psychosocial factors are stronger contributors to physical intimacy frequency than SCI-related factors. Health care providers and researchers should focus on barriers to social integration and development of social relationships as factors that influence physical intimacy in this population.