Levels Of Desire Research Articles

Subverting The Centenarian Archetype: In The Work The Hundred–Year–Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared By Jonas Jonasson

Archetypal Criticism gets its impetus from psychologist Carl Jung who postulated that humankind shares a kind of universal psyche “Collective unconscious”, which usually gets embedded in dreams and myths and harbours themes and images that we all collectively inherit. Literature, therefore, imitates not the world as it is but rather the “total dreams of humankind”. These archetypes not only impacts the intelligibility of the text but also tap into a level of desires and anxieties of humankind. In the novel The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared, Jonas Jonasson tries to deconstruct the age-old archetypal figure of a centenarian.

A behavior screening questionnaire improves problem identification in veterinary primary care with implications for patient health.

To compare how often owners identified concerns about their pets' behavior during routine examinations in 2 test conditions (voluntarily or when completing a questionnaire), and to test the efficacy of a simple behavior screening questionnaire to be used by practicing veterinarians. Privately owned dogs and cats presenting for routine examinations to 1 of 2 primary care clinics. The study was conducted in 2 sequential phases. In Phase 1, veterinary staff recorded whether pet owners or veterinarians inquired about behavior during routine examinations. In Phase 2, a different set of pet owners completed a short behavioral screening questionnaire as they waited for the veterinarian. We compared the 2 phases for how often behavior concerns were identified, the types of concerns, the pets' ages, and the owners' levels of satisfaction and desire for help. Dog and cat owners were more likely to identify behavior concerns when prompted than they were to volunteer this information, especially for older patients in which behavior changes may be the first sign of disease. Most owners were satisfied with their pets' behavior, though owners were more likely to be unsatisfied with certain identified concerns. Owners who were dissatisfied were much more likely to want help. A behavior screening questionnaire enhances detection of behavior problems that may have medical implications and impact the security of the pet in its home. A behavior screening questionnaire can elevate standard of care by enabling veterinarians to quickly assess behavior during every examination.

Who you know influences where you go: Intergroup contact attenuates bias in trainee teachers' school preferences.

The vicious cycle of educational inequality may be maintained and perpetuated by teachers' lack of desire to work in socioeconomically deprived communities. Across two studies (Ntotal = 606), we experimentally investigated whether teachers' aversions to such settings could be mitigated by contact experiences with (a) people experiencing financial hardship and (b) children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Trainee teachers rated their levels of desire to work in schools that varied in terms of the socioeconomic backgrounds and diversity of their student populations. They also reported their contact experiences. Although, overall, teachers showed an aversion to working in a school that served a diverse and low-income community compared to one with average student demographics, this effect was attenuated when teachers had more prior contact with both close others in financial hardship and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. These findings were replicated across both studies. Further analyses also revealed that the relation between contact and school desirability may, at least in part, be mediated by changes in teaching self-efficacy. These findings demonstrate the potential value of teachers' contact with other groups as a method of reducing bias in education.

(096) Attachment Orientation Moderates the Sexual and Relational Implications of Sexual Desire Discrepancies

Abstract Introduction Discrepancies in partners’ levels of sexual desire (SDD) are common in long-term relationships and can be experienced as distressing. Because sexual compatibility is a strong prescriptive among Western couples, it is relevant to examine the sexual and relational implications of SDD in relationships that are marked by cultural restrictions and gender stereotypic norms. Objective We examined discrepancies in sexual desire between partners and assessed how such discrepancy relates to sexual and relational functioning, taking into account both partners’ attachment orientation Methods 100 couples of which more than half experienced sexual problems completed an Arabic version of questionnaires on sexual desire, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction and attachment orientation. Results Men and women reported better sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and relational satisfaction when they matched on higher levels compared to lower levels of sexual desire. In case there was a mismatch between partners, women reported higher sexual satisfaction when their partner’s level of sexual desire was higher than their own desire. Attachment orientation was found to moderate the associations between the degree and direction of SDD and the outcome variables. Male attachment avoidance moderated the association between SDD and both male and female sexual function. Male attachment anxiety moderated only the association with female sexual function, indicating that women with high anxious partners reported better sexual function when their partner’s level of desire was higher than their own desire. In addition, the female attachment dimensions moderated the association between SDD and female satisfaction outcomes, with attachment anxiety moderating the association with sexual satisfaction and attachment avoidance moderating the association with relational satisfaction. Conclusions We showed the importance of considering both the level and direction of SDD and the partners’ attachment history to understand its sexual and relational implications. Therapeutic interventions should be directed at understanding the attachment meaning of sexual desire, facilitators and barriers of sexual desire across time and context, and the reasons why some couples cope better with SDD than others. Disclosure No.

(111) Evaluation of Sexual Education Needs in Spina Bifida Adolescents and Correlation Between Sexual Satisfaction with Depression and Anxiety

Abstract Introduction Spina bifida is a congenital disorder with many neurological sequelae, most notably, decreased sexual function and infertility. While some neuro-urological related factors have been extensively studied among patients with spina bifida, sexual health and infertility continue to be largely unaddressed in this population, especially in the adolescent population. Although previous studies show the need to address sexual health in spina bifida patients, they do not assess the level of sexual health knowledge adolescents possess or the degree to which their psychological functioning is impacted by sexual dysfunction. Although a validated sexual and reproductive empowerment scale exists for adolescents, it has not been utilized in spina bifida patients. This can be due to stigmas that patients with spina bifida may not be engaging in or desire sexual activity. Overall, the stigma of addressing sexual health in adolescents and the inadequacy of current sexual health curriculum, prevents adolescent spina bifida patients from accessing sexual health related information. Objective This study will assess the baseline sexual health literacy and sexual health needs of adolescents with spina bifida. The second aim of this study is to identify the barriers that adolescent spina bifida patients face when attempting to gather information regarding their sexual health. The third aim of this study is to determine whether sexual literacy and sexual empowerment scores are associated with self-reported depression and anxiety as measured by the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in this population. Methods English- and Spanish-speaking adolescent patients aged 15-21 presenting to a Spina Bifida Multidisciplinary Clinic for routine clinical care will be prospectively recruited for participation in a cross-sectional questionnaire study designed in REDCap. Correlation analysis will be utilized to identify the association between depression, anxiety, sexual health literacy, and sexual empowerment scores. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and then Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire will be utilized to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. Results Per literature review multiple studies show that adolescents with spina bifida do not have sexual health needs addressed by any provider or family member. Many of these patients feel that their providers assume they do not engage in sexual activity, or view them as asexual, and potential partners are hesitant to discuss sexual desire due to physical limitations. Studies done assessing sexual dysfunction and related emotional well-being, were based on interview studies and extrapolating significant themes. Upon an initial survey of 2 pediatric urologists at CHLA, we have found that many patients do not feel comfortable addressing sexual health and that there are no current tools for pediatric urologists to initiate sexual health related discussion. Currently no such validated comprehensive questionnaire exists to assess level of sexual health knowledge, sexual desires, and psychological state for adolescent spina bifida patients. Conclusions There is a need to establish a communication tool for providers to initiate discussion regarding sexual health in adolescents with spina bifida. Disclosure No.

(166) Safety of Flibanserin in Men with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Abstract Introduction Flibanserin possesses unique properties and displays selective agonistic and antagonistic activity against serotonin receptors. Originally, its primary application was in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women, where it showed promising results in improving sexual desire. However, as our understanding of its mechanism of action has expanded, researchers have begun to explore its potential utility in treating HSDD in males. This emerging trend has led to an increased interest in the use of flibanserin as a potential therapeutic option for men experiencing a decline in sexual desire. Objective We aimed to elucidate the demographic profiles, clinical attributes, and comprehensive safety implications of men receiving off-label flibanserin at our institution. Methods A retrospective analysis encompassing a cohort of men who initiated flibanserin treatment between July 2022 and July 2023 was performed. Basic demographic information, levels of total and free testosterone, pertinent medical history, scores from the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and overall manifestation of side effects were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results A total of 26 patients were identified, with a mean age of 57.9 years (range, 31–80 years). Among these patients, seven had a prior diagnosis of depression and had previously received treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The mean levels of total testosterone and free testosterone were found to be 611.3 ng/dL and 116.8 pg/mL, respectively. Notably, a significant majority of patients (22 of 26 [81.4 %]) were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. Importantly, all patients exhibited euthyroid status. The mean baseline score on the PHQ-9 was 5.30 (ranging, 0–17), indicating mild depressive symptoms, whereas the mean IIEF total score was 40 (range, 6–67). Furthermore, the mean score on the IIEF-desire subdomain was 5.65 (ranging: 2–10), reflecting relatively diminished levels of sexual desire. Upon conducting a follow-up assessment at the 3-month mark, it was observed that seven patients discontinued flibanserin medication, with reasons such as ineffectiveness and high cost being cited as the primary factors. Notably, only one patient (3.8%) discontinued the medication because of side effects. Conclusions In summary, our study sheds light on the fundamental characteristics associated with off-label utilization of flibanserin in men with HSDD, underscoring the increasing interest in investigating its potential therapeutic advantages within this specific population. However, additional research is warranted to comprehensively elucidate the clinical benefits and potential risks of flibanserin administration in men. Such investigations will contribute to a more thorough understanding of its efficacy and safety profile. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Disclosures: Consultant for AbbVie, Marius, Tolmar, Endo, Petros, Boston Scientific, Coloplast Investor: Sprout.

Role of Body Gaze, Interpersonal Sexual Objectification and Sensation Seeking in Sexual Self-Concept in Heterosexual Young Adults in Pakistan

Past research has shown that body gaze behavior is marked for being a central feature of sexual objectification and that it may be associated with the sexual self-concept and tendency for sensation seeking among both men and women. The purpose of the present study was to assess the role of body gaze, interpersonal sexual objectification and sensation seeking in the sexual self-concept of heterosexual young adults in Pakistan. A cross-sectional research design was used to assess the aforementioned predictive associations with a sample of 455 individuals comprising 250 males and 205 females selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was done using Pearson product moment correlation, multiple regression using dummy coding and MANOVA. The findings showed that body gaze behavior toward the other gender significantly predicted interpersonal sexual objectification, higher levels of sexual desire and sexual anxiety along with a higher orientation toward sensation seeking. Moreover, men scored high on body gaze behavior, sexual desire, sexual anxiety and sensation seeking. These results resonate with the existing body of research on sexual objectification, sexual self-concept and sensation seeking and how cultural contexts may contribute toward the above associations.

Influence of Pregnancy on Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women and Their Partners: Systematic Review.

Objectives: Pregnancy is a stage in which different physical and psychological changes take place that can affect the sexuality of the couple. The aim of the study is to identify how the physical and psychological changes derived from pregnancy affect the sexual desire of women and men. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in five databases, from which a total of 16,126 documents were obtained. After applying the PRISMA selection criteria, a total of 19 documents were selected. Results: Levels of sexual desire fluctuate during pregnancy, being the second trimester of gestation the period in which desire is at its highest and in which physical limitations and emotional changes decrease. Women have lower levels of sexual desire in the first trimester, while men have the lowest levels of desire in the third trimester. Conclusion: Pregnancy is a stage marked by physiological and psychological changes that modify several areas, including sexuality. Healthcare professionals should promote a healthy sexuality, avoiding the appearance of fears or sexual dysfunctions caused by the changes that occur during pregnancy.

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND SUICIDE DESIRE AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

Abstract As the population of older adults in the U.S. continues to increase, so will the prevalence of critical mental health concerns such as suicide (CDC, 2020). The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide posits desire for suicide develops from the simultaneous presence of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness (Joiner, 2005). Low social connection and perceptions of low social support can result in feelings of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness among older adults (Van Orden et al., 2012). The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between social connections (frequency of contact with others, both synchronous or “real-time” and/or asynchronous) and suicide desire among community-dwelling older adults who received home-delivered meals (HDM) during Covid-19. This cross-sectional study was part of a grant-funded project by the Administration for Community Living. Among a sample of 320 older adults in a large southeast metropolitan area, we identified 25 participants who had no social connections of any type within the past week. These individuals had the highest levels of suicide desire and loneliness, and had the lowest levels of perceived social support. Implications for practice and future research include: a) recognition of the social connections HDM volunteers provide to older adults who may be lonely and at risk of suicide, b) an understanding of suicide desire among older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic, and c) opportunities for nutrition service providers to invest in equipping HDM volunteers to respond to suicide.

Does Too Much Closeness Dampen Desire? On the Balance of Closeness and Otherness for the Maintenance of Sexual Desire in Romantic Relationships

Sexual desire for a partner is a unique feature that distinguishes romantic relationships from other close relationships. Yet desire is one of the most fragile relationship elements, often declining over time. Research has shown that the relationship processes that foster closeness (i.e., overlap between the self and partner; interconnection) are associated with higher desire and help couples maintain desire over time. However, this work does not explain how many couples who are quite close and connected can also report low levels of desire. One perspective, mostly from clinical observations and interviews with couples, is that too much closeness in a relationship stifles desire. Here, we review the empirical evidence for the association between closeness (and related constructs) and sexual desire. From this review, we propose that higher closeness is associated with higher desire, and rather than too much closeness stifling desire, high closeness might be optimally linked to desire when paired with a sense of otherness (i.e., distinctiveness between partners that allows for new insights and acknowledgment of unique contributions). Future research refining the concept of “otherness” and considering the balance of closeness and otherness in relationships has the potential to provide new insights into sexual-desire maintenance.

Influence of the practice of physical exercise and healthy eating on the Vigour of university lectures

IntroductionVigour at work is characterized by high levels of energy and high desire to make an effort at work. This article is the result of a research carried out with university teachers in Spain whose main objective is to show what type and frequency of physical exercise and diet influence Vigour.MethodsThe sample consisted of 121 subjects, 62% of whom were women and 37.2% men. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on sociodemographic data, physical exercise habits, eating habits and Vigour at work. Cross-tabulations of the dimensions of Vigour with sex, age and type of contract offered were performed. Spearman correlations and Correspondence Analysis are also carried out to provide information on the intensity and type of relationships between the Vigour dimensions. Finally, the influence of the frequency of physical exercise and diet on Total Vigour is investigated.ResultsThe results show that the relationships between the dimensions are very strong (sig = 0.001). In addition, the practice of moderate-high intensity physical exercise and maintaining a good adherence to the Mediterranean Diet is related to high levels of Total Vigour (F = 7.955; sig = 0.006). As for the influence of the sociodemographic variables used, significant differences were only observed in the Physical Strength dimension for sex (X2 = 6.173; p = 0.046) and age (X2 = 9.449; p = 0.051) and, with respect to the type of contract, in Emotional Energy (X2 = 19.487; p < 0.001).Discusión and conclusionsThe main conclusions of our study show that practicing physical exercise of medium-high intensity four hours or more per week and a high adherence to the MD is more related to high Vigour levels than just eating well or just practicing exercise. And more studies are needed on the influence of sociodemographic variables on Vigour and its different dimensions.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DESIRE FOR AND ANXIETY IN LEARNING CHINESE AMONG GRADES 3-5 STUDENTS AT AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

This study was conducted to determine whether there were significant differences in desire for and anxiety in learning Chinese among students in Grades 3-5 at an international school in Bangkok, Thailand. A sample of 74 students enrolled in the target international school participated in this study. After performing descriptive statistics on the collected data, it was determined that the overall level of desire to learn Chinese was slightly high for Grade 3 students, high for Grade 4 students, and slightly high for Grade 5 students at the target school. The overall level of anxiety in Chinese classes was interpreted as slightly high for Grade 3 students, slightly low for Grade 4 students, and slightly high for Grade 5 students at the target school. Through quantitative comparative analysis, a statistically significant difference in desire for learning Chinese was found between Grade 4 and Grade 5 students at the target international school. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference in anxiety in learning Chinese between Grade 4 and Grade 5 students at the international school in Bangkok. Based on the research findings, recommendations are provided for students, teachers, school administrators, and future researchers.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INTERPERSONAL INTERACTION OF MALE AND FEMALE TECHNICAL PROFILE STUDENTS

The article is devoted to the problem of interpersonal interaction creation by male and female technical profile students. Results of the empirical research showed that male students of a technical profile have a dominant tendency in interaction, while female students have a tendency to be sensitive and friendly. A high level of sociability is common to both male and female students, which contributes to the emergence of attraction. Technical profile students have a high level of desire for people and a relatively significant fear of being rejected. Female students are more eager to establish friendships with others than male students, but they are also more afraid of being rejected in communication and interaction than male students. Male students have an active desire to win leadership positions, social recognition, and a high status in the system of interpersonal relations. They are able to take responsibility and to be persistent in their beliefs, to insist on their own. Instead, female students have an internal desire to accept group standards, values, traditions, the ability to make contact. Such traits as modesty, timidity, shyness, and the ability to forgive are inherent to them. They strive to take care of close people, show tolerance towards others. Thus, male and female technical profile students have different specifics of interpersonal interaction creation, in particular, they are affected by different factors of interpersonal interaction and strategies for creation of interpersonal relationships.

Relationship Between Family Emotional Support and Learning Motivation of Package B Learners in The SPNF SKB Lima Puluh

The idea behind this study stems from the observed low levels of learning motivation among Package B learners at SPNF SKB Lima Puluh Kota. The primary aims of this research are as follows: (1) to evaluate the level of family emotional support provided to Package B learners at SPNF SKB Lima Puluh Kota, (2) to investigate the extent of learning motivation among Package B learners at SPNF SKB Lima Puluh Kota, and (3) to establish whether a correlation exists between family emotional support and learning motivation among Package B learners at SPNF SKB Lima Puluh Kota. The present study employs a quantitative methodology and utilises a correlational research design. The sample for this study included 44 learners enrolled in Package B at SPNF SKB Lima Puluh Kota. A stratified random selection technique was employed to pick a sample of 30 persons, which accounted for 75% of the population. The data gathering process involved the administration of questionnaires, while data analysis was carried out with the percentage formula and the product moment formula.The findings of this study suggest that there is a low level of family emotional support. The level of learning motivation among learners in Package B is likewise seen to be poor. There exists a notable correlation between familial emotional support and the level of desire for learning, which can be classified as highly substantial. It is advisable for families to augment positive emotional support in order to cultivate excitement and motivation in learners. Additionally, it is recommended that future researchers investigate other variables that were not examined in this study for the sake of further inquiry.Keywords: Family emotional support, learning motivation.

Do bipolar disorder symptom profiles matter for suicide risk? A latent class approach to investigating differences in suicidal desire and acquired capability.

Depressive and mixed symptoms in bipolar disorder (BD) have been linked to higher suicide risk. Based on Klonsky and May's three-step theory and Joiner's Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide, we hypothesized that patients diagnosed with BD who reported severe levels of depressive symptoms and mixed depressive and manic symptoms would also report higher levels of suicidal desire and acquired capability of suicide, as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The sample included 177 outpatients diagnosed with BD. Latent class analysis was conducted to replicate the identified groups of a previously conducted study using a smaller but overlapping dataset. Between-class and pairwise analyses with measures of suicidal desire and acquired capability were conducted. As expected, the classes characterized by severe depressive symptoms and mixed symptoms reported higher levels of suicidal desire. However, the results regarding acquired capability were less consistent. Given the overall elevated suicide risk of BD and the consistent relationship between depressive symptoms and other strong correlates of suicide, clinicians who work with patients diagnosed with BD should closely monitor changes in their depressive symptoms.

Fertility desire and associated factors among women of reproductive age living with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in Arba Minch General Hospital, South Ethiopia, 2021.

The fertility desire of women living with HIV to have children can have significant implications for public health. Despite the increase in the number of HIV-positive women, the issues of their fertility desire have not been well-studied. This study aims to assess fertility desire and associated factors among women living with HIV/AIDS. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 May to 30 July 2021. The researchers employed a systematic sampling technique. The data were gathered and entered into EpiData 3.1 software, and subsequently exported to the statistical package for social science version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors involved, and a p-value of <0.05 at a 95% confidence level was deemed to be statistically significant. The findings of this study indicate that 47.8% of women expressed a desire to conceive. Various factors such as parents' pressure [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.15-9.05], community pressure (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.30-5.26), being married (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09-0.73), having only female offspring (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.12-5.90), and having HIV seropositive children (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.23-4.85) had statistically significant association with fertility desire. The study area exhibited a high level of fertility desire. Various factors can influence fertility desire, including parents' pressure, community pressure, being married, having only female offspring, and having children who are HIV seropositive. When developing interventions on sexual and reproductive health issues, it is imperative for policymakers and healthcare providers who are working in antiretroviral therapy clinics to take into account the effects of these factors on women living with HIV. When designing and implementing prevention of mother-to-child transmission services, it is important to consider the fertility desires of mothers who are living with HIV.

Muti-factor analysis of sport activity level after high tibial osteotomy

BackgroundAlthough many studies have shown that high tibial osteotomy is appropriate for active patients, there are limited multifactorial studies on patients’ sport activity level after HTO in general population.Methods158 patients who underwent HTO for knee osteoarthritis between January 2016 and December 2019 are included, with a 36-month follow-up. Information was collected from X-rays and questionnaire. The independent variables were age, sex, breadwinner (provide more than 50% income), sport activity level when the knee was pain-free before and after surgery, concomitant meniscal treatment history, Lysholm knee score, desire level for returning to sports. The 158 cases are divided into three groups according to their sports participation before and after operation, Chi-square tests and ANOVA analysis were adopted to identify the effect of these variables on sport activity level after HTO, and factors with statistical differences and clinical relevancies, or provided by previous research were assessed with the ordinal logistic regression analysis.ResultsAccording to sport activity level analysis, 28(17.7%) patients were categorized into the sport level-reduced group, 97(61.4%) patients into the sport level-unchanged group, and 33(20.9%) patients into the sport level-improved group. Upon ordinal logistic regression analysis, postoperative MA%, age, BMI, and preoperative Lysholm knee score were statistically significant.ConclusionsHigher postoperative MA%, younger age, lower BMI, and lower Lysholm score are associate with improvement on activity level after HTO. This finding provides valuable references in operation option and rehabilitation planning.

Evaluating case management for caregivers of children with spinal muscular atrophy type I and II-an exploratory, controlled, mixed-methods trial.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disease requiring various clinical specialists and therapists to provide care. Due to the disease's dynamic nature and the long distances between specialized centers and local providers, integrating care between disciplines can be challenging. Care that is inadequately integrated can compromise the quality of care and become a burden for patients and families. This trial aimed to improve the care of patients through a case management (CM) intervention. We conducted an exploratory, controlled, two-arm trial with pre-, post-, and follow-up measures (process and outcome evaluation). Proof of efficacy based on statistical significance was not our primary study objective since we were investigating a rare disease. Primary outcomes were caregivers' HRQoL and caregiver-rated quality of care integration. Our secondary outcome was the children's HRQoL. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews yielded heterogeneous results depending on caregivers' level of experience and desire (or possibility) to delegate care tasks. Despite differing perceptions, all participants supported the establishment of a care coordination model. We recommend CM immediately after diagnosis to provide the greatest benefit to families. We hope that our trial will support the further development of CM interventions that can be customized for specific diseases.

Correlates of desire for children among women

Objective: To describe levels of desire for children and identify factors influencing women’s desire for children (DFC). Design: Descriptive correlational study. Setting: Participants were recruited from a Qualtrics online panel. Participants: 228 women from the following nations: Columbia, South America, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Honduras, India, Nigeria, Philippines, United Kingdom, and the USA. Methods: DFC was measured using the Modified Index of Parenthood Motivation (MIPM), a 14-item self-reporting tool, and the Motives Toward Parenthood Scale (MTPS), a 30-item tool with four subscales. Results: MIPM was related to education levels, employment status, the number of children she had, and her parity. One-way ANOVA revealed significant relationships between MIPM with race and nationality. As shown in Mean DFC Scores by Nationality, post hoc tests revealed significant differences in mean MIPM scores when comparing Colombians to Nigerians, Ghanaians to both Colombians and Honduran participants, and finally, significant differences in mean MIPM scores when comparing between Philippine and Colombian, as well as Honduran participants. Subjective norms, consequences, and individual costs mean scores were below midpoints. Conclusion: Participants with increased DFC had increased education, were employed, had more children, and had been pregnant more times than participants with decreased DFC. Women who identified as Black had significantly greater DFC than those who identified as White or Hispanic. Women from Nigeria, Ghana, and the Philippines had significantly greater DFC than participants from Colombia and Honduras. Participants disagreed with subjective norms but agreed with the positive consequences of motherhood.

Associations between daily positive communication and sexual desire and satisfaction: an approach utilizing traditional analyses and machine learning

Communication is an important component of many healthy sexual and romantic relationships. Positive communication strategies including expressing fondness and affection, exchanging compliments, and disclosing information about oneself with a partner are associated with relationship and sexual satisfaction, but less is known about its association to sexual desire. Most of the current literature has used traditional statistical analyses that assume errors are normally distributed and that associations between variables are linear. Our study aimed to examine the ways daily levels of four positive communication strategies are associated with relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and sexual desire among 246 mixed sex couples (N = 492). We performed both traditional hierarchical linear modeling and machine learning to provide a complimentary view of results from the different data analytic techniques. Findings indicated that daily positive communication received from a partner was associated with all outcome variables of interest that day as well as for subsequent days for both partners in the couple. All positive communication strategies predicted daily levels of desire, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction for the individual and each had unique associations with partner outcomes. Unique nonlinear interactions were found using machine learning. Findings have implications for researchers and practitioners.