Sexual Motivation Research Articles

Predictors of Perceived Positive and Negative Consequences of Sexual Compliance

Sexual compliance (i.e., consenting to sex without initial sexual desire) can have both positive and negative consequences for well-being. This study explored predictors of perceived consequences of sexual compliance in cisgendered men and women from a population-based, Finnish sample (men n = 449, women n = 499, age M = 34.1, relationship duration M = 8.9). We drew upon existing literature and theoretical frameworks to select the following predictors; sexual approach and avoidance motives, sexual self-efficacy, avoidant and anxious attachment, sexual self-esteem, sexual assertiveness, symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, sexual distress, dyadic sexual communication, dyadic trust, and partner’s sexual coercion. The predictors explained 31–38% of the variance in perceived positive consequences and 33–43% of the variance in perceived negative consequences of sexual compliance. Approach motives for sex had the strongest association with perceived positive consequences and having been sexually coerced by one’s partner and sexual distress had the strongest associations with perceived negative consequences of sexual compliance. There were some variations in the predictors between genders, but the differing predictors had weak effects on the perceived consequences. Our findings can help clinicians identify focus areas when working with clients who experience a desire discrepancy in their intimate relationships.

Phytochemical Profiling by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, In Vitro Antioxidant, In Vivo Antidiabetic, and Pro-Sexual Effects of Salvia balansae Noë Ex Coss. Flower Extract in Diabetic Male Rats.

Our study assessed the phytochemical composition and the effects of Salvia balansae flower aqueous extract (FAE) on sexual dysfunction in diabetic rats. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, quantification of phytochemicals by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-electrospray ionization (ESI)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method, and in vitro antioxidant capacity of FAE extract were elucidated. For the in vivo study, diabetes was induced by one intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (40mg/kg), and treated diabetic rats were given FAE at 200mg/kg. Rats were subjected to a sexual incentive motivation test (SIM) and a mating behavior test, and then serum testosterone levels and sperm quality were analyzed. Our study indicates that FAE contained a large amount of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, and 13 constituents were quantified; cynaroside (3.8mg analyte/g extract) was the main compound, followed by rosmarinic acid (3.145mg analyte/g extract), thus confirming its high antioxidant capacity. FAE treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels, improved sexual motivation and copulatory behavior, increased testosterone levels, and enhanced sperm quality in diabetic-treated rats compared to diabetic untreated rats. The present work demonstrates the therapeutic potential of S. balansae flowers in enhancing reproductive function in diabetic rats, potentially through its antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and aphrodisiac properties.

Kisspeptin participates in the positive reward state induced by paced mating and modulates sexual receptivity and paced mating behavior in female rats

Kisspeptin (Kp), a potent regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis, was recently shown to be involved in partner preference and sexual receptivity in females. Interestingly, Kp and its receptor (Kiss1r) are expressed in brain regions involved in the reward and motivation of reinforcing behaviors. Therefore, in the present study, we designed 3 experiments to determine the participation of Kp in female sexual behavior and the positive affective (PA) reward state induced by paced mating (PM). In all experiments, we used sexually naïve ovariectomized Wistar female rats primed with estradiol benzoate (EB, 2.5 μg/rat) 48 h before behavioral tests. In experiment 1 (n = 9), we tested the effect of Kp on PM. We demonstrated that Kp-10 (14 nmol) induced similar levels of receptivity to treatment with EB + progesterone and facilitated PM by reducing the return latency after intromissions. In experiment 2 (n = 8), we evaluated the effect of p234 penetratin, a Kiss1r antagonist, on PM. The administration of p234 in doses of 7.5 nmol and 15 nmol reduced the mean lordosis intensity and increased mount and intromission return latencies. Finally, in Experiment 3, we tested the capacity of Kp to induce a PA state or the antagonist to block the reward state induced by PM. Kp-10 (7 and 14 nmol) induced a clear conditioned place preference. This reward state and that produced by PM were blocked by p234 (15 nmol). Our findings underscore the critical role of Kp in modulating female sexual behavior and the PA state associated with PM, highlighting its potential to enhance sexual motivation.

Reduced sensitivity to cocaine effects and changes in mesocorticolimbic dopamine receptors in adolescent sexually active female rats.

The sexual behavior of the female rat is highly motivated, and the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system -involved in psychostimulants effects- has been implicated in its regulation. Female rats begin to express sexual behavior during adolescence, a period during which this system is not yet mature. To examine the impact of cocaine on sexual motivation and behavior of adolescent and adult female rats, and to determine the dopamine receptors binding in mesocorticolimbic areas of these females. The effect of acute administration of cocaine (0.0, 10.0, and 20.0mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on the male´s incentive value for females and on their sexual behavior in late adolescent (45-55days old) and adult (100-120days old) rats was assessed during late proestrus. The binding of D1-like and D2-like receptors in the striatum and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of adolescent and adult rats were determined by autoradiography. Cocaine did not affect females´ preference for the male. However, 10mg/kg of cocaine reduced the expression of sexual motivated responses and 20mg/kg also diminished sexual receptivity exclusively in adult subjects. Moreover, cocaine-induced a more pronounced hyper-locomotion in adult than in late adolescent rats. Late adolescent females exhibited higher dopamine receptors binding in the mPFC and reduced D2-like receptors binding in the Nucleus Accumbens shell when compared to adults. Late adolescent females are less sensitive than adults to the detrimental effects of cocaine on sexual behavior and locomotion. This phenomenon is accompanied by variation in dopamine receptors in mesocorticolimbic areas affected by this psychostimulant.

Progesterone treatment is not necessary for sexual experience-enhanced paced mating behavior in estradiol benzoate-primed female rats.

Sexual behavior in female rats varies depending on sexual history and the combination of ovarian hormones administered to induce receptivity. Experiment 1 tested whether paced mating behavior differed in sexually experienced rats when receptivity was induced with sequential estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone (P) or EB-Alone. Rats gained paced mating experience under EB/P (10 μg EB 48 hr + 1 mg P 4-6 hr before mating) and then were primed with EB-Alone (2 μg EB for 6 days). Rats primed with EB-Alone were fully receptive but returned to the male more slowly, spent less time with the male, had longer interintromission intervals, showed fewer proceptive behaviors and more rejection behaviors, and had significantly longer test durations compared to when rats were primed with EB/P. Experiment 2 tested whether sexual experience-induced changes to paced mating behavior occur under both EB/P and EB-Alone hormone priming regimens. Rats received EB/P or EB-Alone prior to four paced mating tests. With sexual experience under either hormone regimen, rats showed shorter contact-return latencies to intromission, shorter interintromission intervals, and more proceptive behaviors. However, relative to EB/P-primed rats, EB-Alone-primed rats exited the male compartment more frequently after mounts and intromissions, spent less time with the male, had longer interintromission intervals, displayed fewer proceptive behaviors and more rejection behaviors, and had longer test durations, indicating lower sexual motivation. Collectively, these data illustrate that experience-enhanced paced mating behavior occurs with either EB/P or EB-Alone priming, but progesterone further facilitates mating behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring sexual motivations underlying substance use: Gender perspectives, substance categories and substance use disorder severity

Sex under the influence of substances is a common sexual practice. Although they could explain engagement in sex under the influence of substances, few studies have explored sexual motivations driving substance use. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate differences in sexual motivations across genders and substance categories, and the link between substance use severity and sexual motivations. In all, 188 adults (aged 18–74) took part in a comprehensive assessment interview addressing substance use ( Évaluation intégrée spécialisée en dépendance), including three sexual motivation items for three substance categories (alcohol, cannabis, other substances), and substance use severity (WMH-CIDI). Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and generalized estimating equations were used to compare sexual motivations among substance categories between men and women. A logistic regression assessed whether substance use severity could influence the presence of sexual motivations when considering gender and age. Results revealed an interaction between gender and substance categories on sexual motivations. Men were more likely to present sexual motivations and exhibited greater sex-related substance use motivations than women for substances other than alcohol and cannabis. Moreover, higher substance use severity scores were associated with the presence of sexual motivations for substance use. This study underscores the need to develop gender-sensitive interventions that consider sexual motivations underlying substance use. Consideration of sexual motivations could help identify the needs fulfilled by substance use and prevent triggers arising from sexual situations. Being among the first studies on the subject, continuing research in this area to further investigate sexual motivations underlying substance use remains essential.

Unveiling the depths of Tinder: Decoding the dark tetrad and sociosexuality in motives behind online dating

Given the widespread use of dating apps, it is essential to understand the reasons for their use. Dark Tetrad predict motives for Tinder usage in different ways, but it seems that sexual motives are one of the main reasons why “dark” people use Tinder. So, both dark traits and sociosexual orientation seem to play a relevant role. This study aimed to identify profiles of individuals in terms of their Dark Tetrad traits and their orientation towards unrestricted sex and analyse the differences between them based on the Tinder usage reasons. In 200 participants (Mage = 30.78; 67.50% female), an online survey was administered including the Tinder Motives Scale (TMS; validated in Spanish in this study), the Tinder use and outcomes, the Short Dark Triad, the Assessment of Sadistic Personality, and the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory were administered. Results offered a shorter version of the TMS, and three-profiles: Non-dark and non-sociosexual (41.30%), Slightly narcissistic and sociosexual (38.60%), and High-dark and slightly sociosexual (20.10%). There were differences between profiles and Tinder motives. People with less dark traits and sociosexual orientation seem to be more motivated to use Tinder for finding romantic partners, and people most interested in using Tinder for sexual purposes are those with moderate Dark Tetrad and not those with the highest scores. Identifying what motivates those with less sexual restriction and undesirable traits to use Tinder is crucial. This knowledge could help design awareness programs on the misuse of these apps.

Testing Polynomial (Non-Linear) Effects of Neurological and Physical Disability on Sexual Well-Being in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is among the most prevalent chronic autoimmune disorders affecting the central nervous system. In Poland, the MS incidence rate is 6.3 per 100,000 patients. The results of studies indicate that people suffering from MS are less involved in sexual life in both the physical and emotional aspects, they assess that sex is less important to them than to healthy people, and their sexual motivation is limited, especially its physical dimension. A total of 121 people participated in the study. It used four questionnaires: authors' survey on sociodemographic and biomedical data, Short Sexual Well-Being Scale, Guy's Neurological Disability Scale, and Expanded Disability Status Scale. A positive and moderate relationship was found between neurological disability and physical disability. Also, the correlation between neurological disability and the number of sexual dysfunctions was significant. Problems in the neurological sphere were also negatively associated with sexual well-being. Physical disability was not significantly associated with the level of sexual well-being or the number of declared sexual dysfunctions. The number of dysfunctions was moderately associated with the levels of sexual well-being. The polynomial regression analyses did not find any non-linear relationships between the severity of disability and sexual well-being. This study suggests that the occurrence of sexual dysfunctions can be an important subject in MS patients' sexual well-being. It underlines the fact that the subject of one's sexuality cannot be omitted while providing medical and psychological support for individuals with MS.

"No doctor ever asked me…so I thought it wasn't a valid concern":endometriosis patients' perspectives of barriers and facilitators to sexual health communication in general practice.

Sexual health communication between general practitioners (GPs) and individuals with chronic diseases is well documented as an important component of sexual well-being. However, a notable gap exists in understanding factors that contribute to sexual health communication in the endometriosis context. Endometriosis-related research has focused on the assessment of sexual functioning and its role in influencing health-related quality of life, with a limited understanding of the management of sexual well-being in primary healthcare settings. To explore how individuals with endometriosis perceive their experiences of sexual health communication with GPs to understand the barriers and facilitators of this communication in general practice. This study formed part of a larger online quantitative survey measuring psychological and sexual well-being in individuals with endometriosis. In total 141 participants provided responses via open-ended unlimited free-text questions focused on their experiences of sexual health communication with GPs, including their perspectives on barriers and facilitators. Four overarching themes regarding barriers to sexual health communication were identified through thematic template analysis: (1) systemic factors; (2) practitioner factors; (3) patient factors; and (4) interpersonal factors. Facilitators mirrored strategies to address these barriers. Additionally, participants offered recommendations for developing resources to improve sexual health communication. Despite patients' interest, sexual health concerns in endometriosis are commonly overlooked in general practice due to various barriers, which individuals suggest could be addressed through comprehensive GP education and practical aids including communication tools. Although the sample is large for a qualitative study, the potential selection bias-stemming from participants' high levels of sexual dysfunction and motivation to discuss sexual health with a GP-may limit the diversity of perspectives. GP perspectives were not evaluated, precluding any assessment of the accuracy of individuals' perceptions of practitioner factors. Individuals with endometriosis encounter various systematic, practitioner, personal, and interpersonal factors that hinder or facilitate sexual health communication in general practice. Future research should prioritize strategies to improve sexual health communication for both GPs and patients.

Motives to play drinking games and their unique associations with drinking game behaviors and consequences in a national sample of university students in the United States

Objective: Playing drinking games (DGs) is a common behavior among university students, which is concerning given that DG participation is related to more alcohol use/consequences. People’s motivations for playing DGs are associated with certain DG behavior patterns and negative consequences. However, few studies have accounted for general drinking motives and other key covariates when examining the unique associations between DG-specific motivations and DG outcomes. The present study used a large, multisite national sample of university students in the United States to determine cross-sectional associations between DG-specific motives (e.g. sexual pursuit, enhancement/thrills, conformity) and DG frequency, quantity, and negative consequences, above and beyond relevant demographics and general drinking motives. Method: University students (N = 8922) completed a self-report survey that assessed DG-specific behaviors, consequences, and motives, as well as general drinking behaviors and motives. Results: Multivariate findings indicated that enhancement/thrills and sexual pursuit motives are the riskiest DG motives, given their association with DG frequency, quantity, and consequences. Conformity was positively associated with negative consequences while competition and boredom were positively associated with DG frequency. Social lubrication was unrelated to all outcomes. Conclusion: Enhancement/thrills, sexual pursuit, and conformity DG motives may be particularly important targets for DG-specific prevention and intervention efforts.

Predictors of duty sex frequency in women.

Duty Sex-the act of engaging in sex out of a sense of duty or obligation to a partner-is a commonly reported reason why women have sex, with studies indicating associations between Duty Sex and sexual dysfunction, as well as nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs). This study sought to examine the associations between Duty Sex frequency, sexual function, and NSEs using comprehensive, validated measures of sexual function and NSE histories in a large community sample of women. Six hundred and fifty-eight women with (n = 293) and without (n = 365) NSE histories completed measures of sexual function and sexual motivations. Women with NSE histories reported more sexual pain, lower sexual satisfaction, and more frequent Duty Sex. The relation between NSE history and Duty Sex remained after controlling for the variance in sexual function. The type of NSE behavior, but not the timing of the first NSE nor the perceived impact of the experience, predicted Duty Sex frequency. Clinicians should consider sexual motivations, particularly Duty Sex, when treating women with NSE histories or who experience sexual dysfunction. To our knowledge, this was the first study to examine how NSEs relate to all domains of sexual function and sexual motives, revealing a link between NSEs, sexual function, and Duty Sex. However, we were unable to account for what percentage of sexual encounters are considered Duty Sex. Therefore, our measurement of Duty Sex lacks specificity, which may explain the relatively low variance accounted for by the models in our analyses. There are consequences of NSEs, including difficulties with communicating sexual boundaries and impairment of sexual function, that may contribute to the increased likelihood of engaging in Duty Sex.

Mounting exhibited between cows is not associated with sexual motivation

Females of various species exhibit mounting behavior toward other mature females, i.e., female–female (f–f) mounting. Cows exhibit f–f mounting, which is commonly considered a sexual behavior based on a few similarities with male sexual mounting. Here, we hypothesized that the degree of f–f mounting exhibited by cows in estrus would increase when they are sexually motivated by sexually relevant stimuli. To test this hypothesis, two groups of four cows each were prepared. First, estrus was induced in one of the cows in each group by injecting estradiol in the presence of a non-sexually active male steer as a stimulus animal (steer-stimulus condition), and all f–f mounts were recorded. Estrus induction was repeated until induced in all cows. We then changed the stimulus animal from the steer to a sexually active bull (bull-stimulus condition), and the estrus induction procedures were repeated as before. We confirmed that estrus was induced successfully in cows injected with estradiol and that they were sexually motivated by switching the stimulus animal from steer to bull, as they spent relatively more time with the stimulus animal in the bull-stimulus than in the steer-stimulus condition and when not in estrus. However, f–f mounting frequency in the bull-stimulus condition showed no significant difference to that in the steer-stimulus condition. We observed that six of the eight subjects exhibited f–f mounting when not in estrus, which accounted for 44.6 % of f–f mounting we observed (n = 668). These findings suggest that f–f mounting in cows is not associated with sexual motivation.

PARAPHILIA AND MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS: PREVALENCE AND PATHOGENESIS

Introduction - Paraphilia disorders are defined as an abnormal intense sexual deviant followed by behaviors to fulfill fierce sexual erotic activities. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder marked by the appearance of a depressed mood, decreased interest, poor cognitive function, and vegetative symptoms including sleep or eating disorders. There is a study about the prevalence of paraphilia in the US, 15,9%. Meanwhile, there is about 6,1% of the prevalence of depressive disorders in Indonesia. According to DSM-5, Paraphilias, and paraphilia-related disorders, depressive disorders are the most frequent comorbid axis I diagnoses with a lifetime prevalence of life by 56%. Based on these case numbers, this study aims to discuss the correlation between these two events. Methods - Researchers used several journals and textbooks discussing the prevalence and pathogenesis of paraphilia and major depressive disorders; and the correlation between these two disorders. Results - Paraphilias are rarely diagnosed in clinical settings because many cases of paraphilia are related to illegal and criminal acts (such as sexual harassment), and reporting methods are unreliable, meanwhile depression is ubiquitous in both high and low-income countries. This shows that any government needs to be aware of the effects of depressive disorders. Those who have not sought treatment are still high, amounting to 87 to 91% of depressive disorders that have not sought treatment. Discuss - There is a significant correlation between paraphilia and major depressive disorder, MDD is one of the paraphilia-related disorders comorbid axis I diagnosis with a lifespan prevalence of 56%. From the pathogenesis, monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin serve a modulatory role in human sexual motivation, appetitive, and consummatory behavior. Conclusion - In pathogenesis, there's a degradation in function, amount, and production of neurotransmitter monoamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin that cause the person with paraphilia usually show symptoms such as mood changes, decreased interest, depression, decreased cognitive function, and the appearance of vegetative-related symptoms such as impaired appetite or sleep activity. Keywords: paraphilias, depression, pathogenesis.

Motor-evoked potentials as biomarkers for sexual arousal?

Motor cortex excitability may represent the neuronal endpoint of motivational processes and was shown to be modulated by both sexual arousal and deceptive behavior. This is the first study to investigate the influence of lying and sex in heterosexual women and men based on motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) measured while viewing sexually arousing pictures. Sixteen heterosexual couples were shown 360 trials consisting of pictures displaying both almost naked females and males and neutral control images. In a subsequent forced-choice question about wanting to see the respective pictures fully naked, they were instructed to either answer in agreement with or opposite to their sexual preference. Participants went through 2 blocks of answering truthfully and 2 blocks of lying, with these 4 blocks being shown in a randomized alternating order. To measure cortical excitability, MEPs were used, evoked by single transcranial magnetic stimulation pulses between image presentation and response. In normalized MEPs, women and men showed higher amplitudes for preferred over non-preferred sexual stimuli, but only on a descriptive level. Planned contrasts showed higher non-normalized MEPs for lying in all picture categories. Direct comparisons to a preliminary study showed overall lower effect sizes. Both sexes tend to show higher MEPs in response to their sexually preferred stimuli. MEPs are not stable markers for willful volitionally controlled deception although lying does increase cortical excitability. The present experimental design does not seem valid enough to serve as a diagnostic marker for sexual preference or paraphilia and malingering. This is the first study investigating whether sexual motivational stimuli modulate MEPs in women, while also examining the influence of lying for both sexes. The sample was too small for some found effects to be significant. Also, the experimental setup may have been less suited for female participants in comparison to male ones. The operationalization of sexual motivation via MEPs seems to highly depend on different experimental factors including the sex of the participants, induced motivation, and lying.

Under the influence: exogenous testosterone influences men's cross-sex perceptions of sexual interest.

The sexual misperception bias is a cognitive bias in which men tend to overestimate sexual interest from women, potentially shaped by evolutionary mating strategies. Testosterone, often linked to mating behaviors, might play a role in sustaining sexual overperceptions. To explore this possibility, we conducted a placebo-controlled study with 190 heterosexual men, administering either 11 mg of testosterone or a placebo. Participants interacted with an attractive female confederate, while naïve raters assessed the confederate's affiliative behaviors. Our findings suggest that exogenous testosterone did not broadly impact sexual overperception. However, we found that affiliative behavior from the confederate was positively correlated with perceived sexual interest among testosterone-treated, but not placebo-treated men. In addition, we found that this effect among testosterone-treated men was contingent on their self-perceived attractiveness. Specifically, the confederate's affiliative behaviors were positively correlated with perceived sexual interest, but only for testosterone-treated men with average or above average self-perceived attractiveness. Furthermore, our data revealed that men's tendency to project their own short-term and long-term mating interests increases as a function of self-perceived attractiveness, and this coupling is enhanced by testosterone for long-term interest. Taken together, these results suggest that testosterone may potentiate existing biases, particularly when sexual motivation is high, and bias perceptions of friendly behavior when engaging in cross-sex mindreading. This study adds to the understanding of the neuroendocrine bases of social cognition, suggesting that testosterone can affect men's perceptions of potential mates.

Attraction Toward One's Partner is Associated with Sexual Desire, Satisfaction, and Distress Among Couples Coping with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder.

The sexual incentive motivation model suggests that attractive stimuli activate the sexual response system. Attraction toward one's partner has been linked to greater sexual satisfaction, but no quantitative studies have examined its links to sexual desire or distress among those with sexual dysfunction. We examined associations between daily attraction toward one's partner and sexual satisfaction, desire, and distress for individuals with Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD) and their partners. Participants (N = 227 couples) completed daily online surveys measuring attraction for one's partner, sexual desire, satisfaction, and distress. Multilevel models showed that on days when women and gender diverse individuals with SIAD reported higher attraction for their partner, they and their partners reported higher sexual satisfaction and desire, and their partners reported lower sexual distress. On days when partners reported higher attraction, both they and participants with SIAD reported higher sexual desire and partners reported lower sexual distress; however, women and gender diverse individuals with SIAD reported higher sexual distress. Daily fluctuations in attraction may be important for daily fluctuations in sexual wellbeing among couples coping with SIAD. Findings may inform novel treatment targets for SIAD.

Suspicion of needle pricking/spiking in 2022 in Paris, France, an observational study from the Department of Forensic Medicine

BackgroundNeedle pricking, the act of being intentionally pricked by an assailant, and needle spiking, the covert injection of substances using a needle, have historical precedents and recently resurfaced in Europe in 2022. This resurgence presented a challenge for emergency and forensic medicine departments. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study in the forensic medicine department of Paris, France, including all patients who consulted for suspected needle pricking/spiking in 2022, following a police report. The study aimed to provide epidemiological data on victims, circumstances, and the results of toxicologic and serological analyses. FindingsOf all assault victims in 2022, patients reporting or suspecting needle pricking/spiking represented 1.2 % of the total (171 cases). Most cases involved women (81.9 %) with a median age of 21.75 years. Incidents often occurred in festive contexts (84.8 %). Over a third of the patients didn't report any symptoms (37.5 %). Amnesia, nausea, and dizziness were common symptoms among those who did. Patients reporting alcohol consumption were more likely to experience symptoms (p < 0.05). Over half of the patients displayed physical examinations consistent with needle pricking, with pricks mostly on their arms. Not all patients underwent toxicologic analyses (30.6 %), but all results were negative. Despite most patients not providing follow-up serology results, all received results were negative. InterpretationOverall, our data are more suggestive of needle pricking than spiking. Although women were overrepresented, there was no evidence of sexual motivation on the part of the perpetrators. It's possible that the perpetrators wanted to instill fear in the population without a specific goal. This form of violence necessitates preventive measures in festive venues and enhanced efforts to detect psychoactive substance.

Child welfare workers’ understanding of gender, sexual orientation and sexual health in assessments of youths with a problematic substance use

ABSTRACT The use of alcohol or illicit substances by youths may be related to sexual motives and experiences. Accordingly, child welfare workers need to address young people’s sexuality in their investigative work. In this study, we have examined the significance of different social categories, namely gender and sexual orientation, when child welfare workers assess young people with a substance use and their related sexual health. Fifteen child welfare workers were recruited through a strategic sampling to participate in semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using thematic content analysis. The results consist of three sub-themes: Sexually vulnerable girls; Boys as perpetrators; and Unseen LGBTQ+ youth. Together, these sub-themes constitute an overarching theme where the heterosexual matrix appears to be the interpretative framework when investigating a problematic substance use. The suggested implications for practice include education in sexual and reproductive health and rights for child welfare workers aiming to achieve an equitable assessment process for all youth with a problematic substance use.

“The Nurse Told Her to Get Checked More Regularly Because She is Having Sex with Black Men”: An Exploration of the Sexual Health Experiences of Black Heterosexual Men in London

ABSTRACT Drivers of poor sexual health outcomes among Black heterosexual man are poorly understood. Previous research has identified a need to understand Black men’s behavioral experiences and motivators in the UK. This study aimed to address this gap through a phenomenological exploration of the sexual health experiences and motivators of Black heterosexual men with experience of higher-risk sexual behaviors living in London. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants (18–58 years) recruited through barbershops. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Five themes were generated. For relevance, three themes are discussed in this paper: 1) The Black Man’s Battle; 2) Sexual Socialization; and 3) Sexual Behaviors, Relationships, and Health. Race and gender combined to shape experience of sexual socialization. Exposure to explicit media content from a young age promoted multiple sexual partners. Racist sexual stereotypes exposed participants to fetishization and created pressure to meet sexual expectations. Condom use motivators were complex and multifaceted. Experience of institutional racism created a lack of trust in services. However, actual experiences with sexual health services were positive and counteracted the mistrust created by racism. Sexual health services should better tailor their work to Black heterosexual men and diversify their offer. Services should collaborate with Black community organizations to deliver services outside clinical settings.

A Qualitative Content Analysis of Perceived Individual and Relational Consequences of Sexual Compliance and Their Contributors

Sexual compliance (i.e., consensually engaging in sex despite a lack of desire for it) is common in committed intimate relationships, but the consequences of compliance for the well-being of the individual and the relationship are poorly understood. We investigated the perceived consequences of sexual compliance and perceptions of factors contributing to negative/positive consequences by applying qualitative content analysis to free-text retrospective survey responses from 107 (mostly) Finnish adults. We identified five themes of personal consequences (emotions and mood, sexual experience, sexual desire, pressure and violations, and physical pain), four of relational consequences (relationship satisfaction, partner’s response, relationship interaction, and value alignment), and nine of possible factors contributing to negative/positive consequences (communication, self-esteem, motives for sex, relationship factors, agency and self-knowledge, mental health and stress, psychological flexibility, societal norms, and past negative experiences). Perceived consequences varied widely across individuals, both in terms of whether any positive or negative consequences were experienced and whether compliance was perceived as improving or worsening specific domains of well-being. We discuss the themes identified in relation to previous theories of sexuality and intimate relationships and offer hypotheses that can be tested in future quantitative studies.