Nonsexual Behaviors Research Articles

Contrasting activity budgets of alternative reproductive tactics in male striped mice

To maximize their fitness, individuals of one sex can display discrete reproductive phenotypes, called alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs). Individuals following ARTs show behavioural variation, which might result in differences in energy intake and expenditure. However, few studies have compared activity budgets and non-sexual behaviour of individuals following ARTs in nature. We studied male African striped mice Rhabdomys pumilio, which can follow three ARTs: (1) breeding male of a group of females; (2) philopatrics remaining in their natal group; or (3) solitary living roamers. We predicted that each tactic is characterized by its specific activity budget, representing alternative energy trade-offs. We conducted focal animal observations on 70 males following ARTs. Roamers had higher travelling rates than philopatrics, and breeders had larger daily range sizes compared to philopatrics but not roamers. Philopatrics had higher foraging rates than breeders and showed more socio-positive behaviour than roamers. Breeders and philopatrics were in their nest more often than roamers, potentially engaging in social interactions with other group members. Roamers were chased off more often than breeders, but the three tactics did not differ concerning rates of socio-negative behaviour. Overall, philopatrics allocated their time towards behaviours that would increase body mass and survival probability, which could improve the probability to switch to a tactic of higher reproductive success. In contrast, breeders and roamers allocated their time towards behaviours that would increase their chances to mate. In conclusion, following ARTs results in contrasting activity budgets that reflect the differences in reproductive behaviours observed between tactics.

Sexual arousal and masculinity-femininity of women.

Studies with volunteers in sexual arousal experiments suggest that women are, on average, physiologically sexually aroused to both male and female sexual stimuli. Lesbians are the exception because they tend to be more aroused to their preferred sex than the other sex, a pattern typically seen in men. A separate research line suggests that lesbians are, on average, more masculine than straight women in their nonsexual behaviors and characteristics. Hence, a common influence could affect the expression of male-typical sexual and nonsexual traits in some women. By integrating these research programs, we tested the hypothesis that male-typical sexual arousal of lesbians relates to their nonsexual masculinity. Moreover, the most masculine-behaving lesbians, in particular, could show the most male-typical sexual responses. Across combined data, Study 1 examined these patterns in women's genital arousal and self-reports of masculine and feminine behaviors. Study 2 examined these patterns with another measure of sexual arousal, pupil dilation to sexual stimuli, and with observer-rated masculinity-femininity in addition to self-reported masculinity-femininity. Although both studies confirmed that lesbians were more male-typical in their sexual arousal and nonsexual characteristics, on average, there were no indications that these 2 patterns were in any way connected. Thus, women's sexual responses and nonsexual traits might be masculinized by independent factors. (PsycINFO Database Record

Males and females differentially adjust vigilance levels as group size increases: effect on optimal group size

A strong motivation for one individual to aggregate with others is to reduce their vigilance because other group members provide coverage and warning of approaching predators. This collective vigilance means that a focal individual is usually less susceptible to predation than when alone. However, individuals differ in their vigilance levels depending on status and context. They may also differ in how they adjust their vigilance levels as group size changes. This flexibility in response means that the collective vigilance of a group, and hence its optimal size, is not intuitive. We demonstrate, in both natural and experimental systems, that male and female pheasants, Phasianus colchicus, in harems differentially adjusted their vigilance levels as harem size changed. Females became less vigilant as harems became larger, and benefited by increasing their foraging time. Conversely, males became more vigilant as harems became larger. We calculated the collective probability that a harem would detect a predator. Within natural harem sizes, a male and two females exhibited the highest probability of collective detection, with decreases as more females joined. This optimal harem size matched the average harem size observed at our study site. Females may join harems for benefits of collective vigilance. Despite both sexes having a shared interest in larger harems for mating benefits, optimal harem size is influenced by trade-offs in a nonsexual behaviour, vigilance. This results in males with relatively small harems, females associating with less preferred males and each male being surrounded by fewer females than he could mate with.

Alternate Routes of Administration among Prescription Opioid Misusers and Associations with Sexual HIV Transmission Risk Behaviors

ABSTRACTLiterature suggests that young adult prescription opioid misusers who are using alternate routes of administration (e.g., snorting, injecting) may be engaging in sexual and non-sexual HIV risk behaviors. This study examines demographics, substance use, sexual risk behavior, and health and social problems associated with alternate routes of administration of prescription opioids among a sample of young adult prescription opioid misusers. Data are drawn from baseline assessments from a behavioral intervention trial. Eligible participants were ages 18–39, and reported recent (past 90 days) heterosexual sex, and recent and regular substance use and attendance at large, recognized local nightclubs. The analyses include 446 racially/ethnically diverse participants. In bivariate regression models, compared to those who did not, participants reporting alternate routes of administration (n = 209) were more likely to be White (p < 0.025) and report group sex participation history (p = 0.002), sex with an injection drug user (p = 0.003), sexual victimization history (p = 0.003), and severe mental distress (p < 0.000). White race, group sex participation history, and severe mental distress remained significant in the multivariate model. Alternate routes of administration of prescription opioids are associated with sexual HIV transmission risk behaviors. Early prevention and intervention efforts that address sexual and non-sexual HIV risk behaviors are warranted.

Older Male Clients of Female Sex Workers in the United States.

Recent research has provided increased information about the clients of sex workers; however, little is known about the population of older male customers who contract for heterosexual services online. Clients (N=208) between 60 and 84years of age were obtained through sex work review sites and online discussion forums. Participants completed a 129-item questionnaire focusing on physical health, sexual and non-sexual behaviors with sex providers, and the qualities sought in the same. More than half reported having visited sex providers between 13 and 24 times or more during the past 12months. Participants' advancing age was positively associated with frequency of paid sex. Most frequent sexual activities with providers were fellatio without a condom, followed by penile-vaginal sex with a condom. Analyses also examine the relationship between aging and buying sex. Those with higher incomes and without spouses or partners were more likely to report non-sexual activities with providers, and many participants sought a "GFE" or girlfriend experience, in which paid sexual exchanges are part of a relationship that mirrors conventional non-remunerative relationships.

Does Sex Really Matter? Examining the Connections Between Spouses' Nonsexual Behaviors, Sexual Frequency, Sexual Satisfaction, and Marital Satisfaction.

We examined the interplay between husbands' and wives' positive and negative nonsexual interpersonal behaviors, frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual satisfaction, and feelings of marital satisfaction. To do this, we conducted an in-depth face-to-face interview and completed a series of telephone diaries with 105 couples during their second, third, and fourteenth years of marriage. Consistent with the argument that women's sexual response is tied to intimacy (Basson, 2000), multilevel analyses revealed that husbands' positive interpersonal behaviors directed toward their wives-but not wives' positivity nor spouses' negative behaviors (regardless of gender)-predicted the frequency with which couples engaged in intercourse. The frequency of sexual intercourse and interpersonal negativity predicted both husbands' and wives' sexual satisfaction; wives' positive behaviors were also tied to husbands' sexual satisfaction. When spouses' interpersonal behaviors, frequency of sexual intercourse, and sexual satisfaction were considered in tandem, all but the frequency of sexual intercourse were associated with marital satisfaction. When it comes to feelings of marital satisfaction, therefore, a satisfying sex life and a warm interpersonal climate appear to matter more than does a greater frequency of sexual intercourse. Collectively, these findings shed much-needed light on the interplay between the nonsexual interpersonal climate of marriage and spouses' sexual relationships.

Demographic and developmental differences in the content and sequence of adolescents' ideal romantic relationship behaviors

This study utilizes data from 18,392 respondents (aged 12–19) in Wave 1 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to provide a detailed descriptive analysis of U.S. adolescents' desired behaviors in their ideal romantic relationships. Age, gender, and ethnic group differences in the desire for—and preferred sequence of—a set of activities that could occur in a hypothetical romantic relationship were explored within subsets of heterosexual (n = 17,274) and sexual minority adolescents (n = 1118). Non-sexual behaviors were more commonly desired compared to sexual behaviors. The typical desired behavioral sequence was: holding hands, going out alone, telling others they were a couple, kissing, saying “I love you,” sexual touching, and finally having sex. Overall, more similarities than differences emerged across groups, with some notable differences in the percentages who desired sexual behaviors. Results provide a nuanced picture of adolescent relationship scripts, with implications for education and prevention.

P04.29 Relationship between cigarette smoking and health risk behaviours among chinese youth: findings from a national survey

Introduction Due to their linkages in the social ecology of adolescents, adolescents’ cigarette smoking involvement is correlated with other health risk behaviours such as unsafe sexual behaviour and nonsexual risk behaviours, which can damage their health and well-being. This study focuses on examining whether socio-demographic factors and health risk and problem behaviours explain the prevalence of cigarette smoking among Chinese adolescents. Methods Based on the data from 1st National Youth Reproductive Health Survey in 2009, using binominal and ordered probit models with a Heckman’s two-stage estimation procedure, this study examines the socio-demographic and health risk and problem behaviours explaining both cigarette smoking and its frequency, respectively. Results The results indicate that both the occurrence of cigarette smoking and the frequency of cigarette smoking are mainly associated with health risk and problem behaviours covering other nonsexual risk behaviours and sexual behaviour. The prevalence of smoking was highest among male, rural adolescents, and who had lower education, from one-child family, broken family, or lived in the west. When we adjusted for socio-demographic factors and health risk and problem behaviours, smoking was associated with having premarital sex, having multiple sexual partners, binge drinking, and porn-reading addiction among Chinese adolescent. Conclusion Unsafe sexual behaviours, binge drinking, and porn-reading addiction are correlates of cigarette smoking suggest clustering to form a risk behaviour syndrome among Chinese adolescents. It reflects an urgent need for further exploring the relationship between cigarette smoking and other health risk behaviours will be helpful for designing further tobacco control interventions among Chinese youth.

Anti-Müllerian hormone is a gonadal cytokine with two circulating forms and cryptic actions.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a multi-faceted gonadal cytokine. It is present in all vertebrates with its original function in phylogeny being as a regulator of germ cells in both sexes, and as a prime inducer of the male phenotype. Its ancient functions appear to be broadly conserved in mammals, but with this being obscured by its overt role in triggering the regression of the Müllerian ducts in male embryos. Sertoli and ovarian follicular cells primarily release AMH as a prohormone (proAMH), which forms a stable complex (AMHN,C) after cleavage by subtilisin/kexin-type proprotein convertases or serine proteinases. Circulating AMH is a mixture of proAMH and AMHN,C, suggesting that proAMH is activated within the gonads and putatively by its endocrine target-cells. The gonadal expression of the cleavage enzymes is subject to complex regulation, and the preliminary data suggest that this influences the relative proportions of proAMH and AMHN,C in the circulation. AMH shares an intracellular pathway with the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and growth differentiation factor (GDF) ligands. AMH is male specific during the initial stage of development, and theoretically should produce male biases throughout the body by adding a male-specific amplification of BMP/GDF signalling. Consistent with this, some of the male biases in neuron number and the non-sexual behaviours of mice are dependent on AMH. After puberty, circulating levels of AMH are similar in men and women. Putatively, the function of AMH in adulthood maybe to add a gonadal influence to BMP/GDF-regulated homeostasis.

Testing the "Sexually Abused-Abuser Hypothesis" in Adolescents: A Population-Based Study.

A long-standing belief in the literature on sex offenders is that sexually victimized youths are at increased risk of becoming sex offenders themselves. The present study tested the link between past sexual abuse, either with or without contact, and sexually offending behavior in a representative sample of male and female adolescents while controlling for other types of abuse, mental health problems, substance use, and non-sexual violent behaviors. Self-reported data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 6,628 students attending 9th grade public school in Switzerland (3,434 males, 3,194 females, mean age = 15.50 years, SD = 0.66 years). Exposure to contact and non-contact types of sexual abuse was assessed using the Child Sexual Abuse Questionnaire and sexually offending behavior by the presence of any of three behaviors indicating sexual coercion. Two-hundred-forty-five males (7.1 %) and 40 females (1.2 %) reported having sexually coerced another person. After controlling for non-sexual abuse, low parent education, urban versus rural living, mental health problems, substance use, and non-sexual violent behavior, male adolescents who were victims of contact sexual abuse and non-contact sexual abuse were significantly more likely to report coercive sexual behaviors. Females who experienced contact or non-contact sexual abuse were also found at increased risk of committing sexual coercion after controlling for covariates. The present findings demonstrate a strong relationship between past sexual abuse, with and without physical contact, and sexual-offending behavior in male and female adolescents. Reducing exposure to non-contact sexual abuse (like Internet-based sexual exploitation) should become a new area of sexual violence prevention in youths.

The predictive validity of SIS/SES and BIS/BAS scores for sexual and non-sexual risk behavior

The theoretical proximity of the Dual-Control Model of the Sexual Response and the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory predicts at least moderate-size correlations of measurements based on these models. However, sexual inhibition has also been claimed to be domain-specific, suggesting smaller-size correlations and superior prediction of sexual outcomes using measures of sexual inhibition and excitation, compared with generic measures. The aim of this study (N=254) was to investigate the predictive validity of the Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation Scale (SIS/SES) for, respectively, sexual and non-sexual risk behavior beyond prediction using scores on the Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation Scale (BIS/BAS). Both instruments, however, were found to contribute to the prediction of both types of risk behavior. The findings were interpreted as providing only partial support for the notion of domain specificity of sexual inhibition and excitation.

Comparing risk behaviours of human papillomavirus-vaccinated and non-vaccinated women

BackgroundSince September 2008, a national vaccine programme in the UK has offered routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to young women aged 12–13 years. A catch-up programme also offered HPV vaccination...

Sex and strife: post-conflict sexual contacts in bonobos

Sexual contacts are thought to play an important role in regulating social tension in bonobos (Pan paniscus), and are especially common following aggressive conflicts, either between former opponents or involving bystanders. Nevertheless, research on the factors determining post-conflict sexual contacts, their effectiveness in reducing social tension and the nature of post-conflict sexual behaviour is scarce. Here, we collected data on post-conflict affiliative contacts in bonobos occurring between former opponents (reconciliation) and offered by bystanders towards victims (consolation) to investigate the role of sexual contacts in the regulation of aggressive conflicts compared to non-sexual affiliation behaviours. We tested whether post-conflict sexual contacts: (1) alleviate stress, (2) confer reproductive benefits, (3) mediate food-related conflict and (4) repair valuable social bonds. Thirty-six semi-free bonobos of all ages were observed at the Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo, using standardized Post-Conflict/Matched Control methods. Consolation and reconciliation were both marked by significant increases in the occurrence of sexual behaviours. Reconciliation was almost exclusively characterized by sexual contacts, although consolation was also characterized by increases in non-sexual behaviours, such as embrace. Adults were more likely to engage in post-conflict sexual contacts than younger bonobos. Consistent with the stress-alleviation hypothesis, victims receiving sexual consolatory contact showed significantly lower rates of self-scratching, a marker of stress in primates, compared to receiving non-sexual contact. Post-conflict sexual contacts were not targeted towards valuable social partners and they did not confer obvious reproductive benefits; nor were they used to mediate food-related conflicts. Overall, results highlight the role of sex in regulating tension and social conflicts in bonobos.

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor densities vary with photoperiod and sociality

Life in social groups relies on prosocial behaviors as well as on reduction of antisocial behaviors such as aggression and territoriality. The mechanisms supporting variation in behaviors that give rise to group living (sociality) are largely unknown. Female meadow voles exhibit natural seasonal variation in sociality: females are aggressive and territorial in summer, while in winter they share burrows and nest in mixed-sex groups. This behavioral shift is paralleled in the lab by day length-dependent variation in partner preference formation and social huddling. We exploit natural variation in meadow vole sociality in order to examine changes in neural pathways that coincide with environmental and behavioral variations.Mounting evidence suggests that the corticotropin-releasing factor system, encompassing multiple peptides and two receptor subtypes (CRF1 and CRF2), may play an important role in regulating social behaviors. We report day-length dependent variation in CRF1 and CRF2 receptor binding in female meadow voles, and relate these findings to previously collected oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding data and behavioral data for the same individuals. CRF1 receptor binding was greater in summer-like long day lengths (LD), particularly in the hippocampus, while CRF2 receptor binding was greater in winter-like short day lengths (SD) in the cingulate cortex and hippocampus. OTR varied with day length in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus. SD voles huddled more extensively than LD voles, and greater huddling time was associated with more CRF1 receptor binding and less CRF2 receptor binding in subregions of the lateral septum. CRF2 receptor associations with behavior mirrored those of OTR in the lateral septum. Finally, estradiol treatment affected density of CRF receptors in multiple brain regions. CRF receptors and their ligands are promising candidates for enhancing understanding of the regulation of non-sexual social behavior between group living peers.

Sexual disinhibition under sexual arousal: evidence for domain specificity in men and women.

Men have been shown to estimate their likelihood of engaging in sexually coercive behaviors and also uncommon and unprotected sexual behaviors as higher when they are in an acute state of sexual arousal. The present research sought to test (1) whether sexual arousal effects could be replicated under more controlled laboratory settings, (2) whether women showed the same pattern of results, and (3) whether this effect was specific to sexual disinhibition or would generalize to non-sexual disinhibited behavior. In two experimental studies, male and female participants (Study 1: N=84; Study 2: N=86) were either sexually aroused by acoustically presented erotic narratives or listened to sexually non-arousing neutral narratives. Afterwards, they self-estimated their likelihood of engaging in a variety of behaviors that could be characterized as sexual or non-sexual disinhibited behavior. Results replicated the previously established effect of sexual disinhibition under sexual arousal for men and provided the first evidence for a similar effect in women. No arousal effects were observed for non-sexual behavior, rendering alternative explanations based on mere indifferent responding unlikely. The discussion focused on a plausible explanation for this effect.

Male clients' behaviours with and perspectives about their last male escort encounter: comparing repeat versus first-time hires

Research on men who have sex with men suggests that condomless anal intercourse occurs more frequently in established sexual relationships. While comparable data regarding male-for-male escorting is unavailable, research implies that many clients seek emotional as well as physical connections with the men they hire. In 2012, 495 male clients, recruited via daddysreviews.com completed an online survey about their last hiring experience. Most participants were from the USA (85.7%), the UK and Canada (3.2% each). In total, 75% of encounters involved an escort hired for the first time; 25% were with a previously hired escort (‘repeat encounter’). The client's age, lifetime number of escorts hired and number hired in the past year were positively associated with the last encounter being a repeat encounter. Cuddling, sharing a meal, drinking alcohol, taking a walk, watching a show and shopping were also positively associated with repeat encounters. Conversely, none of the sexual behaviours were significantly associated with repeat encounters. Repeat encounters were significantly more likely to include non-sexual behaviours alongside sexual activities, but no more likely to involve condomless anal intercourse. Moreover, clients' knowledge of escorts' HIV status was not significantly associated with engaging in condomless anal intercourse with repeat encounters.

“She Deserved It”

Effects of ambivalent sexism, sexism norms, victim behavior, and type of violence on male students' reactions to male violence against women in intimate relationships were examined. Participants judged a scenario depicting an act of sexual or non-sexual violence against a female partner who had either shown overtly sexual or non-sexual behavior toward another man. Generally, high (vs. low) hostile sexism, high (vs. low) hostile sexism norm feedback, and victim's overtly sexual (vs. non-sexual) behavior led to stronger victim blame and perceived approval of the aggressor's behavior. The victim of non-sexual violence was blamed more than the rape victim, particularly if she had behaved in an overtly sexual manner.

The Widow-Ascetic under Hindu Law

This article constitutes a fairly comprehensive, largely diachronic analysis of the restrictions placed upon the non-sexual behavior of widows by works of the classical Hindu legal tradition known as Dharmaśāstra. As such, it systematically examines an array of texts belonging to virtually all periods of Dharmaśāstra, beginning with the earliest surviving Dharmaśāstric works and proceeding chronologically forward. This article, therefore, provides a more detailed and reliable account of the rise of widow-asceticism within the orthodox Brahmanical communities that produced these texts than is hitherto available. In this way, it significantly contributes to our broader understanding of how Brahmanical attitudes toward women changed between roughly 300bce and 1500ce.

Risky and Sexual Behaviors Among Young People of the University of Bohol

This paper looked into sensitive issues on risky and sexual behaviors faced by young people today that have future ramifications. The purpose of this study is to provide knowledge of the sexual and non-sexual risk-taking tendencies among young people of the University of Bohol, the School Year 2012-2013. A descriptive survey method was formulated to obtain quantitative measures of the background and behavior of young people in the study area with the aid of a questionnaire that made use of a modified version of the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study survey, checklist, and open-ended questionnaire were also utilized. Results were tabulated and analyzed utilizing frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabulations. Among the sexual and non-sexual risk-taking behaviors, engagement in drinking got the highest number, followed by smoking, engagement in pre-marital sex without the use of contraception and very few numbers claimed to misuse drugs. This institutional research is one of the answers to the university’s unceasing quest in providing students with an education that not just develops a strong foundation of knowledge but also equips them with the skills needed in honing proactive citizens, who are participative in addressing and defining concerns of the times.

Antisocial behavior trajectories of adolescents and emerging adults with histories of sexual aggression.

Objective: The development of antisocial behavior among youths with histories of sexual aggression was examined. Method: Participants were 1,725 youths and their parents who were part of an ongoing, prospective longitudinal study that followed youths from early adolescence (11 to 17 years of age) through emerging adulthood (18 to 27 years of age). Individual youths completed a self-report delinquency measure in seven waves of the study. Of the participants, 131 individuals reported committing at least one sexually aggressive act across the seven waves, and 605 individuals reported committing at least one serious nonsexual antisocial act (e.g., physical assault, robbery) but no sexual aggression during the study. Results: A growth mixture modeling approach revealed three antisocial behavior trajectories (i.e., low, moderate, and chronic) and indicated that individuals with a history of sexual aggression (i.e., sexual perpetrators) generally did not have different antisocial behavior trajectories during adolescence and emerging adulthood than did individuals with histories of serious nonsexual antisocial behavior (i.e., nonsexual perpetrators). Moreover, similar proportions of sexual perpetrators and nonsexual perpetrators were found on each of the three trajectories. Conclusions: These findings suggest that sexual perpetrators are not a homogeneous population and that the development of problem sexual behavior is generally similar to the development of other serious antisocial behaviors. These findings also suggest that treatments that have demonstrated effectiveness with delinquent youth in general may be successful with sexually aggressive youth in particular.