Online Sexual Behavior Research Articles

Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurses’ Exposure to Clients With Problematic Internet Experiences: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study

The current study explored the type and number of problematic Internet experiences (PIE) encountered by psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHN) in clinical practice and analyzed PMHNs' clinical cases of clients with PIE. A mixed-methods quantitative survey with a qualitative component measured the types and number of PIE cases via a descriptive survey and derived themes using narrative inquiry methodology from written case descriptions. A sample of 16 PMHNs provided quantitative data and nine participants summarized clinical cases. PMHNs reported 92 adult and 33 child cases of PIE. Six themes were derived from the narrative data: (a) searching for pornography; (b) developing online romantic relationships; (c) online gaming is ruining my life; (d) spending excessive time on the Internet; (e) coming to terms with online sexual behaviors and addiction; and (f) cyberbullying. Implications for PMHN practice include the need for further assessment and intervention as PIE increase in the future.

Unusual online sexual interests in heterosexual Swedish and Italian university students

Summary Previous studies explain that the Internet makes it possible to explore various unusual desires with little embarrassment and often with the illusion of personal security. Despite the flourishing publications on the double link between sexuality and the Internet in the last decade, there are relatively few studies analyzing the contents of online erotic stimuli to specifically investigate unusual sexual interests. Objective of the study To examine cultural and gender differences in online sexual behaviors and unusual sexual interests in online pornography reported by young adults recruited in Italy and Sweden, aiming to offer clinical considerations that could be useful when facing this issue in clinical practice. Method A survey was conducted with 847 Italian and Swedish heterosexual university students. They completed a set of measures including Internet Sex Screening Test, Sexual Addiction Screening Test – Abbreviated and Unusual Online Sexual Interests Questionnaire. Results Men scored higher than women did on viewing and feeling excited by unusual sexual interests. Although the conditional effect of gender was statistically significant ( P Discussion and conclusion Our results could help clinicians by offering information about the diffusion of some unusual online sexual interests and the “normality” of the Internet use for sexual purposes. It is very important that the clinicians have a specific knowledge on online sexual matters; otherwise, they could be vulnerable to stereotyping and making judgments. The contents of the seen pornographic scenes and the felt excitement could be important topics to focus in the psychosexual counselling. They could be considered, in fact, as possible indicators of sexual compulsivity and/or cybersexual problematic behavior.

Assessing the Validity of Western Measurement of Online Risks to Children in an Asian Context

Before the advent of the Internet, television and film was the only audio-visual medium to which most children were exposed. The risks were primarily limited to children being exposed to sexual and violent materials, the nature of which were known and easy to control. Nowadays, children are surrounded by a variety of digital media and are exposed to different risks, many of which are still unknown. The Internet is fully integrated into children’s daily lives, along with the potential risks. The present study aimed to (i) describe the level of risks children are exposed to, and (ii) test the measurement validity of a total of 45 items assessing nine scales of online risk to children that were adapted from studies carried out in Europe and the United States. The study comprised 420 schoolchildren. The results showed that children were more exposed to ‘unwanted exposure to pornography’ and less to ‘conduct risk’ (e.g., accidental illegal downloading; creating profiles on inappropriate websites). Boys and older children were more exposed to the risks compared to girls and younger children. The study validated five dimensions (inappropriate materials, sexting, contact-related risks, risky online sexual behavior, and bullying/being bullied) assessing online risk to children by using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The study found that scales developed in Europe and the United States are not wholly suitable to an Asian context and needed to be modified. Further investigation to classify online risks to children and offer a solutions to reducing the online risks.

A National Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (LGB), and Non-LGB Youth Sexual Behavior Online and In-Person.

Online and in-person sexual behaviors of cisgender lesbian, gay, queer, bisexual, heterosexual, questioning, unsure, and youth of other sexual identities were examined using data from the Teen Health and Technology study. Data were collected online between August 2010 and January 2011 from 5,078 youth 13-18 years old. Results suggested that, depending on sexual identity, between 4-35% of youth had sexual conversations and 2-24% shared sexual photos with someone online in the past year. Among the 22% of youth who had oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex, between 5-30% met one of their two most recent sexual partners online. Inconsistent condom use was associated with increased odds of meeting one's most recent partner online for heterosexual adolescent men. For gay and queer adolescent men, having an older partner, a partner with a lifetime history of sexually transmitted infections (STI), and concurrent sex partners were each significantly associated with increased odds of having met one's most recent sex partner online. None of the examined characteristics significantly predicted meeting one's most recent sexual partner online versus in-person for heterosexual; bisexual; or gay, lesbian, and queer women. The Internet is not replacing in-person exploration and expression of one's sexuality and meeting sexual partners online appears to be uncommon in adolescence across sexual identities. Healthy sexuality programming that acknowledges some youth are meeting partners online is warranted, but this should not be a main focal point. Instead, inclusive STI prevention programming that provides skills to reduce risk when engaging in all types of sex is critical.

Unintentional Exposure to Online Sexual Content and Sexual Behavior Intentions Among College Students in China.

This study examined the relations of unintentional exposure to Internet sexual content to intentions for sex and condom use and potential mediators of these relations, including attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy, among college students in China. A sample of 524 Chinese college students completed an online questionnaire. Mediation path analyses were conducted to test the theory of planned behavior as a model of the relations between unintentional exposure and intentions to have sex and use condoms. On average, students reported being unintentionally exposed to Internet sexual content about 3 to 4 times during the past month. Unintentional exposure was indirectly associated with intention to have sex, mediated through descriptive and injunctive norms. Descriptive norm was a stronger mediator for females than males. In contrast, unintentional exposure was unrelated to condom-use intention and mediators. The theory of planned behavior provides a model for the development of Internet-based interventions with these students.

Online Social Networking, Sexual Risk and Protective Behaviors: Considerations for Clinicians and Researchers.

Online social networking refers to the use of internet-based technologies that facilitate connection and communication between users. These platforms may be accessed via computer or mobile device (e.g., tablet, smartphone); communication between users may include linking of profiles, posting of text, photo and video content, instant messaging and email. This review provides an overview of recent research on the relationship between online social networking and sexual risk and protective behaviors with a focus on use of social networking sites (SNS) among young people and populations at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While findings are mixed, the widespread use of SNS for sexual communication and partner seeking presents opportunities for the delivery and evaluation of public health interventions. Results of SNS-based interventions to reduce sexual risk are synthesized in order to offer hands-on advice for clinicians and researchers interested in engaging patients and study participants via online social networking.

Predictors of Online and Offline Sexual Activities and Behaviors Among Adolescents

Despite the fact that many adolescents spend much time on the Internet, it is unknown who engages in sexually related online activities (SROA) and how these affect adolescent sexual development. The present longitudinal study on 323 adolescents (51.1% girls) aimed to explore how peer attachment processes predicted both SROA and offline sexual behaviors at the age of 17, while also considering puberty and prior offline sexual experiences in order to elucidate potential similarities or differences. Findings based on hierarchical, binary logistic regression analyses revealed that SROA were predicted by alienation attachment to peers (OR=3.36, p<0.05), puberty (OR=1.03, p<0.05), and prior SROA (OR=0.56, p<0.001), while only previous offline sexual experiences at the age of 15 increased the likelihood of offline sexual behaviors at the age of 17 (OR=6.04, p<0.001). Study findings indicate that the Internet provides an additional context for acquiring sexual experiences during adolescence.

The Relationship between Online Social Networking and Sexual Risk Behaviors among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)

Online social networking usage is growing rapidly, especially among at-risk populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). However, little research has studied the relationship between online social networking usage and sexual risk behaviors among at-risk populations. One hundred and eighteen Facebook-registered MSM (60.1% Latino, 28% African American; 11.9% other) were recruited from online (social networking websites and banner advertisements) and offline (local clinics, restaurants and organizations) venues frequented by minority MSM. Inclusion criteria required participants to be men who were 18 years of age or older, had had sex with a man in the past 12 months, were living in Los Angeles, and had a Facebook account. Participants completed an online survey on their social media usage and sexual risk behaviors. Results from a multivariable regression suggest that number of sexual partners met from online social networking technologies is associated with increased: 1) likelihood of having exchanged sex for food, drugs, or a place to stay within the past 3 months; 2) number of new partners within the past 3 months; 3) number of male sex partners within the past 3 months; and 4) frequency of engaging in oral sex within the past 3 months, controlling for age, race, education, and total number of sexual partners. Understanding the relationship between social media sex-seeking and sexual risk behaviors among at-risk populations will help inform population-focused HIV prevention and treatment interventions.

Identifying Teens at Risk: Developmental Pathways of Online and Offline Sexual Risk Behavior

The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the prevalence and development of both online (OnSRB) and offline sexual risk behavior (OffSRB) in adolescence, (2) to establish whether OnSRBs and OffSRBs are related, and (3) to identify risk factors that determine problematic pathways of OnSRB and OffSRB. A 4-wave longitudinal study with 1762 Dutch adolescents aged 12 to 18 was conducted (mean age, T1 = 14.52, 49% girls). By using group-based modeling, developmental pathways for OnSRB and OffSRB were identified and the relationship between both behaviors over time was examined. Substantial intraindividual differences in the development of OnSRB and OffSRB were found. The analysis revealed 3 developmental pathways of OnSRB: no risk (70.2%), moderate risk (23.7%), and high risk (6.1%). For OffSRB, we identified a no risk (90.6%) and an increasing pathway (9.4%). OnSRBs and OffSRBs were related and had common predictors (ie, sensation seeking, low educational level, gender). Only a minority of adolescents shows sustained high OnSRB. This group is likely to consist of low-educated, high-sensation-seeking adolescents who spend more time communicating on the Internet and come from less cohesive families. These same adolescents are also more likely to engage in OffSRB. Preventions should focus on these adolescents.

Identifying Teens at Risk: Developmental Pathways of Online and Offline Sexual Risk Behavior

Identifying Teens at Risk: Developmental Pathways of Online and Offline Sexual Risk Behavior

Technological Advancements and Internet Sexuality: Does Private Access to the Internet Influence Online Sexual Behavior?

The aim of this study was to investigate whether demographic characteristics and sexual behavior online and offline were associated with private, respectively, nonprivate access to the Internet in a Web sample of people who use the Internet for sexual purposes. A total of 1,913 respondents completed an online questionnaire about Internet sexuality, and 1,614 reported using the Internet for sexual purposes. The majority of these respondents reported having access to an Internet-connected computer no one else had access to (62 percent women and 70 percent men). The results showed that it is possible to differentiate between those who have access to an Internet-connected computer no one else has access to and those who have shared access to an Internet-connected computer. Not only did they differ in demographic characteristics, but also in the sexual activities they engaged in on the Internet. Different patterns were found for women and men. For example, men who had private access to Internet-connected computers were more likely than those who had shared access to seek information about sexual issues. Thus, having access to Internet computers no one else has access to may promote sexual knowledge and health for men. The results of this study along with the technological development implies that in future research, attention should be paid to where and how people access the Internet in relation to online behavior in general and online sexual behavior in particular.

P-29 - Cybersex addiction - prevalence of dysfunctional usage of cybersex offers

Behavioral addictions are probably as old as humanity itself and sexual addiction might be the oldest. Access to huge databases and fast communication via internet has facilitated virtual sexual behavior, since watching movies, going shopping or talking to another person without leaving the house is now the rule rather than the exception. According to Cooper (1998) accessibility, affordability and anonymity (Triple A engine) are the three main factors for the development of dysfunctional usage of cybersex. Thus behavioral addictions such as cybersex addiction have emerged on the basis of new technology. In this representative study, 2.500 Germans between 14 and 97 have been orally interviewed about their sexual online behavior. The aim was to identify the prevalence of cybersex addiction with the aid of the short version of the Internet Sex Screening Test (ISST; Delmonico, 1997; translated German version Giralt, Wölfling & Beutel, in press). First results indicate that a significant number of people are at risk to be addicted to cybersex, since they consider themselves as addicted to cybersex and have tried to abandon sexual activities online. Other results point to link between socio-demographic data e.g. age and marital status and the appearance of cybersex addiction. Cybersex addiction is a disorder which should be further explored since it can lead to serious negative impact in the psycho-social life of the person concerned. Offers for therapy and counseling are sparse, yet a qualified treatment could significantly increase affected people's quality of life.

Associations Between Online Pornography and Sexual Behavior Among Adolescents: Myth or Reality?

This study aimed to compare the sexual behavior of adolescents who were or were not exposed to online pornography, to assess to what extent the willingness of exposure changed these possible associations, and to determine the profiles of youths who were exposed to online pornography. Data were drawn from the 2002 Swiss Multicenter Adolescent Survey on Health, a self-administered cross-sectional, paper and pencil questionnaire. From the 7529 adolescents aged 16-20years, 6054 (3283 males) used the Internet during the previous month and were eligible for our study. Males were divided into three groups (wanted exposure, 29.2%; unwanted exposure, 46.7%; no exposure, 24.1%) whereas females were divided into two groups (exposure, 35.9%; no exposure, 64.1%). The principal outcome measures were demographic characteristics, Internet use parameters and risky sexual behaviors. Risky sexual behaviors were not associated with online pornography exposure in any of the groups, except that males who were exposed (deliberately or not) had higher odds of not having used a condom at last intercourse. Bi/homosexual orientation and Internet use parameters were not associated either. Additionally, males in the wanted exposure group were more likely to be sensation-seekers. On the other hand, exposed girls were more likely to be students, higher sensation-seekers, early maturers, and to have a highly educated father. We conclude that pornography exposure is not associated with risky sexual behaviors and that the willingness of exposure does not seem to have an impact on risky sexual behaviors among adolescents.

Online Social Networking Technologies, HIV Knowledge, and Sexual Risk and Testing Behaviors Among Homeless Youth

This study evaluates associations between online social networking and sexual health behaviors among homeless youth in Los Angeles. We analyzed survey data from 201 homeless youth accessing services at a Los Angeles agency. Multivariate (regression and logistic) models assessed whether use of (and topics discussed on) online social networking technologies affect HIV knowledge, sexual risk behaviors, and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). One set of results suggests that using online social networks for partner seeking (compared to not using the networks for seeking partners) is associated with increased sexual risk behaviors. Supporting data suggest that (1) using online social networks to talk about safe sex is associated with an increased likelihood of having met a recent sex partner online, and (2) having online sex partners and talking to friends on online social networks about drugs and partying is associated with increased exchange sex. However, results also suggest that online social network usage is associated with increased knowledge and HIV/STI prevention among homeless youth: (1) using online social networks to talk about love and safe sex is associated with increased knowledge about HIV, (2) using the networks to talk about love is associated with decreased exchange sex, and (3) merely being a member of an online social network is associated with increased likelihood of having previously tested for STIs. Taken together, this study suggests that online social networking and the topics discussed on these networks can potentially increase and decrease sexual risk behaviors depending on how the networks are used. Developing sexual health services and interventions on online social networks could reduce sexual risk behaviors.

An Internet-Based Examination of Sexual Behaviors and Marital Adjustment among Self-Identified Gay and Bisexual Heterosexually Married Male Users of Online Chat Rooms

The Internet has drastically changed the ways individuals interact and connect sexually. While there has been significant research on online sexual activities among persons from various populations, little investigation has been done into the behaviors and marital adjustment of self-identified gay and bisexual heterosexually married men. In this article, the results of 342 self-identified gay and bisexual heterosexually married men who use Internet-based chat rooms are presented. The types of online sexual behaviors and face-to-face sexual behaviors are discussed, the relationship between marital adjustment and sexual orientation is investigated, and predictors of marital adjustment are provided.

Exploring the Relationship Between Erotic Disruption During the Latency Period and the Use of Sexually Explicit Material, Online Sexual Behaviors, and Sexual Dysfunctions in Young Adulthood

The researchers explored the theoretical prism of Sigmund Freud's latency period (6-to-12 years of age), to ascertain whether an absence of erotic arousal during latency is fundamentally essential for children to attain healthy psychosexual development. Exploratory factor analysis discovered two factors that measured erotic disruption during the latency period (i.e., exposure to sexually explicit material [SEM] and child sexual abuse). Furthermore, three factors were found which measured SEM use, online sexual behaviors, and sexual dysfunctions in young adulthood. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that latency SEM exposure predicted adult use of SEM and both child sexual abuse and latency SEM exposure predicted adult sexual dysfunctions.

Therapists' Approaches in Working with Heterosexual Couples Struggling with Male Partners' Online Sexual Behavior

The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical approaches therapists adopt in working with couples in which the husbands' pornography use is an aspect of the presenting problem; and to determine variables that may be associated with clinical approaches. Ninety-nine clinical members of the AAMFT described the therapeutic approach they would adopt in response to a clinical vignette. Results show that clients are regularly disclosing pornography use in therapy, and AAMFT clinicians have received little to no training to prepare them to assist clients in dealing with problems related to pornography use. Findings also indicate that therapists' personal attitudes about pornography influence their treatment approach. Given the likelihood that AAMFT clinicians will see clients experiencing problems associated with habitual on-line pornography use, it is important that continuing education opportunities related to this topic are available and utilized.

Cybersex and the E‐teen: What Marriage and Family Therapists Should Know

Adolescents who use the Internet regularly (the "e-teen") present a new set of challenges for marriage and family therapists. This article introduces marriage and family therapists to (a) the basic technological concepts and unique psychological characteristics of the Internet important in understanding and addressing adolescent online sexual behavior, (b) the appropriate developmental expectations for teens online, including risk-taking behaviors and critical decision-making skills, and (c) suggested strategies for assessment, prevention, and intervention when dealing with problematic online sexual behavior in adolescents. Marriage and family therapists cannot ignore the role the Internet plays in adolescent sexual development and its implication for the family. This article will serve as a primer for the marriage and family therapist when presented with adolescents who engage in online sexual behaviors.

Forced Online

Online sexual behavior may be more completely explained by integrating a Pull Factor analysis, centering on the characteristics of the Internet that make it an appealing outlet for sexuality (e.g., “Triple A Engine”) and a Push Factor analysis, centering on characteristics of the offline world that disallow fulfillment of sexual desires. This new framework is utilized in explaining paraphilic (unconventional) sexualities online. Because paraphilics are members of highly concealable, horizontal and rare sexual minorities, they are pushed online by mainstream society. Online, paraphilics interact with similar others, and through lurking, re-learning and self-disclosing, may become sexually empowered. Clinical ramifications of attainment of positive sexual-social identity via empowerment are discussed, as are possible affects on public Policy.

From the Altar to the Internet: Married Men and their Online Sexual Behavior

The Internet has drastically changed the ways in which individuals interact sexually. Although research on online sexual behaviors has increased, there remains a lack of inquiry into the behaviors of married men. In this article, results from an online investigation with 508 heterosexually-married male participants are presented. In particular, sample sociodemographics are provided, types of online sexual behaviors are discussed, the relationship between marital satisfaction and number of extramarital sexual partners is explored, and patterns of self-disclosure to wife are reviewed. Suggestions for future research are provided.