Sample Of Adult Women Research Articles

The role of sexual communication in the relationship between emotion regulation and sexual functioning in women: The impact of age and relationship status

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate sexual communication as a mechanism involved in the link between emotion regulation and sexual functioning in a sample of adult women, also testing the moderating role of relationship status and age in this association. Method1344 sexually active cisgender women (aged 18–57, M = 27.34; SD= 6.484) were recruited from March 30, 2021, to April 12, 2021, through an online survey. From the initial sample, 1280 women were retained and included in the analysis. Participants were asked to respond to three self-report questionnaires: the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Communication subscale of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). ResultsWe found that sexual communication mediated the link between emotion regulation abilities and female sexual functioning. Moreover, we found that age, but not relationship status, moderated the association between emotion regulation and sexual communication, so that older women with difficulties in emotion regulation processes showed worse sexual communication abilities as compared to younger women. ConclusionsAccording to this study's results, clinicians and sexual therapists should carefully consider emotion regulation abilities and sexual communication as crucial factors in promoting women's sexual well-being.

Impact of neighborhood disadvantage on posttrauma outcomes after sexual assault.

In the United States, 8,000,000 people seek emergency care for traumatic injury annually. Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) and sexual assault are two common sources of trauma, with evidence that reduced neighborhood-level socioeconomic characteristics increase posttraumatic pain and stress after an MVC. We evaluated whether neighborhood disadvantage was also associated with physical and mental posttrauma outcomes after sexual assault in a sample of adult women (N = 656) who presented for emergency care at facilities in the United States following sexual assault and were followed for 1 year. Neighborhood characteristics were assessed via the Area Deprivation Index, and self-reported pain, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were collected at 6 weeks posttrauma. Adjusted log-binomial regression models examined the association between each clinical outcome and neighborhood disadvantage. Women in more disadvantaged neighborhoods were more likely to be non-White and have lower annual incomes. At 6 weeks posttrauma, the prevalence of clinically significant pain, anxiety, and depressive symptoms more than doubled from baseline (41.7% vs.18.8%,62.4% vs.23.9%, and 55.2% vs.22.7%, respectively); 40.7% of women also reported PTSD symptoms. Black, Hispanic, and lower-income participants were more likely to report pre- and postassault pain, anxiety, and depression. After adjusting for race, ethnicity, and income, no significant association existed between neighborhood disadvantage and any outcome, ps =.197 -.859. Although neighborhood disadvantage was not associated with posttrauma outcomes, these findings highlight the need for continued research in diverse populations at high risk of adverse physical and mental health symptoms following sexual assault.

Influence of Childhood Maltreatment on Machiavellianism

ABSTRACT Machiavellianism is characterized by manipulative behavior, lack of empathy, and a willingness to deceive and exploit others for personal gain. Research indicates that one factor that may increase the likelihood and severity of Machiavellianism in adulthood is maltreatment in childhood. However, few studies have attempted to untangle which specific instantiations of childhood maltreatment (e.g. abuse vs. neglect) are most associated with Machiavellianism. In our study, we investigate the association between childhood abuse and neglect on Machiavellianism in a sample of adult women and men recruited online (N = 278) using a Bayesian approach to multiple regression. Results suggest that higher levels of Machiavellianism are associated with physical neglect, with some influence of other forms of maltreatment depending on gender. These findings shed light on potential etiological influences on Machiavellianism and have implications for research on and clinical intervention with people with high levels of this trait.

Sexual Health and Psychological Well-Being of Women: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Psychological well-being (PWB) and female sexual health are two important areas for women’s quality of life and research, and they are closely related. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature to explore the association between PWB and sexual health in women. (2) Methods: This review was carried out following the PRISMA checklist. The inclusion criteria were studies with samples of adult women that evaluated and associated sexual functioning and psychological well-being. Scientific articles were identified on Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO (PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and Psicodoc), ProQuest, and PubMed. The search was limited to years between 2010 and 2023. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies (QATOCCS). (3) Results: 14 selected articles were analyzed, in which population samples and variables related to psychological and sexual health were examined. In total, 42.9% of the studies included clinical samples, 71.4% focused on anxiety and depression as the main psychological variables, and 50% examined female sexual functioning as a sexual health variable. (4) Conclusions: This review provides more up-to-date information about valuable insights into the possible determinants of female sexual health. An association between PWB and female sexual health has been demonstrated.

Empirical Investigation of Different Factor Structures for the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire in Adult Women With Anorexia Nervosa.

The Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is a widely used self-report measure of eating pathology. Despite widespread use, investigations of its factor structure have proved inconclusive and rarely supported the "original" interpretation. The current study evaluates several proposed factor solutions of the EDE-Q using latent variable analysis in a sample of adult women with anorexia nervosa (AN). A total of 804 patients from a specialist treatment center in the United States participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on 22 EDE-Q items assessing attitudinal features of eating pathology. Findings suggested that three full-item versions (none of which was the "original" interpretation) fit the data adequately, with a brief, seven-item version showing excellent fit. The study is one of the first to examine this within a sample of women with AN and provides an empirical foundation for how best to use the EDE-Q among clinical and research participants with AN. Findings suggest that the "original" factor structure lacks structural validity in women with AN. Its use should generally be discouraged, and future work on screening and treatment outcomes might consider the EDE-Q7.

Cognitive profile in adult women with turner syndrome: IQ split and associations with ADHD and ASD

ABSTRACT Introduction The behavioural phenotype in Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with an uneven cognitive profile and social and executive difficulties. Still, studies in adult populations of TS are scarce, and the interactions between different behavioural domains are unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the cognitive profile in relation to measures of ADHD and ASD in a Swedish sample of 30 adult women with TS. Methods Standardized psychological tests and questionnaires were used for behavioural assessments in a sample of adult women with a diagnosis of TS (n = 30). Both frequentist and Bayesian statistics were applied. Results The cognitive profile was characterized by a verbal > non-verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) split, and 77% of the sample displayed a split exceeding cut-off for clinical significance. Symptoms on screening measures reaching thresholds for ADHD were reported in two of the 30 participants (7%) and thresholds for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in one participant (3%). Bayesian statistics gave substantial evidence for no association between the IQ split and symptoms of ADHD/ASD. Conclusions These results show that the TS phenotype in adulthood is associated with a clinically significant uneven cognitive profile, and particular impairments in integrative executive functions.

Can Following Paleolithic and Mediterranean Diets Reduce the Risk of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study on Iranian Women.

Psychiatric disorders have been a challenge for public health and will bring economic problems to individuals and healthcare systems in the future. One of the important factors that could affect these disorders is diet. In the current study with a cross-sectional design, we investigated the association of Paleolithic and Mediterranean diets with psychological disorders in a sample of adult women. Participants were 435 adult women between 20 and 50 years old that refer to healthcare centers in the south of Tehran, Iran. The diet scores were created by the response to a valid and reliable semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and the psychological profile was determined by response to the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was applied to compute the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). After adjusted for potential confounders, it is evident that participants in the highest Paleolithic diet tertile had lower odds of depression (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.37: P < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.45: P < 0.001), and stress (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.32; P < 0.001) in comparison to the lowest tertile. Furthermore, those in the third tertile of the Mediterranean diet score were at lower risk of depression (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.36; P < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.38; P < 0.001), and stress (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.39; P < 0.001) compared with those in the first tertile. The result of the current study suggests that greater adherence to Paleolithic and Mediterranean dietary patterns may be related with a decreased risk of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

"I Just Want to Feel Safe Going to a Doctor": Experiences of Female Patients with Chronic Conditions in Australia.

The androcentric history of medicine and medical research has led to an ongoing sex and gender gap in health research and education. Sex and gender gaps in research and education may translate into real-life health inequities for women. This study aimed to explore the experiences of female patients with chronic health conditions in the Australian health system, considering existing sex and gender gaps in medicine. This qualitative study used semistructured in-depth interviews with a sample of adult women with chronic conditions in Australia. Thematic analysis was undertaken, guided by Braun and Clarke. Software NVivoX64 assisted in the management of the data. Coding was performed before grouping into subthemes and central themes. To allow for potential researcher biases, the principal researcher engaged in the practice of reflexivity, including the writing of detailed notes during analysis. Twenty adult Australian women with chronic conditions were interviewed. Diagnoses were varied and included Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, functional neurological disorder, and inflammatory bowel disease. Four central themes emerged: diagnostic difficulties; spectrum of health care experiences; understanding medical complexity; and coping with symptoms. Women with chronic conditions in Australia report pain, fatigue, and suffering that significantly impacts upon their daily lives. There was a shared experience of feeling that the pain and suffering of women was dismissed or not taken seriously. Many women expressed trauma because of their experiences in health care and often this led to a fear of accessing health services. The participants highlighted a need for more knowledge, understanding, and empathy from health care practitioners.

Evidence-based policy solutions to prevent eating disorders: Do disclaimer labels on fashion advertisements mitigate negative impact on adult women?

Exposure to media images portraying the thin ideal is associated with increased body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in women. Organizations and policymakers globally have proposed polices requiring warning or disclaimer labels on altered images. Research examining efficacy of disclaimer labels is growing but has largely overlooked adult women. This study extends current research by exploring novel disclaimer labels in a sample of adult women. Women (N = 872) recruited via Amazon’s MTurk were randomly assigned to view 20 fashion advertisements with one of five labels: 1) no label; 2) general-digital-alteration label; 3) health-warning label; 4) specific-weight label; or 5) facial features/cosmetic label. Results revealed a significant increase in body dissatisfaction after advertisement exposure, irrespective of label group. Women who viewed advertisements with labels and recalled the labels reported lower body satisfaction and intention to purchase products compared to those who viewed advertisements with no label. Age appears to play an important role in how disclaimer labels affect women. Younger women of color appear to be more negatively impacted by the facial features/cosmetic label than older women of color. Findings are consistent with previous studies indicating no protective effect of disclaimer labels suggesting the need for more effective preventive strategies.

“Got Sold a Dream and It Turned into a Nightmare”: The Victim-Offender Overlap in Commercial Sexual Exploitation

ABSTRACT Typically characterized by a patriarchal structure, domestic pimp-controlled sex trafficking in the United States often situates a male trafficker at the top of the organization, with a female “bottom girl” as second-in-command. This victim occupies the position of victim-offender, where she is simultaneously being victimized by a trafficker while also forced to commit trafficking offenses against others in the operation. Legal scholars and practitioners have debated whether or not the responsibilities of this role are more victim or offender. To date, the modest research dedicated to understanding the victim-offender overlap in sex trafficking has relied solely on data from those involved in the criminal justice system. The present study broadens the scope of this area of work by including a community-based sample of adult women who self-identify as having filled the role of a bottom girl (N = 17) in pimp-controlled, familial, and illicit massage parlor sex trafficking in the U.S. In-depth interviews provide the first empirical definition of a “bottom girl,” including their roles and responsibilities. Results also provide insight into the costs of surviving abusive traffickers, providing context for criminal justice practitioners regarding the complexities of being simultaneously victim and offender in a sex trafficking operation.

The influence of FAAH genetic variation on physiological, cognitive, and neural signatures of fear acquisition and extinction learning in women with PTSD

BackgroundPosttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is commonly treated with exposure-based cognitive therapies that are based on the principles of fear acquisition and extinction learning. Elevations in one of the major endocannabinoids (anandamide) either via inhibition of the primary degrading enzyme (fatty acid amide hydrolase; FAAH) or via a genetic variation in the FAAH gene (C385A; rs324420) has resulted in accelerated extinction learning and enhanced extinction recall among healthy adults. These results suggest that targeting FAAH may be a promising therapeutic approach for PTSD. However, these effects have not yet been comprehensively examined in a PTSD population. MethodsThe current study examined whether genetic variation in the FAAH gene (CC [n = 49] vs AA/AC [n = 36] allele carriers) influences physiological (skin conductance), cognitive (threat expectancy), and neural (network and voxel-wise activation) indices of fear acquisition and extinction learning among a sample of adult women with PTSD (N = 85). ResultsThe physiological, cognitive, and neural signatures of fear acquisition and extinction learning varied as a function of whether or not individuals possess the FAAH C385A polymorphism. For instance, we report divergent responding between CC and AA/AC allele carriers to CS + vs CS- in limbic and striatum networks and overall greater activation throughout the task among AA/AC allele carriers in several regions [e.g., inferior frontal, middle frontal, parietal] that are highly consistent with a frontoparietal network involved in higher-order executive functions. ConclusionsThese results suggest that genetic variation within the FAAH gene influences physiological, cognitive, and neural signatures of fear learning in women with PTSD. In order to advance our understanding of the efficacy of FAAH inhibition as a treatment for PTSD, future clinical trials in this area should assess genetic variation in the FAAH gene in order to fully depict and differentiate the acute effects of a drug manipulation (FAAH inhibition) from more chronic (genetic) influences on fear extinction processes.

Slimming the body: slimming ads, body dissatisfaction and eating disorders

This study aimed to examine the perceived effects of media exposure of body slimming advertisements on body dissatisfaction and the tendency for eating disorders in a sample of adult women in Malaysia. This study examined two aspects: (a) the level of media exposure to slimming advertisements (media exposure), and (b) the tendency of respondents to make body comparisons with models in slimming advertisements (media body comparisons). Participants were 419 young women (18 – 39 years old) living in Kuala Lumpur. Correlation coefficients showed that media exposure and media body comparisons were positively associated with body dissatisfaction and eating disorders tendency. The findings suggest that mass media play a role by providing slim images that young women in Kuala Lumpur tend to emulate and adopt western cultural ideals of body image and the desire for a thinner body type.

Factors associated with common mental disorders: a study based on clusters of women.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE to identify factors associated with common mental disorders (CMD) in a sample of adult women in Southern Brazil.METHODS This population-based study, composed of 1,128 women, investigated socioeconomic, behavioral and health/disease explanatory demographic variables. Five response groups were explored: one group with common mental disorders – cut-off point 6/7 in the Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20 (SRQ-20) – and four others corresponding to the different clusters found using the latent class clustering technique, also from the SRQ-20. These four clusters (low, medium-depressive, medium-digestive and high) were named (denominated) based on the mean scores in the SRQ-20 in each group and on the response patterns of the variables and factorial characteristics. The “low” cluster comprised women with lower SRQ-20 scores and, therefore less likely to present CMD. The “high” cluster, with high mean values in the SRQ-20, was related to higher psychiatric morbidity. We used the Poisson regression technique to compare the findings of the different groups.RESULTS We identified ten variables as factors associated with CMD. Age, education, smoking, physical activity, perception of health and number of medical appointments were the common variables for the cut-off point and cluster-based analyses. Heavy alcohol use was associated only when the sample was evaluated as a cut-off point. Social class, work situation and existence of chronic diseases were associated only when the sample was analyzed by clusters. There was a significant association in the “high” cluster with lower classes (D or E), smoking, physical inactivity, existence of chronic diseases and negative perception of health.CONCLUSION We identified different associated factors according to the response groups considered. New approaches allowing identification of subgroups of individuals with specific characteristics and associated factors may contribute for a more accurate understanding of CMD and provide the basis for health interventions.

The mediating processes of revictimization after child abuse in a sample of adult women

Women who survived abuse as children are more likely to be victimized again as adults. To date, this association, also referred to as revictimization, is not well understood. Several mediators have been identified as playing a role in this relationship. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which revictimization following different types of maltreatment is mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation, attachment-related cognitions, self-efficacy, preference for dominant partners, self-assertiveness, sexual self-assertiveness, and abuse-related self-blame and shame. In an online survey, 135 women with a large variance of experiences of victimization (e.g., sexual, physical and emotional experiences of violence), separated by their occurrence during childhood and adulthood, were assessed. In addition, potential mediators were investigated. Mediation analyses based on bootstrapping tests showed that abuse-related feelings of self-blame and shame were the most consistent mediators of revictimization across all types of violence, with indirect effects ranging from .08 to .24. The prominence of self-blame and shame related to experiences of abuse as mediators in revictimization processes has significant implications for practice, particularly for the development of more effective approaches to preventing repeated violence.

Multiple perpetrator sexual assault: correlates of PTSD and depressive symptoms in a sample of adult women

ABSTRACT While most sexual assaults are committed by a sole perpetrator, multiple-perpetrator assaults (MPSAs) still occur. However, less is known about their post-assault impacts. This study examined demographic, assault, and post-assault characteristics as correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms in a community sample of adult sexual assault survivors who experienced MPSA (N = 350) in the Chicago area. This study also included demographic and assault characteristics of perpetrators as reported by survivors. Backward regression analysis showed that stressful life events, more violent assaults, post-assault maladaptive coping and characterological self-blame, and receiving acknowledgement without support (e.g. acknowledging the assault happened, but giving inadequate support) reactions were related to greater PTSD symptoms. Older age and greater perceived control over recovery were associated with fewer PTSD symptoms. Greater violence, maladaptive coping, and characterological self-blame were related to greater depressive symptoms, whereas more education and greater perceived control over recovery correlated with fewer depressive symptoms. This study adds to research on MPSA and findings have implications for clinical treatment, intervention, and prevention with survivors.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of cervical human papilomavirus infection in the pre-vaccination era: a population-based study in the Canary Islands

ObjectiveNational Spanish studies show that prevalence of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the female population is increasingly frequent, with an overall estimate of 14% in women aged 18–65 years....

Sexual function in hook-up culture: The role of body image

Hook-up mobile apps are increasing in popularity and research suggests sexual function may be lower among those who hook-up compared to those who have sex in a longer-term relationship. Sexual function is an important predictor of well-being; however, we know little about the psychosocial antecedents of sexual function, such as body image, among those who use hook-up apps. The current study aims to examine two measures of positive body image and one measure of body image self-consciousness during intimate activity among a sample of adult women and men who have hooked up in the previous month using a hook-up mobile app (N = 243). Our results suggest that higher body image self-consciousness during intimate activity was related to lower sexual function composite score and several specific domains (i.e., pain, arousal, orgasm, and lubrication) among women. Higher body appreciation was related to higher sexual satisfaction among women. Higher body image self-consciousness during intimate activity was related to higher erection difficulty, but not ejaculation difficulty, among men. These findings highlight the nuanced nature of body image and sexual function and provide further evidence that interventions for women and men aiming to improve some body image constructs may improve sexual function as well.

Diagnosis of Stage II Rheumatoid Arthritis through Functional Evaluation of Wrist and Hand among Adult Females

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a commonly prevailing disease among women. Disease progression deformities such as ulnar and radial shift of the wrist, Boutonnière, swan neck deformity and mallet finger become evident, which results in marked limitation of hand function. Patients usually lose the ability to hold, grasp and pinch thus activities of daily living are compromised. This study aimed to diagnose stage II Rheumatoid Arthritis through assessing the limitations of hand functions in adult females. Methods: A sample of 37 adult females with Stage II RA presenting to the rheumatology department of National hospital, Lahore and Combined Military Hospital, Lahore were recruited in the study. Patients with clinically diagnosed Stage II RA presenting with pain and dysfunction of the hands and wrist joints were included. Patients with any traumatic condition or any other bone disease that limits hand function were excluded from the study. The scale used for the assessment was Patient Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) with the reliability of &gt;0.75 and validity of 0.7. Results: In a sample of adult women with a mean age of 42, 39% reported moderate pain and 61% had severe pain whereas the functional limitations was reported to be moderate in 47.3% while 52.7% had severe limitation of hand function. These results prove that there is a negative impact of hand malformations on hand function. Conclusion: The adult females with stage II Rheumatoid Arthritis had severely limited hand function. The functional limitations of hand were increased with disease progression especially in adult females.

A web-based therapeutic patient education intervention for pain and sleep for women with fibromyalgia: A sequential exploratory mixed-methods research protocol.

To evaluate cognitive and behavioural factors related to pain and poor sleep quality in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia and to develop and test the effects of a web-based therapeutic education intervention on pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, chronic pain self-efficacy, sleep quality, dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep and quality of life and health status related to fibromyalgia. The project will employ a sequential exploratory mixed methods research design. For the qualitative phase, a theoretical sample living in the community will be recruited to participate in personal, semi-structured interviews. For the quantitative phase, a sample of adult women with fibromyalgia will be recruited from secondary care centres and randomly allocated an intervention or a control group. The study protocol was approved in 2019. Fibromyalgia is the most common central sensitivity syndrome and one of the principal worldwide causes of chronic widespread pain among the adult population. Poor sleep quality is a highly prevalent and troublesome symptom for people with fibromyalgia. Psychosocial and behavioural factors have been shown to relate intimately with the symptom experiences of people with fibromyalgia; pain catastrophizing and dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep can perpetuate those and other fibromyalgia symptoms. It is imperative to reflect people's actual symptom experiences to develop effective symptom management strategies. In the Internet era, this project's proposed web-based therapeutic education intervention could offer women with fibromyalgia a new avenue for treatment as part of standard fibromyalgia management programs in primary and secondary healthcare services. Pain and poor sleep quality are highly prevalent and troublesome symptoms for people with fibromyalgia. The web-based therapeutic education intervention proposed in this project could provide women with fibromyalgia a new avenue for treatment in primary and secondary healthcare services. Protocol registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03686410.

The Effects Of A Low-Fat Diet And A Low-Carbohydrate Diet With Aerobic Exercise On Changing Of Lipid Profile

Lifestyle changes become the foundation in primary and secondary prevention of lipid and lipoprotein disorders. The aim of the study was to know the effectiveness of low fat diet and low carbohydrate diet with aerobic exercise toward lipid profile change. Type of experimental research with pre test-post test control group design. The sample of adult women in the city of Denpasar as many as 33 people, aged 30-50 years, IMT 25-30 kg/m2, allocated to 3 groups. Group 1 applied a low-fat diet, group 2 applied a low-carbohydrate diet and a group of 3 controls. Before and after the intervention a blood lipid profile was measured. Changes in blood lipid profile before and after intervention were analyzed by paired t-test. The difference in mean blood lipid profile in all three groups was analyzed by One Way Anova test. Low-fat diet and low-carbohydrate diet can lower total cholesterol and LDL-C significantly (p &lt;0.05). The average decrease in total cholesterol with low fat diet was 16.82 mg/dL and low carbohydrate diet 14.64 mg/dL. Decreased LDL-C with a low-fat diet of 13.36 mg/dL and low-carbohydrate diet of 7.45 mg/dL. There was no significant difference in lipid profile changes between low fat diets compared to low carbohydrate diets (p&gt;0.05). Thus a low-fat diet is as effective as a low-carb diet to improve lipid profile.