Sexual Beliefs Research Articles

Rethinking the Roles of the Social Determinants of Health in Bystander Intervention for Partner Violence Among College Students

Willingness to intervene as an effective bystander is critical in preventing partner violence and fostering safety among college students. Informed by the Social Determinants of Health framework, this conceptual paper provides an overview of the background and historical evolution of bystander intervention and invites a rethinking of how various factors impact bystander intervention for partner violence among college students by highlighting the roles of (1) economic factors and education, (2) sexual beliefs, myths, and media, (3) gender values and norms, (4) environmental factors, (5) college students at risk, (6) social support network and access to services, (7) acculturation and familiarity with the U.S. culture, and (8) cost-benefit analyses. We also discuss potential practice, research, and policy implications. Understanding the Social Determinants of Health is instrumental in addressing the root cause of intersecting health disparities, which is vital in preventing violence, encouraging bystander intervention, and creating a safer community.

Investigating the Factors Affecting Sexual Myths in Women and Men Based on the Biopsychosocial Model: A Scoping Review

Background: Sexual myths are mainly devoid of any substantial evidence and are passed on by word of mouth. Myths about sexuality may thus diminish the quality of sexual activities, cause sexual dysfunctions, including erectile dysfunction (impotence), vaginismus, difficulty reaching an orgasm, and premature ejaculation, and make individuals feel dread, anxiety, and failure or inadequacy, which can have adverse effects on their sexual identity. Objective: This study investigated the factors affecting sexual myths in women and men based on the biopsychosocial model. Methods: In this scoping review, the research databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Magiran, PsycINFO, IranDoc, Ovid, ProQuest, Scientific Information Database (SID), and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. For this purpose, a systematic search was conducted to retrieve the relevant articles from November 3 to 21, 2023, using the keywords of “sexual myth, sexual beliefs, wrong beliefs, dysfunctional sexual beliefs, sexuality, opinions, and associated factors.” The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) further evaluated the quality of the included studies. The data were then extracted from all the articles that met the eligibility criteria based on the study objectives. Results: In total, 12 articles were reviewed, whose data were grouped into three general categories, viz., (i) biological factors (i.e., age and gender), (ii) psychological factors (that is, sexual dysfunction, political opinions, opinions on virginity), and (iii) social factors (namely, educational attainment, occupation, place of residence, marital status, type of marriage, age at marriage, premarital sexual experience, parents’ educational attainment, spouse’s educational attainment, number of children, parent’s employment status, spouse’s occupation, primary source of information about sex and feelings about sexual conversations, information about sexual life, academic department, sexual health assessment, and religious beliefs). Conclusion: Biopsychosocial factors could significantly affect sexual myths; therefore, considering their mediating role in providing sex education to women and men is crucial.

The influence of dark personality and pornography on sexual aggression beliefs.

Violence against women, particularly sexual violence, poses a significant public health concern. Predispositions toward perpetrating such acts often stem from the acceptance of myths that justify or deny these behaviours. This study aimed to explore how dark personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism) and pornography consumption relate to the acceptance of these myths. Surveying 598 participants, the research employed Latent Profile Analyses (LPA) to identify distinct population profiles, Additionally, regression analyses were employed to further explore the relationships among variables. Three profiles emerged, showcasing varying degrees of acceptance of sexual aggression myths. The most concerning profile, encompassing 9.2% of participants, displayed the highest alignment with these myths, alongside elevated scores in dark personality traits and pornography consumption. Notwithstanding the three profiles showed significant differences in the acceptance of these myths. Interestingly, the regression analysis highlighted that Machiavellianism stood out as the primary predictor for accepting sexual aggression myths, overshadowing the influence of pornography consumption. This emphasizes the role of personality traits in influencing attitudes towards sexual aggression myths. Moreover, implications for tailored prevention strategies, focusing on high-risk profiles, are discussed, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions to address harmful beliefs and behaviours.

Disrupting menstrual stigma at work? A thematic analysis of menstrual leave policy announcements across five countries

Menstrual leave is a policy allowing menstruators to take paid or unpaid time off work if experiencing painful menstrual cycle-related symptoms or illnesses. Scholars have displayed an increased interest in menstrual leave, primarily owing to the rise in companies offering menstrual leave. Efforts have been made to theorise the potential benefits and drawbacks of menstrual leave. Building on prior work, this article conducts a thematic analysis of twelve menstrual leave policy announcements from companies in five countries. Guided by an intersectional feminist theoretical framework, the article uncovers two themes in menstrual leave policy announcements: (1) recognition of menstrual stigma and the potential to normalise menstruation and menstrual health; and (2) the potential for increased worker power. It subsequently develops two critical arguments: (1) menstrual leave may perpetuate (hetero)sexist beliefs and attitudes, and (2) menstrual leave may reify individual responsibility to manage menstruation and facilitate a positive culture around menstrual leave. This research adds to menstruation literature by being one of the few studies to investigate company-level menstrual leave policy announcements in a transnational context. A broader conceptualisation of menstrual leave, including the transition to ‘menstrual flexibility’ as an umbrella term, could help such policies become equity tools.

Dissociative Aphonia Secondary to Nonorganic Vaginismus—A Case Report

Dissociative aphonia is a rare disorder with a point prevalence of 0.4%, while psychogenic vaginismus occurs at a prevalence of about 1–7%. The etiology roots down to underlying factors including dysfunctional sexual beliefs, fear of pain as well as other psychosocial conflicts. We report a 26-year-old married lady who presented with sudden onset aphonia in the background of nonorganic vaginismus. There were covert conflicts which seemed to stem from her early childhood and home atmosphere, the eventual spillover of this into her adulthood, precipitated her symptoms. This emphasizes the need for a broader outlook on the management of the disorder beyond the symptomatic treatment.

A brief package of tele-sexual counseling based on Islamic emotion-focused therapy versus tele-sexual health education on sexual intimacy in pregnant women: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Physical and emotional changes in pregnancy may reduce sexual intimacy. Pregnant women need empowerment through short-term cultural-based interventions regarding sexual intimacy for better expression of sexual beliefs and expectations. Since studies are limited regarding Islamic emotion-focused therapy (IEFT), this study was conducted to compare the effect of tele-sexual counseling (IEFT) versus tele-sexual health education on sexual intimacy in pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted among 52 pregnant women with gestational age at least 20–24 weeks through convince sampling referred to Amir Social Welfare Clinic, who were randomly assigned into two groups (each group = 26 women). The intervention group received online six weekly IEFT, and the control group participated in online sexual health education. Primary outcome sexual intimacy was measured via Botlani’s sexual intimacy questionnaire at baseline, end of intervention at week 6, and follow-up at week 10. Secondary outcome satisfaction was assessed via a satisfaction scale at weeks 6 and 10 of the intervention. Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney, the T-test, the analysis of variance, and repeated measures in SPSS. RESULTS: Sexual intimacy was not significantly different between the two groups at baseline. Sexual intimacy was significantly high in the intervention group in weeks 6 (intervention group: 83.12 ± 5.22 versus control group: 70.62 ± 4.42) (P < 0.001) and 10 (intervention group: 84.08 ± 5.03 versus control group: 70.54 ± 4.37) (P < 0.001). Satisfaction in week 6 was 52.38 ± 10.48 in the intervention group versus 42.69 ± 10.98 in the control group (P = 0.001), and at week 10, it was 55.58 ± 10.71 in the intervention group versus 45.12 ± 11.56 in the control group (P = 0.001), with more satisfaction in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Both short-term tele-interventions, IEFT or sexual health, improved sexual intimacy and satisfaction, but Islamic EFT was significantly superior. It seems women need cultural-religious-based interventions such as IEFT to facilitate positive sexual relationship changes, assertiveness in sexual emotion expression, and compassion through the sharing of skills with the husband that can continue individually even after intervention. The study findings can be applied to midwifery education, prenatal care booklets, couple and sex counselors and therapists, and other health care providers.

Exploring the Association between Sexual Orientation Beliefs and Ambivalent Sexism in Young Adults

This paper investigated the association between sexual orientation beliefs and ambivalent sexism in young adults. It was hypothesized that sexual orientation beliefs would correlate with and predicate ambivalent sexism, while there would be significant sociodemographic differences across the study variables. Selecting a cross-sectional (correlation) approach, a non-probability convenient sample of 221 young adults (Mage = 24.84, SDage = 5.82) was recruited. After filling out a detailed sociodemographic information sheet, the participants responded to original (English) versions of the Sexual Orientation Beliefs Scale (Arseneau et al., 2013) and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (Glick & Fiske, 1996). The analysis revealed that all sub-scales of the Sexual Orientation Beliefs Scale (discreetness, naturalness, informativeness and homogeneity) had positive correlations with hostile sexism and benevolent sexism. Moreover, discreetness, informativeness, and homogeneity beliefs predicted hostile sexism, while only the homogeneity belief predicted benevolent sexism. The socio-demographic variables of age and education emerged as significant correlates. Muslims held stronger ambivalent sexism than non-Muslims but no difference was found in sexual orientation beliefs. Hostile sexism was higher in men and those from a nuclear family system. Benevolent sexism was higher in unemployed and non-heterosexual individuals. Lastly, the discreetness belief was stronger in men and heterosexuals. This study would be a valuable addition to the academic scholarship as it provided insights into the indigenous patterns of sexual orientation beliefs and their relationship with specific forms of sexism.

An Exploration of Sexual Consent Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors among Middle School Students in Canada

An essential component of healthy sexual exploration is the understanding of sexual consent. Unfortunately, sexual consent is not consistently taught in sex education programs developed for adolescents. Furthermore, although early adolescence is a critical developmental period for the formation of sexual identity, norms, attitudes, and relationships, this population is underrepresented in the sexual consent literature. To fill this important gap, this study examined the sexual consent beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of 254 middle school students from a large, urban city in the province of Ontario. Correlates and predictors of sexual consent endorsement were tested via bivariate and multiple regression analyses. Greater perceived negative sanctions of dating violence and higher endorsement of gender stereotypes emerged as variables significantly related to and predictive of sexual consent attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and affirmative consent norms. Gender was also a significant correlate, as girls were more likely than boys to endorse affirmative sexual consent beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. The findings highlight important group differences and provide guidance for the design and implementation of sexual education and prevention programs.

Private clinical psychologists’ role in evaluation and treatment of childhood sexual abuse: A mixed methods study

BackgroundPsychologists play a significant role in addressing sexual violence against children and adolescents (SVCA) in Brazil. Most literature focuses on the role of public service psychologists in the intervention, resulting in the need to explore the role private clinical psychologists’ (PCP) play in SVCA treatment. ObjectiveThe study aims to: 1) investigate a possible relationship between sociodemographic factors, professional profiles, beliefs about SVCA, and PCPs’ decision to report the abuse, and 2) understand the role PCPs play in evaluating, reporting, and treating cases of SVCA. Participants and settingThe study sampled Brazilian PCPs. The quantitative phase consisted of 409 psychologists, and the qualitative phase consisted of 8 psychologists. MethodsThe study used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design to achieve its goals. The quantitative phase consisted of the Sociodemographic and Professional Questionnaire, Scenario 7, and the Sexual Abuse Belief Scale (SABS) measures. The qualitative phase consisted of individual semi-structured interviews. ResultsThe descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model illustrated factors increasing the likelihood of reporting SVCA by PCPs, including a history of treating confirmed sexual violence cases, taking a course on sexual violence, receiving SVCA information during undergraduate studies, having a master and doctoral degree, and having a single relationship status. The thematic analysis resulted in four themes: The definition of sexual violence, the selectivity of the cases, educational under-preparation, and the need to build a performance network. ConclusionPCPs require professional development to treatment SVCA, and schools of Psychology need to improve their curriculum regarding SVCA education.

Sexuality attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS): validation of the instrument for the polish nursing and midwifery students

The aim of the study is to create a Polish version of the sexuality attitudes and beliefs survey (SABS), to assess its cultural adaptation and psychometric properties and to utilize it to enable a cross-sectional study of the sexual attitudes and beliefs among Poland’s nursing and midwifery students. Non-random network sampling and the adapted SABS v. PL scale were employed for the latter purpose. A total of 570 nursing and midwifery students from two Polish universities completed the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was utilized to measure the internal consistency of the SABS scale, while exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to determine its construct validity. The factors that most affect respondents' sexual attitudes and beliefs were identified through a stepwise multiple regression method and through an econometric model. An exploratory factor analysis of the SABS v. PL scale revealed an adequate fit and confirmed the 4-factor model. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for SABS v. PL amounted to: α = 0.66. The study's student population had a mean SABS score of 41.65 ± 5.63, while the mean SABS item score varied between 2.55 ± 1.27 and 4.35 ± 1.07. The study's results show that the SABS v. PL questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument. The work revealed that Polish nursing and midwifery students have attitudes and beliefs which negatively impact their ability to evaluate a person's sexual health concerns and provide relevant health counselling.

Sexist Beliefs and Participation in the 2016 Presidential Election: Evidence from the General Social Survey

ABSTRACT Many studies of the 2016 U.S. presidential election have demonstrated that American voters with strong sexist beliefs tended to vote against the female candidate, Hillary Clinton. However, most of these studies did not pay much attention to whether eligible voters chose to vote. This study analyzed the 2018 and 2020 General Social Surveys to examine how American voters’ gender stereotypes in the family and sexist attitudes toward women in politics were associated with their participation in the 2016 presidential election—the latest election when the surveys were conducted—considering their party identification. The study discovered that strong Democrats who harbored a sexist attitude toward women in politics were less likely to participate in the 2016 presidential election than were Republicans and Independents with the same attitude. Furthermore, weak Democrats and Independents who endorsed traditional gender stereotypes in the family were less likely to participate in the election than were Republicans with the same ideals. The findings indicate that benevolent sexism may have discouraged some Democrat and Independent voters from going to the polls.

The role of infertility-related stress and sexist beliefs in anxiety symptoms in infertility couples

ABSTRACT It is necessary to continue identifying the predictors of anxiety symptoms in men and women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), especially from a psychosocial perspective. For this reason, this study evaluated a mediation model that demonstrates the effect of various stressors related to infertility, as well as the variables of sex, age, social support, and sexist beliefs, on anxiety symptoms. The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 215 infertility patients (146 women and 69 men) undergoing ART and residing in Spain. The Inventory of Infertility Problems (FPI) was used, which measures five stressors related to infertility (social, sexual and relationship concerns, rejection of a child-free lifestyle and need for parenthood). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) were also used. Being women and perceiving less social support was associated with higher anxiety symptoms, due to the mediated effect of social, sexual and relationships concerns. Higher levels of sexist beliefs were related to greater concern about the relationship, greater rejection of a childless lifestyle and greater need for parenting. This pioneering research in Spain identifies factors predisposing to anxiety in ART patients. This evidence should be considered in infertility research and clinical practice.

Truth about Rape Myths: Understanding the Effects of Sexual Violence and Date Rape Attitudes on Rape Myths Acceptance in Ghana

Purpose: Rape myths acceptance is a global phenomenon with dire consequences on how sexual assault victims are perceived and treated. People who hold strong sexual violence beliefs tend to blame the victims for their victimizations while praising the offenders. It has widely been acknowledged that such attitudes hinder crime reporting while promoting violence in society. The main purpose of the current study was to examine the factors that influence rape myths acceptance among students in Ghana. Method: Data for the study was collected from students attending one of the largest universities in the country between 2021 and 2022. Results: Our results revealed that sexual violence experience, college date rape attitudes, age, degree program, and ethnicity influenced rape myths acceptance among students. Conclusion: Based on the findings, we recommend that colleges should create a conducive environment for victims of sexual violence whereby educating students about the harmful effects of rape myths acceptance.

The Complex Role Played by the Default Mode Network during Sexual Stimulation: A Cluster-Based fMRI Meta-Analysis.

The default mode network (DMN) is a complex network that plays a significant and active role during naturalistic stimulation. Previous studies that have used naturalistic stimuli, such as real-life stories or silent or sonorous films, have found that the information processing involved a complex hierarchical set of brain regions, including the DMN nodes. The DMN is not involved in low-level features and is only associated with high-level content-related incoming information. The human sexual experience involves a complex set of processes related to both external context and inner processes. Since the DMN plays an active role in the integration of naturalistic stimuli and aesthetic perception with beliefs, thoughts, and episodic autobiographical memories, we aimed at quantifying the involvement of the nodes of the DMN during visual sexual stimulation. After a systematic search in the principal electronic databases, we selected 83 fMRI studies, and an ALE meta-analysis was calculated. We performed conjunction analyses to assess differences in the DMN related to stimulus modalities, sex differences, and sexual orientation. The results show that sexual stimulation alters the topography of the DMN and highlights the DMN's active role in the integration of sexual stimuli with sexual schemas and beliefs.

Recruit Profiles Across the U.S. Armed Forces: Implications for Increasing Gender Integration in Recruit Training.

This article uses recent survey data from a study on gender integration at recruit training across the U.S. Armed Forces to examine service, gender, and training differences in recruit's gender attitudes, beliefs, and cohesion metrics. In addition to providing a descriptive understanding of our recruit sample, this article examines factors germane to gender integration at recruit training such as gender attitudes, sexist beliefs, and unit cohesion. This article uses data from a survey of U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Coast Guard recruits as part of a USMC-commissioned study to develop alternate models and recommendations for increasing gender integration in USMC recruit training. At all sites but the USMC, recruits completed the survey 1 to 2 weeks before graduation. At the Marine Corps Recruit Depots, recruits participated in the survey at the beginning (week 2) and end (week 11) of their 13-week training cycle. A 19-question survey captured sociodemographic information, perspectives and experiences during recruit training, and gender attitudes and beliefs. Analyses were conducted on the sample with complete data on the measures reported, including those USMC recruits observed at both week 2 and week 11 (n = 629). Descriptive statistics (percentage) were calculated for all categorical outcome variables. Outcome variables (cohesion, gender, and sexism attitudes) were compared between groups using chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact tests, as appropriate. Recruits differed significantly across services in perceptions of unit cohesion on 3 of the 4 indicators: Platoon members are cooperative, know they can depend on each other, and really respect each other (P < .05). These differences appear to be driven by female recruit difference across service. They reported significant differences in gender role attitudes across the services, with USMC recruits being most likely to endorse traditional gender roles compared to other service recruits. Male USMC recruits were significantly more likely than their female peers to agree that men should achieve outside the home and women should take care of the home and family (21.3% versus 6.3%, P < .05). The only statistical differences in attitudes about equality of treatment and opportunity among recruits were between male and female USMC recruits. All items capturing sexist attitudes elicited statistically significant differences between male USMC recruits and male recruits in other services (P < .05). There were significant differences in all sexism measures between male and female USMC recruits (P < .05). There is a significant decline in some sexist attitudes between weeks 2 and 11 of training among male USMC recruits (P < .05). Nearly one-half to three-fourths of male USMC recruits hold sexist attitudes, even near the end of recruit training. The disparate gender and sexism attitudes of male USMC recruits compared with their peers in other services, and their fellow female USMC recruits suggest efforts to increase gender integration at entry-level training are needed, but also may be challenging since male USMC recruits report the highest levels of sexist attitudes among all recruits.

Do White Women Gain Status for Engaging in Anti-black Racism at Work? An Experimental Examination of Status Conferral

Businesses often attempt to demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by showcasing women in their leadership ranks, most of whom are white. Yet research has shown that organizations confer status and power to women who engage in sexist behavior, which undermines DEI efforts. We sought to examine whether women who engage in racist behavior are also conferred relative status at work. Drawing on theory and research on organizational culture and intersectionality, we predicted that a white woman who expresses anti-Black racism is conferred more status in the workplace than a white woman who does not. A pilot study (N = 30) confirmed that making an anti-Black racist comment at work was judged to be more offensive than making no comment, but only for a white man, not a white woman. Study 1 (N = 330) found that a white woman who made an anti-Black racist comment at work was conferred higher status than a white woman who did not, whereas the opposite held true for a white man, with perceived offensiveness mediating these effects. Study 2 (N = 235) revealed that a white woman who made an anti-racist/pro-Black Lives Matter comment was conferred lower status than a white woman who did not, whereas the opposite held true for a white man. Finally, Study 3 (N = 295) showed that people who endorse racist and sexist beliefs confer more status to a white man than to a white woman regardless of speech, but that people low in racism and sexism confer the highest status to a white woman who engages in anti-Black racist speech. These studies suggest that white women are rewarded for expressing support for beliefs that mirror systemic inequality in the corporate world. We discuss implications for business ethics and directions for future research.

Teen dating violence: predictive role of sexism and the mediating role of empathy and assertiveness based on gender.

Despite efforts to prevent dating violence among adolescents, it remains a major problem with multiple negative consequences. Sexist beliefs, empathy, and assertiveness influence teen dating violence (TDV) with potential gender differences. (1) Determine gender disparities in TDV perpetration and victimization, including relational, verbal-emotional, and physical aspects, as well as roles; (2) Analyze gender variations in sexism, empathy, assertiveness, and their relationship with TDV; (3) Establish a predictive model of sexism in TDV with empathy and assertiveness as mediators for both genders. A sample of 862 secondary school students (50.2% females, 49.8% males; mean age: 14.1 years) from diverse regions in Spain participated. TDV was measured using the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI) in a cross-sectional study. Sexism, empathy, and assertiveness were assessed using the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and Assertiveness Inventory for Students Questionnaire (AISQ), respectively. Females exhibited higher TDV perpetration, specifically verbal-emotional TDV. Males showed more relational TDV and hostile sexism, while no benevolent sexism differences were observed. Mediation models demonstrated sexism, assertiveness, and empathy as individual predictors of TDV, with varying mediation effects. Personal distress partially mediates the link between sexism and TDV perpetration or victimization in males, while practical personal ability mediates between sexism and TDV perpetration in females. Sexism predicts both perpetration and victimization in TDV, linked to empathy and assertiveness. Notably, specific dimensions of empathy and assertiveness mediate the connection between sexism and TDV, displaying gender-specific patterns. Preventive measures should consider personal distress in male perpetrators/victims and practical personal ability in female perpetrators.

Past intimate partner violence experience and acceptance of IPV myths: The roles of adversarial sexual beliefs and sexual relationship power

Intimate partner violence (IPV) myths are commonly held misconceptions that serve to rationalize or excuse aggressive behavior toward a partner. Previous research has found that past IPV experience influences attitudes toward IPV; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To fill this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study of Chinese male and female adults (N = 587) with experience in romantic relationships. The results showed that past IPV experience was significantly associated with a higher acceptance of IPV myths. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses further revealed that adversarial sexual beliefs positively predicted acceptance of IPV myths, whereas sexual relationship power negatively predicted it. Furthermore, the relationship between past IPV experience and acceptance of IPV myths was attenuated after considering adversarial sexual beliefs and sexual relationship power; adversarial sexual beliefs and sexual relationship power explained the largest amount of variance in acceptance of IPV myths. Thus, we recommend creating an atmosphere of gender equality and mutual respect in society. Relevant organizations should take measures to prevent IPV incidents and provide appropriate psychological support to IPV survivors and bystanders to prevent the perpetuation of violence across generations.

Exploring the Interplay of problematic pornography use, sexism, and rape myth acceptance: An Italian cross-sectional study

The relationships among pornography use, sexist ideology and false or stereotypical ideas about rape are controversial. This study specifically examines the associations of problematic pornography use (PPU) with sexism and rape myth acceptance among both male and female participants within the Italian context utilizing a cross-sectional methodology. Based on data from 815 participants collected through an online questionnaire, the study identifies significant gender-based differences, with men typically exhibiting higher scores on sexism, rape myth acceptance, and token resistance beliefs. Correlation analysis revealed that in men, there was a positive relationship between pornography cravings and sexist beliefs but not between pornography cravings and minimizing rape or accusations of lying (rape myth). Women showed significant positive correlations across all problematic pornography use dimensions with sexist ideology, although the relationship with rape myth acceptance varied. These findings underscore the critical need for acknowledging these relationships to enhance strategies for preventing gender-based violence.

Ambivalent Sexism and Tolerance of Violence Against Women in India

We examined associations between sexist beliefs and tolerance of violence against women in India using a nationally representative probability sample of adults (n = 133,398). Research consistently indicates that hostile sexism fosters tolerance of violence against women. However, benevolent sexism is sometimes associated with higher tolerance and sometimes with lower tolerance of violence. We proposed that this inconsistency could be resolved by considering the source of violence: Is violence perpetrated by outsiders or intimate partners? Results of a multigroup structural equation model showed that endorsement of hostile sexism was related to greater tolerance of violence regardless of the source. In contrast, endorsement of benevolent sexism was associated with lower tolerance of violence from outsiders but was simultaneously associated with higher tolerance of spousal violence. These opposing processes indicate that although benevolent sexism promises women protection from violence, the very same ideology legitimizes spousal violence, thereby reinforcing men’s power within intimate relationships.