Sexual Esteem Research Articles

Sexual Coercion Risk and Women’s Sport Participation

Abstract Sexual coercion affects approximately 58% of college-age females. Victims of sexual coercion often share similar characteristics, such as lower self-esteem, lower assertiveness, higher depressive symptoms, higher alcohol use, increased number of sexual partners, more romantic relationships, prior victimization, and relationship insecurity. Female athletes, on the other hand, have in common such protective factors as higher self-esteem, higher assertiveness, lower alcohol use, and fewer sexual partners. These, then, are assumed to guard against sexual coercion. The purpose of this study was to determine if female athletes were at a lower risk for sexual coercion and whether differences existed in levels of assertiveness, sexual assertiveness, self-esteem, sexual esteem, alcohol use, and the number of sexual partners. Participants included 174 college females (aged 19.94 ± 1.87 years). Participants were identified as an athlete if they reported a history of at least three years of athl iation etic involvement and described themselves as either a high school athlete or having participated in competitive sports (n=125). From among all the participants, 49 were classified as non-athletes. Data demonstrated no differences in either forced or coerced sexual contact history. Athletes and nonathletes differed neither in global nor sexual self-esteem, nor did they differ in global or sexual assertiveness. There was a significant difference across the groups in alcohol use: athletes scored higher on the AUDIT than non-athletes. The number of years of sport involvement positively correlated with the level of alcohol use. Athletes and non-athletes reported similar numbers of sexual partners. The findings of this study imply that athletics may indirectly place females at risk for sexual coercion through an assocwith higher alcohol use.

Personal and environmental factors contributing to participation in romantic relationships and sexual activity of young adults with cerebral palsy

Purpose: To study determinants of romantic relationships and sexual activity of young adults with cerebral palsy (CP), focusing on personal and environmental factors. Method: A cohort study was performed with 74 young adults (46 men; 28 women) aged 20–25 years (SD 1.4) with CP (49% unilateral CP, 76% GMFCS level I, 85% MACS level I). All participants were of normal intelligence. Romantic relationships, sexual activity (outcome measures), personal and environmental factors (associated factors) were assessed. Associations were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. Results: More females than males with CP were in a current romantic relationship. Self-esteem, sexual esteem and feelings of competence regarding self-efficacy contributed positively to having current romantic relationships. A negative parenting style contributed negatively. Age and gross motor functioning explained 20% of the variance in experience with intercourse. In addition, sexual esteem and taking initiative contributed significantly to intercourse experience. Conclusions: For young adults with CP personal factors (20–35% explained variances) seem to contribute more than environmental factors (9–12% explained variances) to current romantic relationships and sexual experiences. We advice parents and professionals to focus on self-efficacy, self-esteem and sexual self-esteem in development of young adults with CP.Implications for RehabilitationThe severity of gross motor functioning contributed somewhat to sexual activities, but not to romantic relationships.High self-efficacy, self-esteem and sexual self-esteem can facilitate involvement in romantic and sexual relationships for young adults with CP.

The effects of translating the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire from English to Mandarin: a test of reliability and validity

In China, sexuality studies using validated psychosexual instruments are limited, with no valid Mandarin language version of a sexuality inventory with psychometric properties available for use. Thus, the Mandarin version of the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire (M-MSQ), comprising four subscales, originating from the Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire, was tested for its psychometric properties. A convenience sampling technique was employed to recruit 200 oil workers (100 males and 100 females) in northern China. Originally, 158 participants (84 males and 74 females) completed the questionnaire; these accounted for 79% of the total study sample. From this group, a subsample of 50 participants (25 males and 25 females) was randomly selected to investigate the test-retest reliability. Of these, the responses of 33 participants (18 males and 15 females) were valid. The analysis on reliability was based on Cronbach's α, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and the intraclass correlation coefficient, also including evaluation on criterion validity and discriminatory validity. The M-MSQ was found to be homogeneous in factor structure, comparing well with the original questionnaire. Both the discriminatory validity and the criterion-related validity were satisfactory in the total sample and gender groups, in addition, the overall reliability of the M-MSQ was sound in internal consistency with Cronbach's α=0.900-0.931. The results of the test-retest showed that the stability of the M-MSQ achieved a positive statistically significant standard assessed by Pearson's coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient. The M-MSQ is reliable in these four subscales, and may be used as a measure of sexual esteem, sexual conscious, sexual motivation and sexual satisfaction in Mandarin speakers.

Capacidade de adaptação e estima sexual em atletas deficientes físicos

This study aimed to analyze the capacity of adaptation and the level of sexual esteem in 69 physically disabled athletes. Two scales were used: the resilience and sexual esteem. For data analysis descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted. The average age was 30 years and the middle time of physical deficiency was of 18,5 years. Participants were classified in acquired deficiency (68,1%) and congenital (31,9%). They presented elevated level of resilience: 90,9% of men and 87,5% of women; in the sexual esteem they presented high level: 70,7% of the men and 80% of the women. Comparing the levels of resilience and sexual esteem between men and women and between congenital and acquired deficiency, significant differences weren’t found. Of 25 questions of resilience, 5 presented correlations with economical class, as well as sexual esteem (4 of 10 questions). It’s believed that these results are related to the participation in sporting competitions.

Validation of a Scale for Body and Sexual Self-Esteem in Athletes with Disabilities

The objective was to examine the sexual and body self-esteem of Brazilian competitive athletes with physical disabilities using The Physical Disability Sexual and Body Esteem Scale (PDSBE). This study involved 150 men and 58 women over 18 years of age engaged in various sports activities. The participants obtained a mean of 42.66 (±8.11) on the scale for body and sexual self-esteem. Mean scores were similar for both sexes and among types of physical disability. The body and sexual self-esteem indexes for Brazilian para-athletes were found to be significantly higher with respect to the population of individuals with disabilities previously examined with the PDSBE. The scale showed itself to be a valid instrument in measuring body and sexual dimensions (α = .907) among the Brazilian subjects, despite loading on only 2-D (sexual esteem and level of externally perceived sexual attraction), skipping one of the original dimensions (body esteem).

An Evaluation of the Relationship between Body Image and Sexual Avoidance

This study examined the relationship between body image and sexual avoidance. Of particular interest was whether this relationship was mediated by other variables. Participants were 362 undergraduate students who responded to a battery of questionnaires pertaining to three aspects of body image, sexually avoidant behavior, and three mediator variables, which included sexual esteem, sexual satisfaction, and sexual desire. Consistent with previous studies, a relationship between body image and sexual avoidance was found, indicating that those with a more negative body image displayed a greater tendency to avoid sexual activity. Furthermore, sexual esteem, sexual satisfaction, and sexual desire appeared to mediate this relationship. Implications of these results suggest that these mediator variables are important in the relationship between body image and sexual avoidance, and may be useful targets for those seeking treatment for sexual avoidance issues. Limitations of the study and avenues for future research are discussed.

Sexuality in Irish Women With Gynecologic Cancer

To investigate sexual self-concept, sexual relationships, and sexual functioning, and the relationship between these and certain demographic variables of Irish women, following a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer. Descriptive, correlational. Outpatient gynecologic oncology clinic in a large university hospital in Southern Ireland. 106 women with a diagnosis of and treatment for various gynecologic cancers (cervical, ovarian, endometrial, and vulvar). The Body Image Scale, Sexual Esteem Scale, and Sexual Self-Schema Scale were administered to women a minimum of six weeks postdiagnosis of any form of gynecologic cancer to measure sexual self-concept; the Intimate Relationships Scale to measure sexual relationships; and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale to measure sexual functioning. Sexual self-concept, body image, sexual esteem, sexual self-schema, sexual relationships, and sexual functioning. Participants reported negative changes in relation to their sexual self-concept, sexual relationships, and sexual functioning. Participants reported negative changes in relation to all stages of the sexual response cycle. Gynecologic cancer has the potential to negatively affect a woman's sexual self-concept, sexual relationships, and sexual functioning. Sexuality is a multidimensional construct and must be measured in this way. Healthcare professionals must use a holistic approach when providing information and support to patients with gynecologic cancer. Information must be provided to women on how cancer and its treatment has the potential to affect their sexual self-concept, sexual relationships, and sexual functioning, including information on how to overcome these alterations.

The developmental association of sexual self-concept with sexual behavior among adolescent women

Developing a sexual self-concept is an important developmental task of adolescence; however, little empirical evidence describes this development, nor how these changes are related to development in sexual behavior. Using longitudinal cohort data from adolescent women, we invoked latent growth curve analysis to: (1) examine reciprocal development in sexual self-concept (sexual openness, sexual esteem and sexual anxiety) over a four year time frame; (2) describe the relationship of these trajectories with changes in sexual behavior. We found significant transactional effects between these dimensions and behavior: sexual self-concept evolved during adolescence in a manner consistent with less reserve, less anxiety and greater personal comfort with sexuality and sexual behavior. Moreover, we found that sexual self-concept results from sexual behavior, as well as regulates future behavior.

Sexuality in Adult Patients With Congenital Heart Disease and Their Partners

Data on relational and sexuality issues in adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate relational and sexual behaviors, satisfaction, and functioning in a representative sample of patients with CHD and their partners. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the relation between sexuality parameters and quality of life. Relational and sexuality issues were assessed using a sexuality questionnaire in 133 patients (52% men, 37 ± 13 years old) with CHD (43 with coarctation of the aorta, 42 with transposition of great arteries, 36 with Marfan syndrome, and 12 with Eisenmenger syndrome), and 74 partners. Quality of life was assessed using the Dutch translation of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-Item Health Survey. Data were compared to an age- and gender-matched control group (n = 3,642). Seventy-one percent of patients with CHD were involved in a relationship, which was significantly less compared to controls (79%, p < 0.05). Nonetheless, patients perceived their relationship as more satisfactory compared to controls (p < 0.05). Overall, sexual satisfaction was equal in patients compared to controls, although they perceived lower body esteem (p < 0.001), decreased sexual esteem (p < 0.05), and more distress during sex (p < 0.001). Patients reported no more erectile and lubrication problems compared to partners and to controls. We found significant associations between most relational and sexual parameters and quality of life. In conclusion, many aspects of sexuality are affected in adult patients with CHD, whereas their partners remain relatively unaffected. Moreover, sexuality is an important aspect of quality of life in these patients. We advise physicians to be receptive to discuss sexuality issues and provide patients with adequate therapy.

Genital Appearance Dissatisfaction: Implications for Women's Genital Image Self-Consciousness, Sexual Esteem, Sexual Satisfaction, and Sexual Risk

Findings regarding the link between body image and sexuality have been equivocal, possibly because of the insensitivity of many of body image measures to potential variability across sensory aspects of the body (e.g., appearance versus odor), individual body parts (e.g., genitalia versus thighs), and social settings (e.g., public versus intimate). The current study refined existing methods of evaluating women's body image in the context of sexuality by focusing upon two highly specified dimensions: satisfaction with the visual appearance of the genitalia and self-consciousness about the genitalia during a sexual encounter. Genital appearance dissatisfaction, genital image self-consciousness, and multiple facets of sexuality were examined with a sample of 217 undergraduate women using an online survey. Path analysis revealed that greater dissatisfaction with genital appearance was associated with higher genital image self-consciousness during physical intimacy, which, in turn, was associated with lower sexual esteem, sexual satisfaction, and motivation to avoid risky sexual behavior. These findings underscore the detrimental impact of negative genital perceptions on young women's sexual wellbeing, which is of particular concern given their vulnerability at this stage of sexual development as well as the high rates of sexually transmitted infections within this age group. Interventions that enhance satisfaction with the natural appearance of their genitalia could facilitate the development of a healthy sexual self-concept and provide long-term benefits in terms of sexual safety and satisfaction.

Efficacy of Sexological Healthcare for People With Chronic Diseases and Physical Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in a short and well-structured psychosexual therapy was effective for people with a broad range of physical impairments and chronic diseases. Data were collected from 37 men and 10 women (between 30 and 70 years of age). The results demonstrated that psychosexual therapy has a positive effect on several areas of sexual well-being: less relational stress and sexual stress and an increase in sexual satisfaction, sexual esteem, sexual interaction competence, and a higher frequency in sexual contact. Although based on a relatively small sample, these findings clearly indicate that people with physical impairments can benefit from psychosexual therapy.

Sexual self-concept in sexually abused homeless adolescents

This study explored gender differences, sexual self-concept and life on the street among homeless adolescents who self-reported a history of sexual abuse. Individual interviews were conducted with 13 adolescents (six males and seven females) aged 18–20 years. There were salient themes shared by both males and females (vulnerability, sexual harassment, survival sex), and one theme specific to bisexual adolescents. Both males and females described aspects of their vulnerability related to being male or female. More than half the participants also described incidents of sexual harassment. In addition, both males and females stated that females needed the protection of males. Only one theme specific to youth with a bisexual orientation emerged related to the advantages of being bisexual. The findings indicate that sexual maturation takes place within the context of social and cognitive changes that can profoundly influence an individual's ability to develop a healthy sexual self-concept, including sexual awareness, sexual assertiveness, sexual self-efficacy, sexual esteem, sexual satisfaction and motivation to avoid risky sex. Further exploration related to sexual self-concept, the prevalence of sexual abuse and the impact of a sexual abuse history on the street life of homeless adolescents is warranted.

Sexual body esteem and mindfulness in college women

Literature suggests that many young women hold negative perceptions of their sexual bodies and facial features. This may be related to deficits in mindfulness, manifested by rigid and automatic thoughts, feelings, and behavior about one's sexual body. The present study examined the relationships between the five factors of mindfulness measured by the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and sexual body esteem, measured by the Sexual Attractiveness subscale of the Body Esteem Scale (BES) in 79 college women. A multiple regression was performed to examine the relationship between sexual body esteem and the factors of mindfulness. The Observing and Describing subscales were significantly and positively predictive of sexual body esteem while Non-reactivity to Inner Experience was significantly and negatively predictive of sexual body esteem. This relationship may have implications for future research and clinical practice.

The Naked Truth: Development of a Scale Designed to Measure Male Body Image Self-Consciousness during Physical Intimacy

Using a sample of male participants ( N = 136) from the Republic of Ireland, the aim of this study was to develop a psychometrically sound measure of male body image self-consciousness during physical intimacy (i.e., The Male Body Image Self-Consciousness Scale, M-BISC). As predicted, participants' body image self-consciousness correlated positively with their sexual anxiety and motivation to become more muscular, and correlated negatively with their sexual esteem, body esteem, and self-rated physical attractiveness. Limitations of this study and directions for future research are outlined.

Sexual Self-Concept and Sexual Self-Efficacy in Adolescents: A Possible Clue to Promoting Sexual Health?

This study examined the associations between sexual self-concept (sexual esteem and sexual anxiety) and sexual self-efficacy (situational and resistive) in a sample of 388 high school students (59% Caucasian, 28% African American). Males reported lower sexual esteem and lower sexual self-efficacy than females. Males and African Americans reported higher levels of sexual anxiety and lower levels of resistive self-efficacy than females and Caucasians. In regression models, higher sexual self-esteem uniquely predicted higher sexual self-efficacy scores, even after controlling for demographic variables, knowledge of sexual risk, and previous coital experience. In post hoc analyses, sexual self-esteem mediated the relation between knowledge of sexual risk and both types of sexual self-efficacy. Results suggest the need for interventions to promote male sexual self-efficacy and sexual esteem and the need for longitudinal research that explicates models of sexual health in adolescence.

Sexual life and physical disability: an italian research on neuromuscular disabled subjects

Objective The aim of the project-research is to explore the areas of sexuality, body image and psychological well-being in subjects with physical disability, with special regard to subjects with neuromuscular diseases Design and Method An anonymous and confidential 124-item questionnaire has been applied to a first group of 50 physically disabled adults Results A wide range of data regarding the areas of sexual experience and satisfaction, self-esteem, body image and sexual esteem, anxiety and depression, social perceptions, and relationships will be presented and discussed Conclusions The analysis of the collected data shows the existence of complex relationships between severity of disability, self-esteem, body appreciation, sexual esteem, level of anxiety and depression, sexual activity and satisfaction

Reproductive and Sexual Outcomes After Anorectal Malformation Repair in Childhood

PURPOSE Anorectal malformations (ARM) are a spectrum of anomalies. Sexual function and fertility may be impaired. This study looks at long-term outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a cohort study of 75 adult patients with ARM. Participants completed questionnaires on urinary, bowel and sexual function. Medical records were retrieved for data on original diagnosis and associated anomalies. RESULTS The age range was 18-60 years with a median of 25 years. 18 associated genital anomalies were recorded in 14 women (31%), the commonest being double vagina (6/14) and bicornuate uterus (5/14). In 10 of the 24 (41.67%) males where paediatric medical records were available had 11 documented genital anomalies, the commonest being cryptorchidism (6/24). The mean age of sexual debut for the group was 17.65 years (range 14 – 65 years). Of the 75, 10 were not sexually active (13.3%). In the case of 2 females this was due to vaginal stenosis, both required surgery. 61% of male patients were very or mainly satisfied with their sex lives. Women scored significantly lower than men in terms of sexual esteem and satisfaction. Five males reported poor erections, and 5 reported difficulty in ejaculating. There were 16 pregnancies from 7 females, 10 resulted in live births. Four deliveries were vaginal and 6 Caesarean section. The male participants reported 11 pregnancies in partners resulting in 10 live births. CONCLUSIONS Anorectal malformations have adverse implications for fertility and sexual function. In young adults it is important that issues regarding sexual function and fulfilment are addressed openly.

Body and sexual esteem as mediators of the physical disability-interpersonal competencies relation.

Body and sexual esteem as mediators of the physical disability-interpersonal competencies relation.

Correlates of Gay Men's Self-Reported Exposure to Pornography

Although perceived to be a ubiquitous and profitable element of gay culture, to date, only one published study has investigated the correlates of gay men's exposure to pornography. In the current research, an Internet-based survey (N = 66) was used to examine possible associations between pornography exposure and the drive for muscularity, genital esteem, sexual esteem, and the perceived importance of practicing safer sex. In accordance with Sociocultural Theory, it was anticipated that exposure to pornography would correlate negatively with indices of esteem and safer sex, and positively with the drive to become more muscular. The role of internalized homonegativity as a potential moderator variable also was investigated. Results provide little support for the anecdotal view that gay pornography causes various “individual and systemic harms” (Kendall & Funk, 2003, p. 94). Limitations of this study and directions for future research are outlined.

Exposure to Sexually Explicit Material and Variations in Body Esteem, Genital Attitudes, and Sexual Esteem among a Sample of Canadian Men

Most research on sexually explicit material (SEM) uses a harm-based discourse, a central tenet of which is that pornographic media deleteriously affect male viewers' attitudes and behaviours toward women. Consequently, minimal attention has been directed toward examining associations between men's exposure to SEM and their self-perceptions in terms of physical appearance and sexual functioning. To investigate this topic, 188 men attending a comprehensive college in Alberta, Canada, were given a questionnaire measuring exposure to various pornographic media and three forms of esteem (sexual, genital, and body). As predicted, significant negative correlations were obtained between exposure to pornographic imagery on the Internet and levels of genital and sexual esteem. Limitations of the current study and directions for future research are provided.