Sexual Perceptions Research Articles

Comparison of perceptions of HIV risk and risky sexual practices among heterosexual cocaine- dependent individuals

Aims: Cocaine use is associated with higher prevalence of risky sexual behavior, ultimately leading to a greater risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Our ongoing study compares the perception of risk of HIV and attitudes towards condom use with actual sexual practices in heterosexual cocaine dependent (CD) individuals and non-drug using controls. Methods: To date 23 CD individuals and 18 controls have been recruited. Selfreport measures of attitudes towards sexual behaviors and perceptions of risk were measured via Sexual Risks Scale-Attitudes Towards Condom Use (SRSA), Limiting HIV Risk Behavior (LHRB), Risk Behavior Assessment (RBA), Perceived Risk HIV and Risky Sex Scale (RSS). Results: CD participants reported having sex 7.6±1.5 (mean± S.E.M.) days out of the last 30 whereas controls reported having sex 4.0±1.4 days of the last 30 (p=0.11). Also, CD participants reported having 1.6±1.0 sexual partners while controls reported having 1.0±0.0 sexual partners in the last 30 days (p=0.086). CD participants had more negative attitudes towards condom use as determined by the SRSA (p=0.047). There were no significant differences between CD participants and controls with respect to perception of risk following unprotected and protected oral, vaginal, and anal sex regardless of HIV status (all ps >0.05), with the exception of HIV negative status where CD participants (18.7±4.9) associated more risk of HIV than control participants (5.6±3.1) during unprotected vaginal sex (p=0.05). Conclusions: Despite minimal differences in perception of risk of HIV between groups, heterosexual CD participants are more likely to engage inmore sex acts withmore partners thanmatched controls. Additional data for this project includes evaluations of neural responses during a sexual discounting task. Financial support: National Institute on Drug Abuse: 5R01DA030241. This work was conducted at, and supported by the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX.

Effects of methylphenidate and MDMA on appraisal of erotic stimuli and intimate relationships

Methylphenidate mainly enhances dopamine neurotransmission whereas 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) mainly enhances serotonin neurotransmission. However, both drugs also induce a weaker increase of cerebral noradrenaline exerting sympathomimetic properties. Dopaminergic psychostimulants are reported to increase sexual drive, while serotonergic drugs typically impair sexual arousal and functions. Additionally, serotonin has also been shown to modulate cognitive perception of romantic relationships. Whether methylphenidate or MDMA alter sexual arousal or cognitive appraisal of intimate relationships is not known. Thus, we evaluated effects of methylphenidate (40mg) and MDMA (75mg) on subjective sexual arousal by viewing erotic pictures and on perception of romantic relationships of unknown couples in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 30 healthy adults. Methylphenidate, but not MDMA, increased ratings of sexual arousal for explicit sexual stimuli. The participants also sought to increase the presentation time of implicit sexual stimuli by button press after methylphenidate treatment compared with placebo. Plasma levels of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone were not associated with sexual arousal ratings. Neither MDMA nor methylphenidate altered appraisal of romantic relationships of others. The findings indicate that pharmacological stimulation of dopaminergic but not of serotonergic neurotransmission enhances sexual drive. Whether sexual perception is altered in subjects misusing methylphenidate e.g., for cognitive enhancement or as treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is of high interest and warrants further investigation.

Perspectives on “Pornography”: Exploring sexually explicit Internet movies' influences on Canadian young adults' holistic sexual health

Despite the vast number of Canadian young adults who consume sexually explicit Internet movies (SEIM), the potential influences SEIM consumption has on overall sexual health remains understudied. This study aimed to develop insight into what Canadian young adults perceive to be the influences of consuming SEIM on six components of sexual health: Sexual Knowledge, Sexual Self-Perception, Sexual Activity, Sexual Partner Relations, Perceptions of Sexuality, and Overall Wellbeing. Employing an exploratory qualitative approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 urban, heterosexual young adults (ages 19–29), who self-identified as having consumed SEIM for a period of at least one year. All interviews were audio-taped with permission, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using principles of constructivist grounded theory. Young adults described a wide range of influences that encompassed topics beyond physical reactions, to include experiences with overall sexuality and sexual self. These influences were perceived to result in both health benefits and health challenges. The disparities between this study's findings and other empirical SEIM studies suggest that conceptualizing SEIM consumption using person-centred, holistic perspectives may help researchers more effectively capture the multitude of diverse ways SEIM can influence Canadians' sexual health.

Use of Drinking Protective Behavioral Strategies and Sexual Perceptions and Behaviors in U.S. College Students

Alcohol use among college students is linked to an increased likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviors, including casual sex and unprotected sex. These behaviors increase college students' risks for negative social and health-related consequences. This study examined the relationship between drinking behaviors and protective behavioral strategies (PBS), expectancies and perceptions of sexual risk, and actual alcohol-related sexual behaviors and consequences. Sexually active college students completed Web-based self-report measures of drinking behaviors and use of PBS, alcohol expectancies and perceptions of risk, and sexual behaviors and related consequences (n = 524; 57.1% women). Findings indicated that PBS were related to lower expectancies of sexual risk and sexual disinhibition, and among lighter drinkers, lower expectancies of sexual enhancement from alcohol. PBS were also related to decreased perceptions of sexual-related risks, some alcohol-related sexual behaviors, including number of drinks before/during sex, and number of sexual consequences, but were not related to abstaining during sex, frequency of alcohol-related sexual behaviors, or general condom use. These findings demonstrate a disconnect between perceived and actual risks among college students, such that decreased perceptions of risk may not be associated with protective behaviors. Prevention and intervention implications are discussed.

Categories, stereotypes, and the linguistic perception of sexuality

AbstractThis article examines how social stereotypes influence listeners' perceptions of indexical language. Building on recent developments in linguistics and social psychology, I investigate the extent to which stereotypical attitudes and beliefs about categories of speakers serve to enable the association of linguistic features with particular social meanings while simultaneously blocking others. My arguments are based on an analysis of listener perceptions of the intersecting categories of gender, sexuality, and social class among men in the UK. Using a modified matched-guise paradigm to test three category-relevant variables (mean pitch, spectral characteristics of /s/, and TH-fronting), I demonstrate how the perception of social meaning is governed by a combination of both attitudinal and cognitive factors. This finding is important because it illustrates the listener-dependent nature of sociolinguistic perception. Moreover, it also provides further empirical support for an understanding of social meaning as an emergent property of language-in-use. (speech perception, attitudes and stereotypes, sexuality, phonetic variation)*

<b>Females and post-pubescent adolescents: groups with high exposure to the development of body image dissatisfaction in São Bonifácio, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

To determine the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction in adolescents and analyse associated factors. The sample under analysis comprised 278 adolescents, 10- to 17-year-old students from government schools in a small town in southern Brazil. Sociodemographic information was collected (age, sex, area of residence and educational level of family head), coupled to self-assessment of sexual maturation and body image perception (scale of body silhouettes). Frequency distribution was employed for statistical analysis; Student’s t test was applied for independent samples; chi-square and Fisher's exact test and Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment were used. The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 59.3%, or rather, higher among females (65.6%) than among males (53%). An association between body image and sexual maturation existed which revealed that post-pubescent adolescents were more likely to show body image dissatisfaction when compared to their pre-pubescent peers. Females and post-pubescent adolescents were more likely to feel body image dissatisfaction. Intervention programs may be proposed as strategies for the construction of a positive body image.

Motivations for sexual risk behaviors among older men in Shanghai, China: a qualitative study.

BackgroundChina’s population is quickly aging and this trend is expected to continue. Thus it is important to develop HIV interventions to help protect older Chinese from infection. Limited information exists regarding sexual risk behaviors and associated personal motivations among persons aged 50 and over in China.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 12 HIV-infected and 14 uninfected men aged 50 and over in Shanghai, China.ResultsMore than 71% of heterosexual participants had engaged in commercial sex, 37.5% either had engaged in casual sex or had a steady extramarital partner. All gay/bisexual participants had engaged in casual sex with men, and 16.7% had engaged in commercial sex. Personal motivations associated with sexual risk behaviors included sexual desire and interest in sex remaining high at an older age, unfulfilled sexual desires within marriage, homosexual or bisexual orientation, need to socialize with others, peer influence, personal choice of “hobby”, and financial freedom.ConclusionsThis study sheds light on the sexual needs of older people. Our findings underscore the need for both greater education in order to reshape societal perceptions of sexuality among older adults and prevention strategies to help the older male population maintain a healthy sexual life.

Sexual Function in Female Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Objective: To determine the perception of sexuality, sexual function disorders and the effects of quality of life of sexual problems in female patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) in a Turkish population. Material and Methods: This study group was between the ages of 18-58 years; female SCI patients, sexually active before the spinal cord injury, were included. The control group consisted of healthy women. Neurological levels T10 and above, T11-L2, conus, and cauda were classified in three sub-groups. SCI and healthy women were evaluated with the TAF Rehabilitation Center Sexual Rehabilitation Evaluation Form in Women with SCI, Female Sexual Function Index, and Satisfaction With Life Scale. Results: Fifty SCI and 50 healthy women were included into the study; 46 patients before the injury and 40 patients after the injury had sexual intercourse experience, respectively. The decrease in sexual arousal and sexual intercourse was statistically significant (p=0.000) in the after-injury group than before the injury. Sexual interest and importance given to sexuality were significantly lower before the injury than in the control group (p<0.05). After SCI, based on the need to share intimacy, sexual activity ratio was 84%. In patients with a sense of the genitals, level of arousal was greater than those without (p=0.002). Lack of orgasm and sexual desire after the injury was the major problem experienced in sexual intercourse and was significantly increased after the SCI (p<0.05). Conslusion: In this study, we found that female SCI patients have a significant deterioration in sexual function, and it also impairs quality of life.

When Rape Goes Unnamed

Marshalling research about male rape and unwanted sex in contemporary African contexts, this article explores how cultural definitions of sex and sexuality affect African sexual minority men's perceptions of rape, non-consensual sex and unwanted sex in Malawi, a country in which same-sex sexual practices are stigmatised and punished. We analyze two divergent accounts of unwanted sex offered by two gay Malawian men the first author interviewed in 2012. Feminist and queer theoretical insights about representing the agency of African gender and sexual minorities guide our inquiry. Our analysis shows how activist socialisation can intervene in and reshape how African sexual minority men perceive and name unwanted and/or coercive sex.

What Looks Like Sexism and Why? The Effect of Comment Type and Perpetrator Type on Women's Perceptions of Sexism

ABSTRACT. Sexist comments are not perceived equally in the eyes of women. We extend previous research by examining the degree to which multiple types of potentially sexist comments made by multiple types of men are perceived as sexist. Further, we examine the degree to which three possible mediators—prototypicality, perceived intent, and interdependence—explained these effects. Female undergraduate students (N = 248) were randomly assigned to read a scenario in which a hostile sexist, benevolent sexist, or objectifying comment was made by one of three types of men: a stranger, their boss, or their boyfriend. Results demonstrate that hostile sexism was perceived as more sexist than benevolent sexism or objectification. Comments made by boyfriends were also rated as less sexist than those made by bosses or strangers. Furthermore, perceptions of prototypicality of the comment or perpetrator and perceived intent to harm mediated the effect of study manipulations on perceptions of sexism.

Gender Ideologies in English and Slovene: A Contrastive View

The article deals with the concept of linguistic sexism in the cross-cultural context. It compares the generally accepted guidelines for avoiding linguistic sexism in English and Slovene, exemplified by two guides on non-sexist use of English. It is argued that in English non-sexist language strives for gender neutrality, whereas in Slovene it strives for gender specificity. The reasons for the differences between the perceptions of sexism in English and Slovene are examined by taking into account the linguistic expression of gender and the cultural and historical context in which both languages have developed. The use of semantic gender in English, as opposed to the use of grammatical gender in Slovene, is treated as one of the factors influencing the approach to the non-sexist use of language in both languages. Strategies for non-sexist expression and their rebuttals are discussed in the context of predominant cultural ideologies about gender and presuppositions regarding the link between social change and linguistic reform.

English

Ugandan people still regard sexuality for older people as taboo. While a good sexual relationship is seen as important to quality of life for the majority of older adults, the quantity of interpersonal relationships is even more important. Cultural biases have tended to stereotype older people as asexual, devoid of feelings or emotion. This is because a woman&rsquo;s sexuality is often linked to the ability to bear children, and for women, their concept of themselves as sexual beings may also be tied to their ability to reproduce, which she loses after menopause. However, men&rsquo;s sexuality is not expected to change in a life time. This study focused on the experiences and perceptions of sexuality and ageing of Eastern Ugandan women and men, and how they affect gender relations within households and communities. An exploratory study design was employed and to examine the gendered perceptions and experiences of older men and women, and data were collected using a mixed-methods approach, where qualitative and quantitative techniques including survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used. The study found that older women and men do not perceive their sexuality in the same way. Women largely relate their sexuality to their reproduction. Men feel that women should give up sexual activity earlier than them, because it is shameful for ageing women to be sexually active. Women themselves feel that beyond the age of 40-45 years, when they start experiencing body changes including menopause, sexual activity should be ruled out. Men and women reported going through a period of reduced desire which often results in poor gender relations. Despite the assumption that culturally, African women are not supposed to discuss their sexuality, the women were very open about sharing their experiences. There is a need for social networks, to enable ageing people to understand and discuss matters of sexuality openly so that they can relate the changes brought about to aging. &nbsp; Keywords: &nbsp;Gender relations, sexuality, ageing, stereotypes &nbsp;

Health Professions Students’ Perceptions of Sexuality in Patients with Physical Disability

Sexual dysfunction is a common concern among individuals with physical disabilities but often unaddressed by health care professionals, with many reporting lack of sufficient training and perceived lack of competence. The present study sought to examine educational factors and how they relate to health professions students’ attitudes around the sexual health needs of individuals with physical disabilities. This was part of a larger study of 479 health professions students from training programs in the Southeast who completed a survey of attitudes and beliefs about sexual health topics. Significant differences were found across student field on the main outcome measure (attitudes related to sexual health of patients with disability). Differences were also found in quantity and quality of sexual health education across student field, with psychology students reporting the lowest quantity and quality of education. Item analysis of the main outcome measure revealed significant differences across student field on most items, with dentistry students generally reporting the most negative attitudes. Implications for health care providers working with patients with physical disabilities are discussed, and suggestions for implementing sexual health curriculum in training programs are provided.

Constructing sexual identities: people with intellectual disability talking about sexuality

Accessible summary People with intellectual disability need to be able to talk about the things that are important to them in their lives. This includes talking about their sexuality and the type of relationships they would like to have. A self‐advocacy group did research about this subject with our support. Together we found that sexuality is an important topic for many people with intellectual disability. There are those who would like to have more opportunities to have sexual relationships. SummaryThis paper presented research undertaken in collaboration with a self‐advocacy group using inclusive research methods and puts forward the views of people with intellectual disability on the topics of sexuality and relationships. The paper presents the perceptions of sexuality of the people with intellectual disability and how these are influenced by social and cultural norms. Using Judith Bulter's concept of performativity, the analysis of the findings shows how some people with intellectual disability accept the sexual norms that are ascribed to them, while others resist them. The paper also shows how the inclusive research process itself enabled the people with intellectual disability who took part to articulate their acceptance or resistance of these norms.

How women's sexual orientation guides accuracy of interpersonal judgements of other women

This research examines how women's sexual orientation guides the accuracy of judgements of other women. One hundred ten judges (67 straight and 43 lesbian women) watched videotapes of 9 targets (4 straight and 5 lesbian) and made judgements about the targets' thoughts, emotions, personality, and sexual orientation. Accuracy scores were created for each judge by comparing judgements to criterion data gathered about targets. Straight judges were significantly more accurate at judging thoughts and marginally more accurate at judging emotions compared to lesbian judges. There were no significant differences in judging personality. Straight targets' thoughts and personality were more easily assessed than lesbian targets' while lesbians' emotions were more easily judged than straight targets'. Lesbian judges were more accurate at judging sexual orientation regardless of their tendency to categorize women as lesbian compared to straight judges. Findings support past research on the accurate perception of sexual orientation and contribute to understanding how sexual orientation guides person perception.

Sexualité de la femme tunisienne : entre le religieux et le culturel

Culture and religion carry several prohibitions and taboos, especially in the Arab-Muslim societies, and are therefore involved in the sexual behavior and its perception, particularly that of women. To assess the married population's knowledge and opinion about female sexuality, and to estimate the impacts of religious and cultural factors on women's life experience and sexual practice in the Tunisian society. Our study is in an inquiry. We targeted 55 men and 55 women agreeing to participate in the study. They responded to an anonymous self-administered questionnaire comprising 18 items related to the influence of religion and culture on female sexuality. Among these items, some were binary responses (yes or no) assessing knowledge about female sexuality in the Tunisian religious and cultural context; 8 others explored the opinions of participants about female sexuality. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (15th version). Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact association test were used for comparative study (P<0.05). The rate of participants who did not manage to reach the threshold of 50% of responses compliant with religious precepts and morals in the Tunisian context was 48.19%. According to 61.8% of participants, the woman should consider sex as a religious duty, and according to 79.1%, she always ought to have sex with her husband even when she did not wish to. This assertion was more frequently reported by women (P<0.001). Among the participants, 35.5% did not approve of the idea that women had the right to reach sexual pleasure, like men. Men recognized this right less often than women did (P<0.001). With reference to social morals, 43.6% of participants thought that the woman should always remain passive when having sex. This opinion was more common to women (P<0.001). There were 71.8% who thought that premature ejaculation was not a limiting factor for female pleasure. Virginity was considered by 63.6% of respondents as a feminine virtue to preserve. This response was statistically more frequent among males (P<0.001). For 55.5%, in addition to sodomy, a man could not afford all the sexual practices with his wife. This response was significantly more frequent in males (P<0.001). Regarding the subjective perception of female sexuality, the percentage of those who thought that women might simulate orgasm was 70.9%. Women thought more frequently than men that such a behavior could be justified to avoid hurting the man's pride (P<0.001). The experience of sexuality within the Tunisian population is hampered by the prohibitions related to religion and culture, at least in some of its aspects. The reasons for that may be the ignorance of religious texts or their misinterpretation and the biased cultural transmission not followed by questioning or seeking deeper knowledge. The introduction of sex education in school programs could play a crucial role in the fight against the obstacles surrounding sexuality, in order to promote the welfare of woman, and thereby, that of the couple and the family.

What difficulties are experienced by caregivers in relation to the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities? A qualitative meta-synthesis

The aim of the meta-synthesis was to determine any difficulties experienced by caregivers relating to the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities and how they address those difficulties. A qualitative meta-synthesis was used to integrate the findings from 17 papers about these topics. The synthesis produced five concepts: 'Fear and Uncertainty', 'Impact of Perceptions of Sexuality', 'The Same and Different', 'Balancing the Roles of Protector and Facilitator' and 'Conditional Sexuality: Conditional Support'. The findings suggest key issues for caregivers in relation to addressing the sexual needs of people with intellectual disabilities and highlight the possible implications of caregivers own views on their practice. These issues are discussed and in conclusion the review offers explanations about what the difficulties for caregivers are and how they might be addressed, as well as recommendations for future research.

Negotiating Respectability: Migrant Women Workers’ Perceptions of Relationships and Sexuality in Free Trade Zones in Sri Lanka

Migration has implications for women's sexual and reproductive health and rights. Our purpose with this study was to explore unmarried migrant women's perceptions of relationships and sexuality in the context of Sri Lankan Free Trade Zones. Sixteen semi-structured qualitative interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. We found that the women's perceptions were influenced by gendered hegemonic notions of respectability and virginity. Complex gender relations both worked in favor of and against women's sexual and reproductive health and rights. Programs for improvement of migrant women's health should be informed by contextualized analysis of gender relations with its various dimensions and levels.

Pornography and Sexual Experiences Among High School Students in Sweden

The study investigated the differences between high school boys and girls in: (1) the use of pornography, (2) sexual experiences, (3) experience of sexual abuse, and (4) perceptions of sexuality and pornography. It also examined the possible predictors of experiencing sexual activities, such as sex, sociodemographic factors (high school program, household, and ethnic background), pornography consumption, experience of sexual abuse, perception of sexuality, and perception of pornography. A population-based classroom survey of 16-year-old boys (n = 477) and girls (n = 400) from 53 randomly selected high school classes in 2 towns in mid-Sweden. Almost all boys (96%, n = 453) and 54% of the girls (n = 213) had watched pornography. Regardless of sex, pornography consumers had a positive perception of pornography. There were no differences between pornography-consuming boys and girls regarding fantasies, and they had attempted sexual acts inspired by pornography. A higher proportion of girls (15%) than boys (6%) had experienced sexual abuse. Predictors for being sexually experienced (oral sex, intercourse, and anal sex) included: being a girl, attending a vocational high school program, living with separated parents, having experience of sexual abuse, stating that boys and girls are equally interested in sex, and having a positive perception of pornography (Adj. R = 0.166). Boys had more experience of and a more positive perception of pornography, but there were only a few differences between boys and girls in the pornography-consumer group. Girls were more sexually experienced than boys. A positive perception of pornography predicted being sexually experienced.

Turkish Youth's Perception of Sexuality / "Honor" in Relation to Women

Turkish Youth's Perception of Sexuality / "Honor" in Relation to Women