Sexual Pleasure Research Articles

Sexual experiences, attitudes, enjoyment and regret in the parent and offspring generations of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Childhood (ALSPAC): 2022 data sweep.

The aim of this data note is to describe data collected in 2022 on sexual history, attitudes, enjoyment and regret. Data were collected from mothers (age range 47–75 years (mean 60.0), n = 4653) their partners (age range 47-83 years (mean 62.9), n= 1945) and offspring (aged ~30 years, females n= 2702, males n=1366) in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents & Children (ALSPAC). Many of the questions asked are identical, or similar, to those collected in the British NATSAL (National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes & Lifestyles) surveys. Repeating the same questions in both ALSPAC generations allows for direct inter-generational comparisons within ALSPAC as well as across studies. Areas covered include age at sexual debut; having drunk alcohol, used drugs or contraception at sexual debut; the circumstances under which participants met their first sexual partner; sexual orientation; the Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale; regret at first sexual experience, lifetime experiences of sexual regret and the degree of regret, as well as the reason(s) for that regret; number of sexual partners both in the last two years and over their lifetime; current frequency and enjoyment of sex. ALSPAC provides a rich resource of data collected on a wide variety of topics including details of the participants’ environment, lifestyle, physical and mental health over the life span, including sexual experiences collected retrospectively from the parents, and from the age of 11 in the offspring. There are thus many opportunities for research on a wide variety of topics related to risky sexual behaviours, sexual health, functioning and well-being.

How to Define Sexual Health? A Qualitative Analysis of People’s Perceptions

Objectives Sexual health is an essential aspect of overall health that affects an individual’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. Understanding people’s perceptions of sexual health is essential because it can impact their sexual health-related behaviors, namely, their interactions with health services, campaigns, information, and policies. Furthermore, these perceptions may have a systemic impact, as public health policies related to promoting sexual health can be influenced by social factors. Such perceptions may also influence individuals’ sexual expression and interactions with sexual partners. Thus, an understanding of people’s perceptions of sexual health can facilitate the appropriate seeking of sexual healthcare, inform professional interactions with patients and the community, and guide policymakers in the promotion of it. Methods A total of 151 people living in Portugal, aged 19 to 75, answered a cross-sectional online questionnaire with an open-ended question: “In your opinion, what is sexual health?”. The data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results We created four themes: (1) Let’s get physical, physical, (2) I’m in charge!, (3) I am not alone in this, and (4) Sexual justice is a must!. Participants presented diverse and complex views of sexual health, considering that it includes physical and biological components, cognitive and behavioral aspects and relational factors, and it is framed by the social and political context. Conclusions This study emphasizes that defining and achieving sexual health goes beyond healthism and needs to be considered at multiple levels. It highlights the need for individual awareness and self knowledge, to recognize equity within relationships and the strive for social equality and sexual rights. The study also emphasizes the significance of considering and respecting sexual developmental when promoting positive attitudes toward sex in formal and informal settings, increasing education about sexual pleasure, accepting and celebrating sexual and gender diversity, recognizing consensual non-monogamous relationships, and the need for inclusivity within sexually tolerant societies. Viewing sexual health through a political lens may play a crucial role in reshaping societal norms, promoting sexual justice, and influencing policymakers to better address and support the sexual health needs of a population following their own perspectives and expressed needs.

Rapping about pleasure: the role of Black women’s rap music in shaping Black women’s sexual attitudes

Black women’s sexuality has historically been constrained by stereotypes and a discourse focused on risks rather than pleasure. Early Black women rappers initiated vital conversations about sexual pleasure, with contemporary Black women rappers continuing to challenge norms and define Black women’s sexualities. Grounded in Hip-Hop Feminism and Sexual Script Theory, this study explores how Black women interpret and find meaning in sexual pleasure-focused lyrics in Black women’s rap music and how these interpretations shape their sexual self-concepts and navigation of systemic oppression. Through semi-structured interviews with 20 Black women aged 20–42 years who frequently listen to Black women rappers, thematic and discourse analysis identified three key themes: (a) prioritising sexual pleasure as a means of self-empowerment; (b) practising assertiveness as a means to achieving sexual pleasure; and (c) celebrating the body as an act of sexual pleasure. Black women rappers’ unapologetic discussion of sexual pleasure empowers Black women to reclaim sexuality on their own terms, independent of dominant societal narratives. This study extends existing literature on Hip-Hop Feminism by demonstrating the transformative potential of culturally relevant media in fostering sex-positive attitudes and advocates for incorporating these messages into sexual health education for Black women.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN ABIDJAN (IVORY COAST)

ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to assess health-related quality of life, and to investigate associated factors in breast cancer patients living in Ivory Coast. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study that took place from August 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022 in the Medical Oncology Department of the Treichville University Hospital. Seventy-six breast cancer patients participated in the study. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 EORTC questionnaires. ResultsThe mean score for overall quality of life was 69.3 ± 21.9. Among the functional scales, emotional functioning, social functioning, sexual functioning, and sexual pleasure were the most affected, with 21.1 respectively; 23.7; 78.9, and 86.8% of patients who had a bad score. Nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, and hair loss are the symptoms that most affected the QoL of our patients with respectively 19.7; 21.1, and 52, % of patients who had a bad score. Financial difficulties also negatively affected the QoL of our patients (55.3% had a poor score). The factors significantly associated with QoL deterioration were the metastatic stage, the presence of anemia, and the triple-negative immunohistochemical subtype. ConclusionThe overall quality of life of our patients was good. The psychosocial factors that were most affected in our patients were emotional functioning, social functioning, sexual functioning, and financial difficulties. The physical factors that most negatively affected the QoL of our patients were nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite and hair loss, presence of anemia, metastatic stage, and triple negative immunohistochemical type.

Kui keha kõneleb. Margit Lõhmuse „Sterne” kui vastuhakk normile

When the body speaks. Margit Lõhmus’ Sterne as a challenge to the norm Keywords: feminism, transgressive literature, women’s writing, prose, queer literature Margit Lõhmus’ book Sterne has received attention for its portrayal of the female body and sexuality, which are presented in a hyperbolic and sometimes caricatured way, departing from conventional norms. This allows the book to be placed within the context of queer literature, understood here as literature that challenges norms. In Sterne, gender identity often does not conform to the expectations of heteronormativity, and gender is not simply divided into male and female. Queerness is also evident in the unexpected sources of pleasure, the characters’ appearances, and the depiction of bodies and relationships. Lõhmus intentionally employs obscene language, focusing on women’s bodily experiences and perspectives on the body and sexuality. Sexual encounters are frequently described as empty or disturbing, while a sense of wholeness is found in solitude. Sex with men is often depicted as alienating. In Sterne, the body is presented outside traditional heteronormative frameworks, with sexual pleasure and arousal occurring in non-sexual situations. Humour plays a significant role, especially through surprising metaphors and self-irony. The book’s transgressive nature is also reflected in its form, as Sterne employs colloquial language to ensure the authenticity of the characters and convey their personal worldview. In some stories, Lõhmus’ style mimics online communication, omitting punctuation and using lowercase letters to emphasize linguistic freedom and the contrast between imagination and reality. The book shifts between seriousness, irony, and grotesque scenes, challenging traditional gender roles and literary conventions. Through this, Lõhmus introduces into Estonian literature a queer work where gender is non-binary, and sexuality is freed from heteronormative constraints.

The bright side of sexting: A scoping review on its benefits

Sexting behaviour is mostly viewed from a negative perspective. In response to this negative perspective, and in line with calls for a shift towards a more sex-positive approach, this paper provides a scoping review of what is known about the benefits of sexting. Based on a thematic analysis of the content of 70 scientific papers on the benefits of sexting, three main themes were identified: 1) individual benefits resulting from the sexting act itself (i.e., sexual exploration and experimentation, sexual pleasure and non-sexual pleasure), 2) individual benefits resulting from the reaction of the sexting partner (i.e., body image and self-image, sexual agency and validation), and, 3) relational benefits of sexting (i.e., sexual and emotional connectedness, sexting as a way to build bridges). The benefits of sexting are linked to theoretical frameworks related to both the online and offline (sexual) worlds. This paper illustrates how sexting is an online extension of offline sexuality that includes both positive and negative aspects. It is important that also the benefits of sexting receive more attention in research and society, as this will contribute to healthier, more nuanced and more accurate discourses on sexting.

Pleasure-inclusive sex education, sexual agency and sexual wellbeing in youth: A scoping review

Abstract Background A recent review study showed that pleasure-inclusive sex education can contribute to reducing sexual health risks such as unwanted pregnancy and STIs (Zaneva et al., 2022). Pleasure-inclusive sex education could also contribute to other measures of sexual wellbeing. In this study, we review the literature on associations between pleasure-incorporating sex education and sexual agency (including related concepts such as autonomy) and sexual wellbeing (part 1), and between sexual agency and sexual wellbeing (part 2). Methods We searched in 5 scientific databases using a wide scope of variables related to pleasure inclusive sex education, sexual agency, and various outcomes of sexual wellbeing, focusing on the last 2 decades. Forty-six articles were selected. Results In part 1 of the review we found that all studies reported associations between pleasure-based sex education and sexual agency or sexual wellbeing, but the literature is characterized by limitations and did not permit conclusions about the role of an added benefit of the pleasure component. In part 2 of the review study, we found positive associations between sexual agency (and related variables) and sexual wellbeing (including decreased levels of (re-)victimization). Conclusions Sexual agency may be related to increased sexual wellbeing, but it is still largely unclear whether pleasure-inclusive sex education can significantly contribute to this. There is a great need for high quality research, using innovative evaluation designs, taking into account the role of other important sources of sex education and other contextual factors. Key messages • A lot of work has been done, but the evidence that pleasure in sex ed ‘works’ for sexual wellbeing, is limited and indirect. • Great need for high quality research using novel and more realistic evaluation approaches.

Impersonal Sex and Pornography: Potential Confounding, Moderation, and Implications for Public Health

ABSTRACT Following the recent exhortations of health communication scholars to continue the study of pornography and its potential impact on health-related behaviors, the present study investigated associations between the frequency of pornography use and six indicators of impersonal sex among a national probability sample of US adults. Impersonal sex has been linked to a variety of important public health outcomes, including STD risk and sexual aggression perpetration. In this study, pornography use was positively correlated with the likelihood of engaging in group sex, having sex with a casual partner, having sex without emotional intimacy, experiencing heightened sexual pleasure during non-relational sex, relational infidelity, and perceiving the receipt of sexual pleasure from others as the best thing about sex. No evidence emerged that these associations were spuriously due to high sex drive individuals being both more likely to consume pornography and engage in impersonal sex. But several were conditional on age. Most importantly, countering the conventional wisdom that sexual media are most likely to affect the sexual behavior of young audiences, the strength of the positive association between pornography use and the likelihood of engaging in group sex and casual dyadic sex was larger among older adults and weaker among younger adults.

“I Feel More Masculine Having Sex with a Woman Than Being Fucked by a Man”: Masculinity and Bisexual Men's Experiences of Sex with Women and Men

ABSTRACT Prior research with heterosexual and gay men suggests that heteronormative, hegemonic masculine norms influence sexual behaviors, including in relation to sexual health, and in sex between men, positioning in anal intercourse. This qualitative study offers an in-depth account of how bisexual men’s beliefs about masculinity and about the gendered nature of certain sexual behaviors may influence their experiences of sex with women and men, and the sexual practices they engage in. Twenty-two bisexual men participated in one-to-one, semi-structured interviews, where they were asked about their experiences of sex with women and men in relation to their beliefs about masculinity. A reflexive thematic analysis identified the influence of prevailing discourses of heteronormativity and hegemonic masculinity on sexual experiences and behaviors. Participants’ beliefs about masculinity and the gendered nature of certain aspects of sex influenced experiences relating to sexual performance, sexual assertiveness, positions adopted, practices engaged in, and how gender was enacted in sexual encounters. Sex with women was experienced as more masculine than sex with men: Participants described feeling more sexually assertive than their sexual partners, in control of the encounter, and responsible for facilitating their partners’ sexual pleasure. Sex with men was experienced as more egalitarian and provided favorable opportunities to relinquish sexual control and responsibilities around facilitating pleasure, and to feel less masculine, including by engaging in receptive anal intercourse. Findings therefore indicate that, for some bisexual men, masculinity is highly salient, influencing a range of sexual behaviors and experiences in sex with women and with men.

She said, “Really, you’re just going to have to suffer through it”: The lack of discussion of perimenopause between women and healthcare professionals

Perimenopausal symptoms adversely impacting women’s sexual health are often unacknowledged or even dismissed by healthcare professionals (HCP). Using semi-structured interviews with 23 women experiencing perimenopause, we aimed to understand how HCPs address women’s sexual health needs and concerns during this transition. Thematic data analysis was employed with the reduction of data into themes. Several major themes were identified concerning participants’ experiences with a HCP and sexual health, including insufficient sexual health information and preventative education; the lack of open discussion about sexual health; the need for enhanced support and treatment options; feeling dismissed by a healthcare professional; and sexual pleasure not addressed by healthcare professionals. Additionally, women expressed concerns regarding medical education and training in healthcare professionals on approaching sexual health conversations. There appears to be a need for more formal training, both within medical school and continuing medical education (CME), to address these important aspects of women’s sexual and reproductive health.

"A way to liberate myself": A qualitative study of perceived benefits and risks of chemsex among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Almaty, Kazakhstan

BackgroundIn Kazakhstan, the HIV epidemic has a significant impact on marginalized groups such as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), exacerbated by homophobic attitudes (in society) and (resulting) minority stress. This stress often leads to coping behaviors such as chemsex - the use of synthetic stimulants to enhance sexual experiences. Our study explores the motivations and perceived risks associated with chemsex among GBMSM in Almaty. MethodsWe conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 21 chemsex participants self-identified as GBMSM in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Participants were recruited through community-based organizations to ensure a diverse sample in terms of age and ethnicity. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to motivations and risks. ResultsParticipants practiced chemsex to seek liberation from societal norms and personal inhibitions, increase sexual pleasure, and escape daily stressors. Chemsex sessions provided intensified sexual experiences, emotional comfort, and social connections, challenging constraints on sexual behavior. Participants recognized significant risks, including mental and physical health issues, social stigma, and violence victimisation. Despite these risks, the desire for the perceived benefits of chemsex, particularly feelings of freedom and happiness, underscored its appeal. ConclusionsThe study reveals a complex dynamic in which chemsex serves as a coping mechanism for minority stress, a source of sexual liberation, and a social connector for GBMSM in Kazakhstan, while also posing significant health risks. These findings emphasize the need for targeted harm reduction strategies, mental health support, and community-building efforts that are responsive to the experiences and needs of GBMSM who engage in chemsex.

Exploring the impact of sexual positions on ejaculation: Insights from a survey study by the Andrology Working Group of the Society of Urological Surgery in Turkey.

Sexual position is one of the several aspects that affects ejaculation control, which is essential for sexual pleasure. Still little is known, nevertheless, about the connection between sexual positions and ejaculation duration. To investigate the impact of various sexual positions on the duration of ejaculation and gain a deeper understanding of the elements that influence the ability to control ejaculation. An online survey was carried out on a sample of 1904 heterosexual men between the ages of 18-65 years. Premature ejaculation (PE) diagnostic tool was used to define PE. Demographic, behavioral, and physiological traits that are linked to PE and non-PE groups were collected. The participants listed their preferred sexual positions and the ones they changed to during ejaculating. Also, analyses were performed between male/female active or deep/shallow thrust positions and PE status. Although there were no appreciable variations in age or circumcision between PE and non-PE groups, the age of first sexual experience was associated with PE status. Groups also varied in the number of weekly ejaculations, the duration of the favored ejaculations, and the characteristics of the erection. The most preferred sexual posture was the doggy style regardless of the group. When the non-PE group felt to ejaculate, they preferred to change the position significantly more than the PE group (74%vs 67.2%; p<0.05). However, when participants felt ejaculate, non-PE participants tended to switch to shallow thrusting positions significantly more than PE participants, who preferred deeper positions (27.1%vs. 18%; p<0.05). This study underlines the relevance of considering sexual positions in controlling PE. Modifying positions during sexual intercourse may offer a non-pharmacological therapeutic alternative for improving ejaculation control. Future studies in this field might help to create tailored PE treatment strategies.

Cliovana: A Pilot Study for Improved Female Sexual Satisfaction

Cliovana is a procedure that uses soundwave technology to stimulate the clitoris, with the goal of enhancing sexual pleasure and improving sexual function in women. The treatment is relatively new and has gained attention for its potential to address issues like low libido and difficulty achieving orgasm. Understanding the female orgasm and decreased libido are complex [1]. This essay will explore the background of Cliovana, how it works, its effectiveness, safety, and potential impact on women’s sexual health and well-being.

Non-penetrative sexuality and sexual satisfaction among partners of prostatectomy candidates

Curative surgery for localized prostate cancer can lead to iatrogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), affecting couples. Sexuality remains influenced by social norms, often requiring men to provide pleasure through rigid erections. However, iatrogenic ED does not prevent male orgasm, although it can disrupt body image and self-esteem. This study aims to describe couples’ sexual repertoire and partners’ sexual satisfaction post-radical prostatectomy at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique. A monocentric retrospective observational study was conducted with data collected from January 2021 to March 2024. The Valentin and ASEX questionnaires were administered to the partners of future vesiculo-prostatectomy patients at the start of the sex-rehabilitation program. Responses were analyzed anonymously using the Sphinx iQ2 application. The characteristics of the population were described in terms of proportions and means, with a significance threshold set at 0.05 for statistical tests. Of the 152 couples identified, 65 Valentine questionnaires were available. Respondents were heterosexual women, with an average age of 59, and their partners had an average age of 64. Non-penetrative sex was already part of the sexual repertoire for 52% of couples prior to prostate cancer diagnosis. After surgery, 32% of partners resumed penetrative sex, while 43% had not yet resumed sexual intimacy, and 14% had resumed non-penetrative sex. Mutual fondling (85%), vaginal penetration (70%), female oro-genital sex (70%) and male oro-genital sex (52%) were the most popular sexual stimuli. Surgery was therefore no obstacle to sexual satisfaction for our respondents, with a satisfaction level of 90% before and 86% after total prostatectomy. The same applies to orgasm before and after total prostatectomy. The results show that erectile dysfunction is not an obstacle to partners’ sexual satisfaction, with couples able to reinvent their sexuality around non-penetrative practices. Sexual satisfaction indicators before and after RA show a strong correlation, confirming that surgery does not negatively affect sexual satisfaction. The results show that men suffering from post-RP ED can free themselves from the dogma of penile erection by exploring female sexual pleasure to a greater extent. Couples practicing non-penetrative sexuality report satisfying, more playful, complicit and varied sexuality. Finally, ED has less of an impact on partners than future operators believe.

"What Is Normal?": A Qualitative Exploration of Health Practitioners' Reports of Treating Patients Presenting with Unpleasant Sexual Experiences.

Sexual health, including sexual pleasure, is fundamental to holistic health and well-being, and is considered an area of priority health in Australia. Despite the importance of sexual functioning, women experience significant gaps in sexual well-being compared to men and often do not seek medical care or treatment. Health practitioners are central to the identification and treatment of sexual dysfunction, including fostering sexual well-being for patients. Despite this, minimal research has explored health practitioners' experiences in treating reports of unpleasant sex. This study aimed to explore health practitioners' experiences, responses, and confidence in treating patients presenting for unpleasant sexual experiences. An online, mixed-methods survey was completed by 96 participants. Thematic analysis identified 11 core themes. These themes included five patient centred themes (health risks, diverse sex acts, painful vaginal intercourse, relationship breakdown and violence, unwanted sex) and six health practitioner centred themes (communication and counselling, what is normal, ongoing care and follow up, emotional response, limited practical training, and highly prevalent). Participants described a complex sexual health landscape, with social contexts impacting women's sexual experiences and engagement in treatment. Additionally, health practitioners reported the need for a biopsychosocial approach to understanding and responding to unpleasant sexual experiences for patients, while simultaneously reporting limited education in this area. Findings reflect the need for health practitioners to be cognisant of matters related to sexual function, consent, coercion, client engagement, and treatment pathways, identifying a need for greater education and holistic approaches to sexual healthcare across medical settings.

Rethinking the objectification of women: the Spanish version of the Objectification and Enjoyment of Sexualization Scale (OESS)

The sexualization of culture has been associated with objectifying women’s bodies and enhancing their self-objectification, with negative consequences for their welfare. By contrast, it has also been argued that women can enjoy and be empowered by sexualization. As such, both the negative and positive “faces” of sexualization might constitute two sides of the same coin. This research aims to validate the Spanish version of the Objectification and Enjoyment of Sexualization Scale (OESS), which, for the first time, allows both variables to be measured together. We examined the reliability and validity of the OESS scores with a sample of women from Spain. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (N1 = 1.050) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (N2 = 1.050) identified two meaningful and internally consistent subscales: Enjoyment of Sexualization and Objectification. Correlations with related scales confirm convergent validity. The implications of studying the sexualization of culture in women are analyzed.

Qualitative study exploring the experiences of sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes

AbstractAimsTo explore the sexual experiences and interactions of women with type 1 diabetes to explicate an understanding of the impact of diabetes on women's sexual function. The study was conducted as part of a wider project to develop a patient‐reported outcome measure to assess sexual dysfunction (SD) in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes.MethodsA qualitative study using face‐to‐face and virtual semi‐structured interviews was conducted with premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes who have had some difficulties related to sexual functioning. Participants were recruited from two National Health Services (NHS) sites in the UK and from social media platforms. The data were analysed to generate themes using Framework Analysis approach.ResultsEighteen women, aged 22–49, were interviewed (NHS sites n = 13; online n = 5). Five themes related to women experiences of SD were identified, these were; initiation of sexual activity, sexual confidence, sexual enjoyment, sexual engagement and sexual desire.ConclusionsSD in women with type 1 diabetes is a complex phenomenon impacting their experiences and quality of life. SD is related to multiple interacting biopsychosocial factors related to diabetes, including blood glucose levels, diabetes treatments, technologies and complications. A targeted measure of SD for women with type 1 diabetes specifically would allow for these factors to be assessed routinely in clinical care.

Foreign bodies in the rectum: clinical experience

Background: Foreign bodies in the rectum are among the rarest conditions encountered in emergency surgery and can have various etiologies.Aim: To examine the patterns of injury, diagnostic methods, surgical options, and outcomes associated with foreign bodies of the rectum.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the treatment outcomes of 47 patients with rectal foreign bodies who received care at various surgical hospitals in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug — Ugra from 2019 to 2023. The study examined factors such as sex and age distribution, etiology, duration of the treatment period, diagnostic features, and types of medical interventions. The results of treatment and length of hospital stay were also assessed. A criminal history was noted in only one patient (2.1 %). The insertion of a foreign body into the rectum for sexual pleasure was reported by 42 patients (89.4 %). Non-sexual causes were responsible for the condition in 4 patients (8.5 %).Results. In the analysed group there were 29 (61.7 %) young people, 9 (19.1 %) middle-aged people, 8 (17.0 %) elderly people, and one (2.2 %) in the senior age group. The average age of the patients was 42 ± 13 years. There were 33 men (70.2 %) and 14 women (29.8 %). In the first 3 hours, 10 (21.3 %) people sought medical treatment, after 1—3 days — 34 (72.3 %) patients, and after 4 days — 3 (6.4 %) patients. In most cases, in 42 (89.3 %) patients, the foreign body was removed transanally. If transanal removal was impossible, laparotomy was performed in 5 (10.6 %) patients.Conclusion. Sexual gratification was the most common reason for the insertion of a foreign body into the rectum. To prevent perforation and improve the prognosis of this pathological condition, timely diagnosis and treatment are necessary

Women’s Sexual Agency, Pleasure, and Orgasm in Popular Netflix Series: A Quantitative Content Analysis of Mixed-Gender Scenes

Media representations of sexuality can play a relevant role in the development of gender stereotypes and sexual learning processes. In the current pre-registered study, we examined the representation of sexuality in content on Netflix, a dominant force in global mass media consumption. We coded 271 mixed-gender sexual scenes across seven highly popular Netflix series for orgasm portrayal, depiction of sexual behaviors, including clitoral stimulation, and gendered sexual scripts (i.e., initiation, control, and expression of desires). Our results revealed a nuanced picture of women’s sexual pleasure representation. Women’s orgasms were depicted less frequently than men’s, although orgasm portrayal was generally rare. Sexual behaviors were mostly limited to penile-vaginal intercourse, though cunnilingus was depicted more frequently than fellatio. Regarding gendered sexual scripts, women were portrayed as equally sexually agentic as men, initiating sexual encounters, taking control, and expressing their needs and desires. Our findings indicate that this content simultaneously reinforces and challenges gender stereotypes related to sexual experiences, highlighting the need for sexual educators to critically address the realism of mainstream media portrayals to foster a nuanced understanding of sexuality and pleasure.

Quality assessment and audience engagement with a sexuality education video: Evidence from China

Background: The convenience and accessibility of social media has made it a promising channel for sexuality education worldwide. In China, the popularity of social media such as Bilibili among young users and the increase in sexuality education content on such platforms have sparked concerns over video quality and educational content. Few existing studies have focused on such issues. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and quality of sexuality education videos on Bilibili, a popular video-sharing social media platform among young people in China, and to explore how video characteristics and quality affected audience engagement. Method: We conducted a content analysis of 203 sexuality education videos on Bilibili. Results and Conclusion: Reproductive health and sexual pleasure were frequently addressed topics, and non-professional individuals were the most common sources of information about these. The involvement of well-known social influencers directly affected user engagement. In addition, video quality had a significant positive impact on user response. The quality of the sexuality education videos was generally high, and of strong educational significance. Hence there may be value in seeing sexuality education videos on such media as supplements to school-based education. Practical implications for improving the quality of sexuality education videos on Bilibili and other social media platforms as well as theoretical insights are discussed.