Sexual Self-perception Research Articles

(079) Evaluating Sexual Self-schema Scales for Use Among Women Who Experienced Sexual Trauma: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties and Practice Implications

Abstract Introduction “Sexual self-schema" refers to a psychological construct describing the organization of cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of our understanding of ourselves as sexual beings. Sexual self-schema have been shown to mediate a variety of women’s sexual wellbeing outcomes. It is unclear the extent to which existing measurements of sexual self-schema capture aspects relevant to a sexual trauma history, such as unique patterns of dysregulated sexual excitation and inhibition. Objective This systematic review describes existing validated sexual self-schema measurements, and critically discusses each instrument in the context of assessing women who experienced sexual trauma. Methods We conducted the review according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched Academic Search Premier, Web of Science, and PsycINFO for reports focused on development and validation of assessment tools for women’s sexual self-schema. The search used pre-specified keywords (“sexual self-schema,” “sexual self-concept,” “sexual self-perception,” or “sexual self-view”). To ensure literature saturation, authors conducted reference branching on studies identified from the search via Google Scholar. Authors then screened titles, abstracts, and methods of all potentially eligible studies. Results Searches identified 576 articles, of which 455 unique articles were considered. Of these, 287 and 63 were excluded based on information in the title and abstract, respectively. Of 43 full-text articles retrieved, 20 were removed upon methods inspection. Reference list branching identified 65 additional potential articles, of which two were included. Across methods, 21 total papers were included in the final review. This presentation will present data on each measurement tool, including scope of use, sample description, measurement validation properties, and application considerations. Qualitative synthesis across papers revealed that the Sexual Self Schema Scale for Women (Andersen & Cyranowski, 1994) is the most widely cited and is clearly the field standard, from which further emic versions have been developed across languages and nationalities. Further, available measures vary widely in content specificity/comprehensiveness, face validity, and response valence dimensionality. Only two papers explicitly considered elements of sexual trauma at the measurement development or validation phase. Conclusions Existing scales have limited utility in capturing unique social-relational patterns that are common among women who have experienced trauma. Further, few validated scales incorporate nuanced elements of co-occurring, conflicting approach-avoidance orientations toward sex, which suggests that measures may be limited in their ability to assess risk factors for sexual dysfunction among sexual trauma survivors. We list measurement development and validation details and relevant strengths and limitations of 21 unique, varied sexual self-schema measurement instruments for researchers and clinicians who seek to understand cognitive risk and resilience factors among women who have experienced sexual trauma. Disclosure No

The Role of Biological Differences in Sexual Self-Concept and Mental Health in Homosexual and Heterosexual Women

Nowadays, experts and health organizations consider mental emotions and sexual well-being the most crucial parts of sexual self-concept and mental health. Numerous variables can influence women's sexual self-perception and mental health. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the parameters associated with sexual self-concept and mental health in lesbian and heterosexual women. In this scoping review study, researchers performed computer searches on databases, Google Web, SID, Scholar Scopus, and PubMed, using keywords. Finally, the complete data of 29 articles have been used in this review article. Factors related to self-concept and mental health can be also enumerated, which were generally studied. The findings of the present review show that sexual self-concept and mental health as a key indicator in sexual activity and predict sexual behavior are influenced by various factors which includes the effect of hormones, genetic differences, age, gender, marital status, race, impotency and various diseases. Therefore, it seems that paying attention to relevant factors to the characteristics of each person can improve women's sexual health. In order to increase the depth and breadth of our knowledge of factors related to and affecting mental health and sexual self-concept, conducting studies with a qualitative approach is also recommended.

A randomized controlled trial of an Internet-based emotion regulation intervention for sexual health: study protocol

IntroductionEmotion regulation difficulties have been associated with mental disorders and sexual dysfunctions. Traditional face-to-face transdiagnostic emotion regulation interventions have shown positive results for emotional and personality disorders. Only recently have the effects of these interventions on sexual health started to be investigated. Internet-delivered psychological interventions have several advantages over face-to-face interventions, such as cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and suitability for people who experience shame because of their stigmatized problematic behaviors and those who avoid seeking help. The aims of the SHER 2—TREpS (Portuguese acronym for Emotion Regulation training for sexual health) project are as follows: (a) determine the efficacy of an Internet-based emotion regulation intervention for sexual health and sexual satisfaction and (b) explore the effects of the intervention on (1) emotion regulation skills, (2) mental health, and (3) sexual self-perception.Methods and analysisThe study will use a randomized controlled trial design. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: intervention (Internet-based emotion regulation training) or waitlist control. Assessments will take place before the start of the trial, at the end of the trial, and at 6-month follow up, after which participants assigned to the waitlist control condition will receive the same intervention. Primary outcomes include sexual function and satisfaction and secondary outcomes self-report measures of depression, anxiety, difficulties in emotion regulation, and sexual self-perception. This intervention study is financed by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNS).Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Panel of the University of Luxembourg. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

The effect of a psycho-educational intervention on sexuality of women with acute coronary syndromes: a randomized controlled trial

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) often have sexual dysfunction, and difficulty with sexual adjustment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PLLISIT sexual counseling on sexual function, self-perception and adjustment of women with ACS patients. A total of 34 women aged 30–65 years with acute coronary syndrome were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received three sessions of one-hour PLLISIT-based sexual counseling and the control group received routine care. Female sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Sexual Self-Perception and Adjustment Questionnaire (SSPAQ) were used at baseline, one month and 3 months later for evaluation. There was no significant difference in FSFI and SSPAQ scores at baseline between the two groups. However, three months after intervention, both mean FSFI and SSPAQ scores rose significantly in intervention group (P = 0.022). Subscales of sexual desire, subjective arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction in FSFI as well as sexual anxiety, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual satisfaction in SSPAQ also showed significant improvement after intervention. Considering the effectiveness of PLLISIT-based sexual counseling on sexual function and sexual adjustment in our patient with ACS, this intervention can be used to improve sexuality in these women.

Personality Traits of Postmenopausal Women with Sexual Dysfunction.

The aim of the present study is to identify the association between personality traits of postmenopausal women and the occurrence of sexual dysfunction. A total of 43 postmenopausal women were evaluated according to their self-perception of the quality of their sexual life. They answered the following questionnaires: Sociodemographic Profile Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Factorial Personality Inventory (FPI-II). Women with poorer sexual self-perception showed low affective need (p < 0.01) and low need for organization (p < 0.01). Based on the need for control and opposition, there was no difference between the groups. Groups separated by the scores obtained on the FSFI showed no significant differences. Postmenopausal women with lower schooling and personality characteristics that demonstrate low affective and organizational needs are more likely to present sexual dysfunction.

Older widows' perspectives on sexuality: A life course perspective

BackgroundSexuality is a significant component in human experience and has an important impact on the individual's general well-being. Life course events and the social construction of sexuality lead older widows to reflect upon their sexuality. PurposeTo explore and describe the ways in which older widows construct and perceive their sexuality along the life course. MethodA phenomenological-qualitative approach was conducted. Data collection was performed through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 widows, between the ages of 62–91, followed by content analysis. ResultsThree major themes emerged: (a) Approaching sexuality: Conservative vs. progressive attitudes; (b) Multiple ways of perceiving sexuality: Constructing a sexual identity along the life course; and (c) Sexual self-perception: Integrating late life and widowhood. ConclusionSexuality among widows in later life includes continuity and change processes. In the context of social construction, sexuality is a subject that should be examined in greater depth.

Sexual counselling for patients with cardiovascular disease: protocol for a pilot study of the CHARMS sexual counselling intervention

IntroductionSexual problems are common with cardiovascular disease, and can negatively impact quality of life. To address sexual problems, guidelines have identified the importance of sexual counselling during cardiac rehabilitation, yet...

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.

Sexual activity in Brazilian women aged 50 years or older within the framework of a population-based study

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of sexual activity, factors associated with being sexually active, and sexual self-perception in women 50 years or older living in a Brazilian city. This population-based study applied a questionnaire to a random sample of 622 Brazilian women 50 years or older, representative of a population of 131,800 women, to obtain data on sexual activity and women's perception of their sexual life as part of a broader study that dealt with women's health. Associations between sexual activity, women's perception of their sexual life, and demographic, behavioral, and medical characteristics were determined. Overall, 36.7% of the participants reported being sexually active. Of these, 53.5% classified their sexual life as very good or good. Multiple regression analysis showed that the main factors associated with the absence of sexual activity were not having a partner (prevalence ratio [PR], 0.16; 95% CI, 0.12-0.23; P < 0.001), aging (PR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.94-0.96; P < 0.001), and current or past smoking of five or more cigarettes per day (PR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63-0.98; P = 0.034), whereas being sexually active was associated with the practice of physical activity (PR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.02-1.41; P = 0.032). A woman's classification of her sexual life as very poor, poor, or fair was associated with current or past use of natural remedies to treat menopausal symptoms (PR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06-1.81; P = 0.020). The main factors associated with the absence of sexual activity are not having a sexual partner, aging, and smoking, whereas weekly physical activity is associated with being sexually active. A poorer classification of a woman's sexual life is associated with her having used natural remedies to treat menopausal symptoms.

Cardiac comorbidities and sexual activity predict sexual self-perception and adjustment.

Changes in sexual satisfaction and sexual activity are often reported by cardiac patients, although factors influencing sexual adjustment are not well established. Knowledge of risk and protective factors can guide nurses in addressing physical and psychological needs of patients. We examined predictors of sexual self-perception and adjustment in a cross section of cardiac patients. A nonexperimental, descriptive survey design was used to examine overall sexual self-perception and adjustment, sexual anxiety, sexual depression, sexual satisfaction, sexual self-efficacy, sexual activity, selected demographic factors, and 20 cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities using a mailed survey with a broad sampling of cardiac patients (n = 128). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t tests, and regression analysis. Fewer cardiac conditions and being sexually active were significant predictors of sexual self-perception and adjustment. Participants with hypertension reported more sexual depression; those with myocardial infarction had higher scores for both sexual anxiety and depression, and greater sexual anxiety occurred for those with peripheral artery leg bypass. Positive sexual self-perception and adjustment are linked to sexual activity and fewer cardiac problems. This finding can be used to inform decisions about initiating sexual counseling.

Sexual self-perception and adjustment of cardiac patients: a psychometric analysis

The psychological impact of a cardiac event includes anxiety and depression, poor sexual quality, and diminished sexual satisfaction. Few measures capture psychosexual recovery following a cardiac event. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Sexual Self-Perception and Adjustment Questionnaire (SSPAQ) among cardiac patients ( N = 128), measuring sexual anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and satisfaction. Scale-level content validity was 0.97. After item analysis, 28 items were retained; Cronbach’s alpha is &gt;0.90, indicating item appropriateness for the combined scale (0.97). A four-factor model was supported with each of the subscale items accounting for at least 64% of the variance. Construct validity comparing sexually active to inactive showed those inactive had significantly lower sexual self-perception. The SSPAQ is a cohesive measure of sexual self-perception, and findings suggest each subscale can be used independently for measures of sexual anxiety, sexual depression, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual satisfaction, and may be useful in research and clinical settings.

Review: Sexual self-perception and adjustment of cardiac patients: a psychometric analysis

Review: Sexual self-perception and adjustment of cardiac patients: a psychometric analysis

Abstract P092: Sexual Self-Perception and Adjustment of Cardiac Patients: A Psychometric Analysis

Introduction: The psychological impact of a cardiac event includes feelings of sexual inadequacy, poor sexual quality, and less sexual satisfaction. Few studies have examined sexual self-perception of cardiac patients. Aim: Validate the Sexual Self-Perceptions and Adjustment Questionnaire (SSPAQ) in cardiac patients. Methods: Mailed questionnaires sent to those previously hospitalized during a 1-year period with specific cardiac diagnoses (336 respondents). The SSPAQ was developed and significantly revised from another instrument, adding 5 items (total 30 items), rewording double barreled/redundant items, and making response sets more understandable. Subscales included sexual anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and satisfaction. The scale-level content validity index was 0.97. Statistical analyses: correlation matrices for item representativeness of underlying factors, and construct validity with confirmatory factor analysis and with known groups, comparing sexually active to not active using t-tests. Results: After item analysis, 28 items were retained, 7 per subscale; Chronbach's alpha were &gt;0.90, indicating item appropriateness for the combined scale (0.97). Using confirmatory factor analysis, factor loadings showed items were related to the 4 latent factors. For sexual anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy, loadings were above 0.60, and sexual satisfaction had 1 loading of 0.54, but all other loadings were above 0.70, suggesting subscales were reliable and valid. Construct validity comparing sexually active to inactive showed those not active had significantly lower sexual self-perception ( Table ). Conclusions: The SSPAQ is reliable and valid for measuring sexual anxiety, sexual depression, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual satisfaction, and overall sexual perception and adjustment. The instrument may be useful in both research and clinical settings to further assess cardiac patient adaptation, allowing better assessment of this aspect of sexual quality of life. Sexual Self-Perception &amp; Adjustment Factors and Sexual Activity Factor Not Sexually Active Sexually Active T-test Mean SD Mean SD Sexual Anxiety (R=7-35) 17.71 7.52 13.81 6.04 3.45 ** Sexual Depression (R=7-35) 21.36 6.08 14.65 6.33 6.20 *** Sexual Self-Efficacy (R=7-35) 19.88 7.16 26.38 5.77 −5.42 *** Sexual Satisfaction (R=7-35) 18.37 6.18 25.84 5.87 −6.19 *** Total Sexual Self-Perception(R=28-140) 85.00 22.10 108.85 20.52 −5.12 *** ** p&lt;.01 *** p&lt;.001 Higher scores= more of subscale attribute; total=greater self-perception

Marking Sexuality from 0–6: The Kinsey Scale in Online Culture

Alfred Kinsey’s 0–6 (heterosexuality–homosexuality) scale, first published in 1948, has become a method for Internet users to mark and to discuss their sexuality with others in forums and through quizzes. This article first analyzes the historical use and development of the scale and shows its built-in flexibility for individuals seeking tools for contemplating their sexual identities beyond the heterosexual-bisexual-homosexual identity triad. There is no place on the scale that is more “normal” than another; all placements have equal socio-cultural weight. This article then examines 29 quizzes and online forums in different languages that use a scale or a version of it and their user comments. Many users who do not feel that the present-day sexual identity triad adequately represents their sexual self-perception discover affirmation and solidarity in finding a place on the scale in either a whole-number or decimal form. The elasticity of placement on the scale—one can perceive one’s place on it differently at will over time—is particularly useful and applicable in a postmodern, online environment in which people are open to exploring sexual identities and to finding a precise labeling that fits them.

Perception of risk of HIV and sexual risk behaviours among students in the United States, Turkey and South Africa

The aim of this study was to examine HIV sexual risk behaviours and perception of HIV risk among 1 095 students from the United States of America (US), Turkey and South Africa. Randomly selected students who were enrolled in general education courses completed a structured questionnaire. Results revealed statistically significant differences in specific HIV-related sexual behaviours among students from the three countries and among male and female students in each country. A higher percentage of US and South African students engage in HIV risky sexual behaviours compared with their Turkish counterparts, and a higher percentage of female students in the US and South Africa engage in HIV sexual risk behaviours compared with their male colleagues. A higher proportion of Turkish male students engaged in sexual risk behaviours compared with their female counterparts. The perception of HIV risk was low among US and Turkish students, and high among South African students. There was no agreement between engaging in risky sexual behaviour and self-perception of HIV risk among South African female students, while agreement was poor for US male and female students, Turkish male and female students, and South African male students. The observed optimistic bias needs to be considered in the design and implementation of HIV prevention programmes for these populations.

Sexual self-perception in schizophrenic and depressive patients

Background: Sexual self-perception is just one of the items of the complex system of self, which has rarely been researched in the population of mental health patients. Objective: Our goal was to establish whether the differences in sexual self-perception exist between schizophrenic and depressive patients compared with the healthy control group. Participants and methods: This research was performed on 100 schizophrenic patients, 100 depressive patients and 100 phenotypically healthy volunteers. In order to diagnose schizophrenia and depression, DSM-IV classification was used. Bezinovic's questionnaire for sexual self-perception was used in order to assess seven aspects of sexual self-perception. Results: Results revealed that schizophrenic and depressive patients, compared with healthy individuals, scored significantly higher on the aspects of negative emotionality and sexual incompetence, and significantly lower on the aspect of sexual satisfaction. No statistically significant differences were established between schizophrenic and depressive patients. Conclusion: We can conclude that patients suffering from schizophrenia or depression differ from healthy individuals in all of the aspects of sexual self-perception.

Influence of Religion on Sexual Self-Perception and Sexual Satisfaction in Patients Suffering from Schizophrenia and Depression

It is well documented that religion has an impact on mental health of both healthy people and mental health patients. However, scientific research regarding the influence of religion on sexual experiences and sexual self-perception in mental health patients and healthy people is very scarce. Therefore, our goal was to research how and in what measure religious and atheistic views of patients suffering from depression and schizophrenia and healthy people influence their sexual functions and sexual self-perception. This research was conducted on 100 patients suffering from schizophrenia and 100 patients suffering from depression, while 100 healthy individuals served as a control group. DMS-IV criteria were used when diagnosing schizophrenia and depression. In order to research the aspects of sexual self-perception we used Bezinović's questionnaire and Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX) to research the aspects of sexual intercourse. Results show that Roman-Catholic patients suffering from schizophrenia experience greater sexual satisfaction than Eastern-Orthodox or atheist schizophrenic patients. Among patients suffering from depression in regard to their differing religious views there were no significant differences regarding sexual satisfaction or the aspects of sexual self-perception. Furthermore, there is a significant difference among healthy individuals when taking into consideration religious views. We established that Muslims have a significantly stronger sexual drive then atheists, Roman-Catholic or Eastern-Orthodox individuals. Compared to Roman-Catholic and Eastern-Orthodox individuals, atheists have better consciousness of their own sexuality. We can conclude that religious views have an influence on sexual functioning and sexual self-perception of patients suffering from depression and schizophrenia and also healthy individuals. Thus, further research on a bigger sample of participants--not only of those religious denominations covered in this research, but also of those that are less present in our society and of other mental health disorders and illnesses--is needed.

Aspects of sexual self-perception in schizophrenic patients

Aspects of sexual self-perception in schizophrenic patients

Influence of personality traits on sexual self-perception and sexual functioning in schizophrenic patients

Influence of personality traits on sexual self-perception and sexual functioning in schizophrenic patients

Adolescent Sex Offenders against Females: Differences Based on the Age of Their Victims

Adolescent male sex offenders who assaulted female children (n = 29) were compared to those who offended against female peers/adults (n = 27). Unlike previous studies, sexual offending/victimization histories were based on regular clinical interactions rather than intakefiles or initial interviews; groups were comparable with respect to age, socioeconomic status (SES), and social desirability; and the internal consistencies of the variables were confirmed with a larger clinical sample (n = 209). Participants completed the following questionnaires: Youth Self-Report, Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory, Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Rape-Myth Acceptance Scale, Adversarial Sexual Attitudes Scale, and the Assessing Environments (III) Scale. As predicted, adolescents who sexually assaulted female peers/adults were the recipients of significantly more physical parental discipline. Contrary to popular assumptions, however, the two groups were not significantly different with respect to history of sexual victimization, interpersonal functioning, self-perception, or sexual attitudes.