Sexual Relationships Research Articles

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

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

Developmental Trajectories of Transactional Sex and Age-Disparate Relationships During Adolescence: An HPTN 068 Analysis.

Transactional sex and sexual relationships with older partners increase HIV risk in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), yet little is known about how these behaviors co-evolve over time. We characterize temporal patterns of transactional sex and age-disparate relationships among AGYW in South Africa. Longitudinal data are from a randomized controlled trial (HPTN 068) of school-aged, HIV-negative, AGYW who attended ≥ 3 study visits. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify trajectories of transactional sex and age-disparate relationships (partner ≥ 5 years older) in the last year and assessed the interrelationship (conditional probability) between both trajectories. At baseline, median age was 14 years, 14.5% of girls were sexually active, and transactional sex (2.1%) and age-disparate relationships were uncommon (2.7%). We identified two trajectories for transactional sex ("low" [81.9%] and "increasing" [18.1%]) and two for age-disparate relationships ("low" [91.7%] and "increasing" [8.3%]). In a separate joint trajectory analysis, nearly a third (28%) had increasing trajectories for both transactional sex and age-disparate relationships, but most (53%) had a low trajectory of both outcomes. Baseline reporting of early sexual debut, depression, and inequitable gender norms were highest in the increasing transactional sex group. Prior pregnancy, early sexual debut, and IPV were highest among those with increasing age-disparate relationships. AGYW who engage in transactional sex or age-disparate partnerships in early adolescence are more likely to experience sustained engagement in both behaviors as they transition to adulthood, increasing HIV risk. Engaging girls early may maximize effectiveness of behavioral and biomedical HIV prevention efforts.

Psychological Problems and Postpartum Coitus Timeline for Dyspareunia

Problem statement. One of the basic needs after the puerperium is over is sexual. Often these needs are not properly met due to various factors. Excessive worry makes the mother feel not ready for this sexual activity. Not a few also when having sex mothers experience pain. Aim of the study. The purpose of this study was to analyze psychological problems and Coitus Postpartum Time Span are affect dyspareunia. Methodology. Non-experimental research design: cross-sectional analytic. The population is post-partum mothers as many as 86 people. Sampling technique nonprobability sampling by taking samples insdental sampling for 3 months at Clinic Pratama Anugrah Surabaya in 2023. Independent variables of psychological problems and coitus time span, dyspareunia dependent variable, questionnaire instrument, data were analyzed multiple linear regression test. Main findings. The results that the majority of mothers who did not have psychological problems (65.4%) experienced mild dyspareunia. Mothers who had sex for less than 40 days postpartum mostly (66.6%) experienced mild dyspareunia. Simultaneous results F (p=0.003) means that there is a significant effect of psychological problems and coitus time on the incidence of dyspareunia. Partially there was an effect (p=0.001) of psychological problems on dyspareunia, but for the time span of coitus it had no effect (p=0.855) on the incidence of dyspareunia. Conclusion. The more the mother has psychological problems related to sexual relations after childbirth, the more mother will experience dyspareunia. The time that is considered most appropriate for sexual intercourse after childbirth does not always affect the incidence of dyspareunia.

Prevention of HIV/AIDS Transmission in Key Communities in Surabaya

Indonesia is in third place among Asia Pacific countries for the growth and spread of HIV with a total of 46,000 cases. East Java Province is designated as an area with concentrated HIV prevalence along with five other provinces, namely DKI Jakarta, Papua, Bali, Riau and West Java. Knowledge is one of the predisposing factors in early detection of HIV disease, as well as risky behavior that can cause HIV AIDS transmission. This research aims to provide education to key communities as an effort to increase knowledge about HIV AIDS prevention and transmission. This research takes the form of experimental research, namely by measuring the increase in respondents' knowledge through pretest and posttest after the intervention. The intervention takes the form of providing education related to knowledge of preventing HIV/AIDS transmission. The intervention that will be carried out to increase knowledge about safe sexual behavior and preventing HIV AIDS transmission will be carried out by providing education on preventing HIV AIDS transmission in key communities at the Mahameru Foundation for 40 respondents. Risky sexual behavior such as having sexual relations with irregular partners, not using condoms during sexual intercourse, having sexual relations under the influence of alcohol and drugs are still carried out by key communities. The level of knowledge regarding risky sexual behavior, how HIV AIDS is transmitted and how to prevent HIV AIDS before education is carried out is still low.

Risky sexual behaviour and its determinants among undergraduate students residing in hostels of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour (RSB) and its associated factors among Nepalese undergraduates residing in hostels of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal.DesignCross-sectional studySettingHostels operating inside Kathmandu Metropolitan City...

The Anti-Marriage Plot: The Mistress as Heroine in G.W.M. Reynolds's Rosa Lambert

Abstract: This essay uses George W.M. Reynolds's novel Rosa Lambert; or, The Memoirs of an Unfortunate Woman (1853) as a case study to illustrate various types of "anti-marriage" plots circulating in Victorian popular fiction in the 1850s—representations of romantic and sexual relationships that challenge and even subvert middle-class Victorian views of marriage as the only desirable path to domestic happiness, particularly for women. Reynolds's representation of Rosa's successful career as a courtesan and professional mistress demonstrates the parallels between marriage and prostitution while also exposing marriage as primarily an institution that served the interests of men, highlighting many of the same flaws in English marriage laws that mid-century feminists were trying to reform.

Unlocking the psycho-social-dermal axis: A double blinded randomized placebo controlled study unveiling the influence of a novel topical formulation on skin quality, attractiveness, quality of life, and sexual satisfaction.

Improved skin appearance is closely linked to higher self-esteem, favorable first impressions, and enhanced quality of life, with skincare products often being formulated with biostimulatory and regenerative ingredients to both enhance skin health and provide psychological benefits. Certain components, such as phospholipids and botanicals, may not only improve skin quality, but also impact mood, romantic bonding, and sexual attraction. To assess whether a novel topical skin care product formulated with a proprietary combination of proteins, lipids, and botanical derivatives, can potentially result in a robust psycho-social-dermatological benefit via modulation epidermal oxytocin and pheromonal pathways. In this single-center prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study, 40 female subjects were randomly assigned to use of either active novel skincare products, or placebos, for 4-8 weeks. Skin assessments, standardized photography, first impression ratings, and questionnaires on confidence and sexual satisfaction were conducted. Thirty-nine subjects completed the study and demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in skin quality following 4 and 8 weeks of use, with improvements of greater magnitude demonstrated with a longer duration of use. Product users projected a better first impression and appeared on average 3 years younger than their actual age, with 86% of subjects reporting increased confidence. Product users found random people of the opposite sex to be more attractive 88% of the time and reported improvement in sexual satisfaction in 90% of the categories. The use of this novel topical product culminated in statistically significant improvements in skin quality, confidence, sexual relationship satisfaction, perceived attractiveness, and youthfulness, highlighting its potential in anti-aging and mood enhancement.

Role of Direct Sexual Contact in Human Transmission of Monkeypox Virus, Italy.

The 2022 global mpox outbreak was driven by human-to-human transmission, but modes of transmission by sexual relationship versus sexual contact remain unclear. We evaluated sexual transmission of mpox by using monkeypox virus (MPXV) G2R-mRNA as a marker of ongoing viral replication through in vitro experiments. We analyzed clinical samples of 15 MPXV-positive patients in Italy from different biological regions by using the setup method. The presence of MPXV DNA, MPXV G2R-mRNA, or both in all analyzed lesion swab samples, independent of viral load, confirmed a higher infectivity risk from skin lesions. Positivity for MPXV G2R-mRNA in nasopharyngeal swabs was associated with high MPXV load, whereas positive results for MPXV G2R-mRNA were obtained only in the 2 semen samples with the lowest MPXV loads. Our results suggest that close or skin-to-skin contact during sexual intercourse is the main route of sexual transmission and that semen is a minor driver of infection, regardless of MPXV load.

Sexual experience under the influence of alcohol and cannabis consumption.

Substance use affects different areas of life, including the sexual sphere. Drugs and specifically the use of alcohol and cannabis, can influence sexual experience. However, there has been little research and to date none has been carried out in Spain that compares the effect of alcohol and cannabis consumption in the same people on their sexual experience. Therefore, the objective of the study was to analyze and compare the effect of alcohol and cannabis in the same people on their sexual experience. The sample consisted of 483 people who had ever consumed alcohol and cannabis. Participants answered an online questionnaire about alcohol and cannabis use and sexual experience. The results show that despite the fact that when people consume alcohol, they feel more attractive, they feel more attraction towards other people, they are more extroverted, their desire increases and they have longer sexual relations than when they consume cannabis, people who frequently consume when consume cannabis, they have more sensitivity and they are more sexually satisfied than when they consume alcohol. Regarding the sexual experience, although they prefer not to use drugs when they have sex, people who frequently consume prefer to consume more cannabis than alcohol. Therefore, it is concluded that, although alcohol facilitates the sexual encounter, with cannabis people feel more sexually satisfied.

Trajectories of sexual well-being and links with grief after a recent pregnancy loss: a dyadic longitudinal study.

Pregnancy loss affects 1 in 4 women and is linked with poorer overall health and relationship outcomes. Despite sexual well-being's importance to health, how sexual well-being changes across time after a pregnancy loss and what might predict such changes, like perinatal grief, have never been examined, leaving practitioners and couples without knowledge of what to expect. We aimed to examine (1) how sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, sexual distress, and perinatal grief change from 10 to 25weeks postloss for both couple members; and (2) if perinatal grief levels at 10weeks postloss predict sexual well-being trajectories. Women and gender-diverse individuals who were pregnant when a pregnancy loss occurred (within the last 4months) and men, women, and gender-diverse partners who were not pregnant (N = 132 couples) independently completed 4 monthly assessments of sexual well-being and perinatal grief. Outcomes included sexual satisfaction (Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction), sexual desire (Sexual Desire Inventory), sexual distress (Sexual Distress Scale-Short Form), perinatal grief (Perinatal Grief Scale). Dyadic growth curve modeling indicated that, from 10 to 25weeks postloss, both couple members' sexual satisfaction increased, and their sexual desire remained stable; sexual distress decreased for partners but remained stable for individuals who were pregnant; and both couple members' perinatal grief decreased. Perinatal grief levels at 10weeks postloss did not predict sexual well-being trajectories over time. Given sexual well-being's dynamic nature, clinicians should regularly discuss sexuality with both couple members after pregnancy loss. During such discussions, clinicians could reassure couples about their sexual relationship's recovery by sharing that, on average, sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, and sexual distress tend to improve or stay the same (rather than worsen) from 10 to 25weeks postloss. They can also share that perinatal grief tends to decrease during this time and is unrelated to trajectories of sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, and sexual distress. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to examine how sexual well-being changes across time after a pregnancy loss and perinatal grief's role in such changes. The results may not generalize broadly, as most couples were in mixed-gender/sex relationships, identified as White, and were relatively affluent. From 10 to 25weeks postloss, both couple members tend to experience improvements in their overall sexual well-being and declines in their perinatal grief. Early perinatal grief levels and subsequent sexual well-being trajectories are seemingly unrelated.

Jeremy Bentham on adult-child sex and infanticide

ABSTRACT Jeremy Bentham is becoming increasingly well-known for his defence of consensual male same-sex relationships on the grounds of an ‘all-comprehensive' sexual liberty. The question arises whether his defence of pæderasty, or ‘the love of boys', and hence of adult-child sexual relationships, on the same principle makes his defence of male same-sex relationships problematic. This paper investigates the extent to which, under Bentham's principle, adults would not be legally punished for having consensual sexual relationships with children, or rather with adolescents. It concludes that Bentham’s position in relation to sexual relationships between adult males and under-age females followed the provisions of the English law of his time, while his position in relation to sexual relationships between adult males and under-age males is little different from the provisions of the law of our own time. Bentham was, moreover, concerned about the reputational damage suffered by unmarried mothers, and hence recommended the decriminalizing of infanticide. In the post-Malthusian age, Bentham, like many of his contemporaries, had become concerned about the potential suffering caused by over-population. His aims in this respect would be met by the forms of contraception and abortion available today.

PROJECT-RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN SEXUAL EDUCATION OF ADOLESCENTS

Background. Sexual education in schools plays a huge role in preventing deviant behavior among adolescents. Firstly, sexual education helps adolescents understand their bodies, emotions and feelings; this contributes to the formation of a healthy self-image and relationships with others. Second, knowledge about sex and sexual relationships helps prevent undesirable consequences such as early pregnancy, infections and violence. Thus, sexual education in schools is an important tool in preventing deviant behavior among adolescents, helping them develop healthy relationships, make informed decisions and avoid dangerous situations. Purpose. Is to study the role of project-research work with adolescents within the framework of sexual education as prevention of deviant behavior among adolescents. Materials and methods. To solve the identified issue, the following research methods were used: analysis of foreign and domestic sources on organizing sexual education; questionnaires, observations, analysis of the organization of project-research work and consideration of possible inclusion of deviant behavior in adolescents in the scope of preventive measures. Result. Research shows that adolescents who have completed a sex education program based on project-research activities postpone the onset of their sexual activity more often and are more responsible in their use of contraception. Project-research activities are an effective tool for achieving the goals of sex education since they allow students to actively participate, develop critical thinking and discuss sensitive topics, help adolescents understand their needs and desires, and learn to build healthy relationships.

Porn or Partner Arousal? When It Comes to Romantic Relationships, Not All Sexual Arousal Is Equal: A Prospective Study

Little is known about the role of subjective sexual arousal within romantic relationships. The current paper addresses this limitation using a prospective study design that investigates the direct associations between subjective sexual arousal induced by a romantic partner (partner arousal) and arousal induced by pornography (porn arousal) on changes in relational outcomes. A total of 309 participants who were in a current romantic relationship completed measures of partner and porn arousal as well as relational outcomes (i.e., sexual satisfaction and relationship quality and stability) at baseline (T1) and completed a second assessment of relational outcomes 2 months later (T2). Partner arousal was found to have no significant associations with changes in relational outcomes; however, porn arousal was associated with significant declines in sexual satisfaction and relationship quality and stability over a 2-month period. This paper is the first to examine how feeling sexually aroused by porn may impact relational outcomes for those in romantic relationships.

Young adolescent boys' and girls' attitudes toward uncommitted sexual behaviors and the perception of interest in sexual exploration in opposite-gender relations

The aim of this study is to measure young adolescent boys' and girls' attitudes toward uncommitted sexual behaviors and gain insight into their perception of peers' sexual exploration interest in committed versus non-committed opposite-gender relations. We constructed a new 5-item measurement of young adolescents' attitudes toward uncommitted sexual behavior (sociosexuality) and report on the reliability and construct validity of the scale. Analyses were performed on a sample of 425 secondary school students (187 boys, 238 girls, Mean age = 14.8, Age range 13–16). Results suggest that the new sociosexual attitudes scale is unidimensional and internally consistent across these ages for both genders. Relative to girls and younger participants, boys and older participants reported higher acceptance of uncommitted sexual behaviors (ranging from French kissing to intercourse). Further, participants' scores on the sociosexual attitude scale were positively related to frequency of pornography use, and to how they perceived sexual interest in scenarios of a boy and a girl in an intimate situation. Those scoring higher on sociosexuality were more likely to believe that their peers would be more sexually exploring and be less reluctant. The results attest to the construct validity of the scale, and its applicability to studies of young adolescents' understanding of sexual exploration behavior in non-committed sexual relations.

Thus Spoke a Couple: a Corpus-Based Content Analysis of Spousal Duties Fatwas

Abstract This study explores the topic of spousal duties within the Arab-Muslim world, using a corpus of fatwa inquiries to investigate how Muslim spouses perceive and negotiate their rights and duties within the marital relationship. Acknowledging the complexity of the causes underlying the failure to fulfill spousal rights, this study capitalizes on the rewarding potentials of digital tools by examining the questions posed by the mustaftīs (inquirers). A corpus of 150,000 fatwas, drawn from Islamweb.net and encapsulating approximately 11 million tokens, serves as the data for our analysis. Using the semantic network tool ConceptNet, a lexicon delineating spousal rights is created and employed to assess the prominence and relationships of certain themes in the dataset. Central themes – treatment, housing, financial support, sexual relationship, and obedience – emerge as the primary axes for examining the nuances of marital obligations and rights. The findings reveal the nuanced interplay between traditional norms and contemporary religious discourse, with implications for understanding gender roles and authority within Arab-Muslim marriages. The study confirms that while Shariʿah offers a foundational framework, there remains a need for context-specific interpretation, often sought through fatwa consultations. The study also underscores the potential of corpus linguistics to deepen our understanding of religious texts and their application to modern marital issues, advocating for further research into fatwas across different languages and cultures.

Analisis faktor yang memengaruhi kesiapan menikah wanita dewasa awal yang mengalami <i>trust issues</i> dalam hubungan romansa

Ideally, in the early adult development stage, women are able to find a partner and build a family life. However, this can be hampered when early adult women experience trust issues in romantic relationships. Trust issues in romantic relationships can reduce the level of readiness for marriage in early adult women. This study aims to examine the correlation of several factors that are predicted to have a correlation with the readiness to marry early adult women who experience trust issues in romantic relationships. This study uses a quantitative approach with correlational methods. This study involved 152 young adult women who were categorized as experiencing trust issues in romantic relationships. Data analysis used structural equation model-partial least square analysis. Based on research data analysis, readiness to have sexual relations and intimate communication skills are positively and significantly correlated with readiness to marry early adult women who experience trust issues in romantic relationships. However, this study also found that social environment support and family support did not significantly correlate with readiness for marriage in early adult women who experienced trust issues in romantic relationships. These findings can be a reference for further research with the same theme and references in psychological services with related clients.

Higher Learning Female Scholars’ Knowledge and Usage of Emergency Contraceptive Pills in Dodoma Tanzania

Background An emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is one of the contraceptive methods that provide the last chance of preventing unplanned and unintended pregnancy once there is unsafe sexual intercourse. Higher learning scholars are at danger of getting an unwanted and unplanned pregnancy which poses a major public health concern and needs to be addressed. Therefore study examines higher-learning female scholars’ the level of knowledge and usage of Emergency Contraceptive pills in Dodoma Tanzania.  Methodology A Quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study and a multi-stage sampling technique were used to obtain 909 higher learning female scholars’ aged between 18 to 35 years old residing at Dodoma University, St. John, and College of Business Education in Dodoma, Tanzania. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20  Results The Respondent rate was 99.7%. Among 906 respondents only 30.6% knew emergency contraceptive pills (ECP), 27.7% had never heard about emergency contraceptive pills and 19.5% had ever used ECPs. Among those with knowledge, 33.7% reported using emergency contraceptive pills while for those with no previous knowledge, 21.8% had used ECP. At CI of 95% and p<0.05, the use of ECPs had statistical significance with age, level of education, marital status, ever heard of ECPs, level of knowledge, and sexual relationship.  Conclusion The results of the analysis of this study show that the level of knowledge and usage of emergency contraceptive pills among higher-learning female scholars’ in Dodoma Tanzania was low. At CI of 95, the use of ECPs had a statistical relationship with age, level of education, marital status, ever heard of ECPs, level of knowledge, and sexual relationship.

Study protocol for Sauti ya Vijana (The Voice of Youth): A hybrid-type 1 randomized trial to evaluate effectiveness and implementation of a mental health and life skills intervention to improve health outcomes for Tanzanian youth living with HIV.

Young people living with HIV (YPLWH) experience increased morbidity and mortality compared to all other age groups. Adolescence brings unique challenges related to sexual reproductive health, the elevated importance of peer groups, and often, emerging symptoms of emotional distress. Failure to address this unique life stage for YPLWH can lead to worse HIV and mental health outcomes. Herein lies the protocol for a hybrid-type-1 effectiveness-implementation trial designed to evaluate a mental health and life skills intervention that aims to address these needs for YPLWH in Tanzania. This is an individually randomized group-treatment trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Sauti ya Vijana (SYV: The Voice of Youth) toward improving viral suppression (HIV RNA <400 copies/mL) and mental health outcomes and to assess implementation including acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and cost-effectiveness of the manualized intervention. The trial is being conducted across four geographically distinct regions of Tanzania. Peer group leaders (PGL) with lived HIV experience deliver the 10-session group-based intervention and two individual sessions during which participants describe their disclosure narrative (when they learned they live with HIV) and value-based goal setting. Caregiver or chosen supportive adults are encouraged to attend two specific group sessions with their youth. Participants are 10-24 years of age, prescribed antiretroviral therapy for at least 6 months, fully aware of their HIV status, able to commit to session attendance, and able to understand and meaningfully contribute to group sessions. Participant study visits occur at 5 time points for evaluation: baseline, 4-, 6-, 12-, and 18-months post baseline. A single booster session is conducted before the 12-month visit. Study visits evaluate mental health, adverse childhood events, interpersonal violence, resilience, stigma, HIV knowledge, substance use, sexual relationships, ART adherence, and HIV RNA. Implementation outcomes evaluate feasibility and acceptability through attendance, intervention session notes, focus discussion groups and qualitative interviews. Fidelity to the intervention is measured using fidelity checklists by a PGL observer at each group session. Cost effectiveness is calculated using an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio that utilizes a patient cost questionnaire and financial records of study costs. Few mental health interventions for YPLWH have demonstrated effectiveness. Results from this study will provide information about effectiveness and implementation of a peer-led intervention for delivering a mental health and life skills intervention in low-income settings. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT05374109.

Criminal Law Enforcement Against Perpetrators of Sexual Intercourse with Biological Children

Criminal law enforcement is important in dealing with cases of incestuous sexual relations involving children, aiming to uphold justice and protect victims from harm. The main objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of law enforcement in the jurisdiction of Tabanan Police in handling cases. Using empirical research methods, this study analyzes legal principles such as the rule of law, legislation theory, legal protection, legal responsibility, and legal effectiveness. This research focuses on a specific case documented in Police Report No. LP-B/35/VII/2020/B: LP-B/35/VII/2020/Bali/Res Tbn, in which the perpetrator, MSP, was charged with violating Article 81(3) of the Child Protection Law, in conjunction with Article 64(1) of the Criminal Code, or alternative provisions under the law. The results showed that there are significant challenges hindering effective law enforcement, particularly the lack of qualified law enforcement officers compared to the number of cases, which hinders optimal case handling in the jurisdiction of Tabanan District Police. This research argues that effective law enforcement is essential not only to sanction perpetrators but also to ensure justice and protect child victims from violence and crime. The implications of this study underscore the need for increased competence among law enforcement officials to effectively handle such sensitive cases. By bridging the gap between legal provisions and law enforcement, this research advocates for systemic improvements to strengthen the law enforcement framework in combating the crime of incest against children.

Religious Disaffiliates' Experiences and Challenges with Sex, Sexuality, and Body Image.

In recent years, an increasing number of ultra-Orthodox Jews have left their insular communities, choosing instead to lead a secular life. This article illuminates their perceptions and experiences related to sexuality, sexual behavior, and sexual health. Based on thematic analysis of 37 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ultra-Orthodox disaffiliates, we found that sexual experiences have played a decisive role in the disaffiliates' lives. First, some participants shared that experiencing sexual abuse during childhood led them to disaffiliate. Second, prior to disaffiliating, participants had very little knowledge about sex, which was an unspoken issue. This resulted in misunderstandings and miscommunication related to courtship and dating after disaffiliating. Moreover, the knowledge gap of secular social norms led to disaffiliates being sexually exploited, as well as to male disaffiliates behaving inappropriately and consequently suffering from social rejection and loneliness. While some participants celebrated their new sexual freedom, others were fearful and reluctant to have sex. We suggest that in transgressing social, cultural, and identity boundaries, disaffiliates experience "cleft habitus" and are situated in a prolonged liminal position that affects their sexual behavior, intimate relations, sexual health, and body image. During the liminal period, disaffiliates typically learn threshold concepts, which are often troublesome and threatening. There is a striking need to offer disaffiliates assistance and support throughout this difficult process. This analysis can shed light on other groups of religious disaffiliates and cultural immigrants.