Sexual Interest Research Articles

The Impact of Body Odors on Sexual Attraction and Partner Selection: A Review of Cisgender Homosexual Men and Women.

This study examined the role of odors in sexual attraction and partner selection among non-heterosexual individuals. We searched using MESH terms in databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Clinical Trials. We focused on experimental or quasi-experimental studies where olfactory cues were used in partner selection. The studies had to identify participants' sexual orientation and include heterosexuals for comparison. Seven studies, published between 2005 and 2014, involving 345 participants (Mean age, 27.09years), met the criteria. Results suggest that sexual orientation affects both preference for and production of human body odors and that human body odors appear to provide cues about the sex and sexual orientation of potential partners. Most participants were male, limiting conclusions about the role of pheromones in attraction among non-heterosexual women.

Patterns of Sexuality, Adjustment to Aging and Satisfaction with Life: A Cluster Analysis of Adults Across the Lifespan

AbstractSexual satisfaction, adjustment to aging, and satisfaction with life are relevant dimensions of overall well-being across the life cycle. Through cluster analysis procedures, this study aims to describe the specific profile of adjustment to aging, sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with life of adults across the life span. This cross-sectional study involved a community-based sample of 619 Portuguese individuals, aged between 18 and 92 years old (M = 47.53 SD = 18.34) evaluated using a two-step cluster analysis. Fours clusters emerged. The most adjusted participants were mostly of a younger age, women and had a high education. The least adjusted participants globally presented low education, poor perceived health, and poor engagement in leisure activities. Well-being focused participants were mostly women of older age, with high education and spirituality. Finally, moderately satisfied participants were mostly men of older age, had a lower education, and presented poor reported health. Complementary comparative analysis among the identified subgroups was performed. The most adjusted participants had the highest perceived overall sexual well-being, sexual attractiveness, sexual openness and communication, and sexual satisfaction. These data characterize the profile of this population and can be used as the basis for developing efficient strategies aimed a combining adjustment to aging, satisfaction with life and sexual satisfaction for tailored interventions to the specific needs of populations across the lifespan.

Dependence of the Emotional Experience of Newspaper Photographic Illustration on the Medium of Realization

The paper investigated the experience and emotional reaction of respondents to different newspaper photographic illustrations depending on the media of realization (print in newspaper press, laptop computer screen, and smartphone screen). Due to differences in the formation of basic visual psychophysical reactions in affirmative childhood, the respondents were chosen from two separate age groups: younger from 19 to 23 years and mature from 38 to 49 years. Respondents rated from 1 to 5 the emotional reaction caused by the observed photographic illustration according to the offered reactions: happiness, love, hope, fear, sadness, hatred, anger, envy, shock, sexual attraction, disgust, shame, pride, attraction, and sympathy. Through the research, the difference in experiences and emotional reactions depending on the gender and age difference was monitored. The results of the research indicate that depending on the medium of display, there are significant differences in the experience of photographic newspaper illustrations depending on the age of the respondents, gender, but that previous, but more current, habits of using display technologies also have a significant influence.

Behavioral addictions and psychosis

M.K* is a 27-year-old, single, unemployed male that was driven to the Emergency Department by his foster father, four weeks ago with first episode of psychiatric symptoms of tactile hallucinations, auditory hallucinations of male and female voices making inappropriate sexual comments about him, persecutory delusions and delusions of control for the past five days. M.K is a daily cannabis user of 0.5-1g use for the past 2 years and has 5.5 pack year smoking history. M.K also reports having a pornography and masturbation addiction for 2 years with marked intrusive thoughts of sexual nature the past week. M.K has no medical or psychiatric history. Recent stressor was moving out of foster father’s house 8 days ago. The symptoms led to significant impact at work which he has quit since then. On presentation, M. K showed partial insight into his third person running commentary hallucinations but believed adamantly that he was being watched, followed and controlled. He reported hearing his female neighbour stating that he has sexual interest in animals and later heard his manager making pedophilic allegations on him. M.K was so distressed, he quit work and isolated himself in his room. He reported poor concentration and lack of appetite for the past week. M.K describes his baseline mood to have “always been not the greatest” and denied anhedonia, fatigue, or sleep changes. He denied thoughts of self- harm, harm to others or suicidal ideation. Four weeks following inpatient, referral to HBCT and cannabis abstinence has shown improvement in psychiatric symptoms with absence of hallucinations, however, there has been increased symptoms of anxiety with “panic attacks”. M.K’s biological mother is reported to have history of substance misuse and sister with depressive symptoms. He continues to withdraw from society with increased time spent indoors gaming and shows emotional dependence on foster father.

Laboratory Sex Research: Perceptions of the Ace Community

ABSTRACT Asexuality is a sexual orientation centered around low or absent sexual attraction. Despite the growth of empirical scholarship on asexuality, laboratory sex research with asexual individuals remains significantly underutilized. As such, we conducted a qualitative survey aimed at examining asexual individuals’ perceptions of laboratory sex research as well as their perspectives/experiences on participation. Reflexive thematic analysis of 412 responses revealed 4 themes and 10 sub-themes focused on mapping the domain of asexuality, participants’ trust, distrust and ambivalence toward laboratory sex research, and developing best practices for overcoming challenges with asexual individuals. A large proportion of asexual individuals emphasized concerns related to the potential medicalization and pathologization of asexuality, with 34.6% exhibiting their unwillingness to participate. Nonetheless, 41.7% of asexual individuals expressed a desire to take part in laboratory sexuality studies. These findings indicate a strong interest in laboratory sex research, driven by the lack of knowledge about ace sexual functioning. To further improve ace individuals´ engagement and experience in such studies, a set of participant-driven recommendations was presented. As such, this study highlights the importance of grounding future laboratory sex research with asexual individuals in ethical and reliable procedures.

Delphi Recommendations for Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexual Interest in Children in Non-Mandated Community Settings

ABSTRACT This study sought to reach an international expert consensus regarding the diagnosis and treatment of adults with a sexual interest in children in cases where treatment is non-mandated. An expert panel of 27 participants (19 professionals and eight individuals with sexual interest in children) completed at least one of three rounds of an online Delphi survey. In the first round, participants responded to open-ended questions about assessment approaches, treatment goals, treatment approaches, and adapting assessment and treatment for sexual exclusivity. In rounds two and three, participants rated their level of agreement with each of the recommendations derived from Round 1. Consensus was reached for 48 practice guidelines, particularly for recommendations that relate to general clinical practice, such as assessing for other mental health conditions. There was more contention for the inclusion of forensic practices. The present recommendations can serve as a set of tentative guidelines that may guide assessment and treatment of sexual interest in children in non-mandated settings.

The Turkish Version of the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F): Examination of the Validity, Reliability and Factorial Structure

The aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F). This methodological study was conducted with 268 women who met the sampling criteria between January and February 2024. Validity analysis was performed using the content validity index, convergent and divergent validity, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Pearson product-moment correlation and Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficients were used for reliability analysis. To evaluate invariance of the inventory over time, test-retest measurements were conducted three weeks apart and showed no difference in mean scores (p > .05). Corrected item-total score correlations ranged from 0.303 to 0.846 in the positive direction and were statistically highly significant. Adjusted goodness-of-fit index > 0.85 and comparative fit index > 0.90 confirmed the construct validity of the Turkish SIDI-F. The Cronbach Alpha was found to be .88, indicating high internal consistency. The Turkish version of SIDI-F can be used as a measurement tool to determine the level of sexual interest and arousal.

Patient Preferences for Attributes of Androgen Deprivation Therapies in Prostate Cancer: A Discrete Choice Experiment with Latent Class Analysis.

Medical androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) options have expanded for patients with advanced prostate cancer (PC). Historically, ADT was primarily available in long-acting injectable formulations. In 2020, the first oral formulation was US Food and Drug Administration-approved for adults with advanced PC. This study's aim was to assess patient preferences for attributes of medical ADT, including mode of administration, side effects, impact on sexual interest, and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs, and to segment respondents into distinct groups based on their treatment choice patterns. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among US residents aged > 40years with PC, employing a discrete choice experiment to assess preferences for ADT attributes. For each choice task, respondents were asked to select the hypothetical treatment profile that they preferred out of two presented. Latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to estimate attribute-level preference weights and calculate attribute relative importance for groups of respondents with similar treatment preferences. A total of 304 respondents completed the survey (mean age 64.4years). LCA identified four preference groups, named according to the attribute each group considered most important: Sexual interest, Cost-sensitive, Favors daily pill, and Favors injection. Most respondents in the Sexual interest group were < 65years, while the Cost-sensitive group was mostly ≥ 65years. Favors daily pill had the highest proportion of ADT-naïve individuals. On average, respondents in these groups preferred an oral medication. Favors injection, which had the highest proportion of ADT-experienced individuals, preferred infrequent intramuscular injections, lower chance of post-ADT testosterone recovery, and lower OOP cost. Respondents differed in their preferences regarding ADT attributes, highlighting the need for patient involvement in their treatment decisions. Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients about the benefits and risks of available therapies should be encouraged to ensure that patients receive the PC treatment that best meets their needs.

Mini Review: Challenges and Promising Advances in Hydrogel‐Based Scaffolds for Breast Tissue Regeneration

ABSTRACTThe loss of breast tissue is a problem that plagues many women. Total mastectomy procedures after breast cancer or extensive tissue loss by accident generate permanent aesthetic‐functional lesions that are correlated with the loss of breastfeeding capacity, loss of self‐esteem, anxiety, depression, reduced sexual attraction, hopelessness, and often, suicide. Although current clinical practices try to restore aesthetics, functional improvements are not readily resolved by these maneuvers. Those who undergo such procedures often end up with permanent aesthetic and functional injuries. The difficulty in regenerating breast tissue stems from its high structural complexity. In cases of extensive loss of breast tissue, the use of regeneration strategies becomes necessary for proper healing and tissue reconstruction. In this context, the use of regeneration scaffolds may open new possibilities for the regeneration of various body tissues, especially breast tissue, enabling the adequate healing of large injuries in different tissues. Hydrogels are examples of highly versatile materials for this application, given the range of methodologies for their preparation and composition components. The results of various studies indicate that the application of hydrogel‐based scaffolds for breast regeneration is highly promising. Among the materials and systems most applied for this purpose, biodegradable polymers stand out due to their high biocompatibility and the ability for spontaneous removal from the organism. In this sector, systems obtained through 3D printing also stand out due to the increased predictability of geometry and pore distribution. However, it is noteworthy that the evaluated regeneration systems are primarily focused on regenerating adipose tissue, with no specific systems for the epithelial regeneration of the breasts or the areas of glandular tissue. These areas represent sectors that still need further exploration.

Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial of a Nurse-Led Sexual Rehabilitation Intervention to Rebuild Sexuality and Intimacy After Treatment for Gynecological Cancer.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a sexual rehabilitation program, SEXHAB, in improving sexual functioning, reducing sexual distress, and enhancing marital satisfaction for women after gynecological cancer treatment. This is a randomized controlled trial that included 150 women newly diagnosed with gynecological cancer from three public hospitals in Hong Kong. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=78) to receive the SEXHAB or to an attention control group (n=72) to receive attention. The SEXHAB comprises four individual- or couple-based sessions with three major components: information provision, cognitive-behavioral therapy and counseling using motivational interviewing skills. The outcomes were measured at baseline (T0), upon completion of the program (T1) and 12-month post-treatment (T2). Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the SEXHAB group participants to explore their experiences with and opinions toward the program. At both follow-ups, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in improving sexual functioning, sexual distress and marital satisfaction. Nevertheless, participants in the SEXHAB group reported their partners having significantly greater sexual interest at T1 (76% vs. 52%, rate ratio: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.99, p=0.024) and T2 (74% vs. 48%, rate ratio: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.10, p=0.014). From the qualitative interviews, the interviewees who resumed sexual activity reported positive experiences in rebuilding sexuality and intimacy. Despite the quantitative results are negative, the qualitative findings suggest potential benefits of the SEXHAB for women resuming sexual activities after treatment for gynecological cancer. Further studies with longer intervention period and follow-ups are needed to confirm the intervention effects.

Results of an application of sex attractant EFETOV-2 in Southeastern Anatolia of Türkiye (Turkey)

In recent years, intensive studies with or without the use of sex pheromones and sex attractants have significantly increased our knowledge on the Zygaenidae (Lepidoptera) fauna of Türkiye (Turkey). An application of sex attractants from the series ‘EFETOV-2’ (a patented name) synthesised at the Crimean Federal University has allowed us to detect some species hitherto unknown in Türkiye (for example Rhagades pruni ([Denis &amp; Schiffermüller], 1775) and Jordanita globulariae (Hübner, 1793)) and clarify many distributions. In this work we present new data on the results of testing the attractant EFETOV-2 (a racemic mixture of (2R)-butan-2-yl dodec-2-enoate and (2S)-butan-2-yl dodec-2-enoate) in some regions of Southeastern Anatolia of Türkiye. Determination of Zygaenidae species and their distribution ranges was carried out in Batman, Diyarbakır and Mardin Provinces in 2022–2024. Two Procridinae species, viz. Adscita obscura (Zeller, 1847) (31 males) and Jordanita anatolica (Naufock, 1929) (142 males), were attracted to the lures EFETOV-2 in all studied provinces.

A retrospective study of sexual minority women’s gendered sexuality: Butch and femme sex at the turn of the 21st century

This study is a retrospective examination of how sexual minority women have experienced their sexuality. The analysis examined a national archival dataset that was collected online in the US and Canada to examine the relationship between gender and sexuality in 1084 sexual minority women in 2003, with a focus on butch and femme identities. It provided an understanding of how gender and sexuality interacted at the turn of the last century when the gender identity landscape differed from that of today. While this study collected data from butch and femme women approximately 20-years ago, the results have implications for how we develop situated understandings of the relationship between gender and sexuality. Findings indicated gendered patterns in sexual preferences and attraction that can shed light on how gender and sexuality have evolved in connection. At the same time, there were no differences in sexual satisfaction, which suggests that the enactment of gendered sexuality (in which attraction is structured by a gender dynamic) was experienced as empowering rather than oppressive. We examine our findings in relation to current scholarship on gendered sexuality to consider how sexuality is constructed and reconstructed across time. The findings support a view of gendered sexuality as a source of pleasure, affirmation, and positive embodiment. We theorize gendered sexuality as functioning to enhance experiences of authenticity and resist heteronormativity. The study holds implications for research on the interaction of gender and sexuality.

Confirmation of the presence of Tipulia tipuliformis (Clerck, 1759) (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) in the Crimea

The presence of the pest species Tipulia tipuliformis (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) is confirmed in the Crimean Peninsula with the help of sex attractants in 10 localities.

First records of Chamaesphecia efetovi O. Gorbunov, 2019 (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in Türkiye (Turkey)

Chamaesphecia efetovi O. Gorbunov, 2019, is recorded from Türkiye for the first time. In 2024 with the help of sex attractants we investigated 11 biotopes with the larval host plant of Ch. efetovi, viz. Marrubium peregrinum L. (Lamiaceae), and found populations of Ch. efetovi in six of them.

Unveiling the stressful experiences faced by asexual individuals in South Korea: a consensual qualitative study

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explores the stressful experiences faced by asexual individuals in South Korea. We conducted in-depth interviews with 12 South Korean adults who identified as asexual and analysed their data using consensus qualitative research. The analyses revealed 20 categories across five domains, including difficulties in defining and articulating asexual identity due to a lack of language and representation, facing denial and invalidation, navigating ambivalent experiences of invisibility, combating misconceptions, and encountering difficulties in connecting with asexual individuals and other members of the queer community. The study identified several stressors reported by South Korean asexual individuals, such as the dearth of language and representation regarding asexuality, lack of access to asexual networks, misconception that experiencing little or no sexual attraction is caused by a lack of love, casual use of the term ‘asexual’, and fear of increasing invisibility by concealing one’s asexual identity. Although these stressors have not been widely documented in other contexts, further research is needed to determine whether they are unique to the South Korean context. These findings highlight the need for greater awareness and understanding of asexuality in South Korea to promote the well-being and inclusion of asexual individuals.

Body image of postmenopausal women

Abstract: Body image is a multidimensional, subjective, and dynamically changing concept that includes personal perceptions and feelings towards one's body. Menopause is associated with significant changes in external appearance and physical functioning. Aim: The study aimed to determine how women of postmenopausal age assess their bodies and what factors influence this evaluation. Material and methods: The research was conducted in six randomly selected gynaecological and primary health care clinics in Lublin. A total of 510 women were included in the study. A diagnostic survey was used as the research method. The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of a self-constructed part (socio-demographic data) and a standardized Body Esteem Scale questionnaire (BES). Results: In all subscales (sexual attractiveness, body control, and physical fitness), average results were obtained, although the highest was about body weight control (M = 5.85±2.00) and the lowest was related to sexual attractiveness (M = 4.78±2.17). The values of all subscales were significantly differentiated by the subjective assessment of the participant's health status (p&lt;0.05). The values of sexual attractiveness were significantly related to the place of residence (p = 0.021) and the employment status of the participants (p = 0.030). The values of self-assessment of physical fitness were significant with the place of residence (p = 0.012) and the marital status of the participants (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Women in postmenopausal age perceive their bodies in all categories (sexual attractiveness, body weight control/body strength, physical fitness) at an average level, indicating the need for psychosocial support. Providing them with support with their self-acceptance, and perhaps lifestyle changes, may improve their self-esteem to their body image.

Monitoring of the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Walker) Moth for the Determination of Efficient Chemical Control in Zea mays L.

Objective: To determine the population dynamics of the fall armyworm (FAW), identify the critical period of highest infestation and to determine the number of agrochemicals applications for its control. Design/methodology/approach: A monitoring and capture of male FAW moths was conducted using plastic traps with sexual attraction pheromones. A daily count of captured moths was performed during the crop season, the data were plotted to determine the period of highest infestation and the optimal timing for chemical control. Additionally, the number of insecticide applications for FAW control was evaluated, with treatments including none (T0), one (T1), two (T2), three (T3), and four (T4) applications. A randomized complete block design with nine repetitions was used. Before each application, the number of plants with visible damage and its intensity were counted using the Davis visual scale. Statistical analysis of the measured variables was conducted. Results: The results showed that moths were evenly distributed across the planted surface, and two periods of higher infestation were identified: between 32 to 35 and 70 to 76 days after planting, respectively. The biological cycle of the FAW was between 38 to 41 days. The analysis of variance showed statistical differences (p ≤ 0.001) among the treatments. Findings/conclusions: Using plastic traps with sexual attraction pheromones is an efficient method for capturing, monitoring, reducing the population, estimate the length of the biological cycle, and identifying the highest infestation period of the FAW. Moreover, two insecticide applications during the periods of highest infestation resulted in optimal control of FAW.

Plant Agency in the Guianas: Attraction, Assault, and Animacy

This article uses ethnographic and ethnobotanical methods to examine relationships between animate and agentive plants and human beings among the Makushi, Pemon, Karinya, and other Indigenous and mixed-Indigenous peoples in the Guianas. It considers representations of these plants and related ontologies in the archival record and contrasts these accounts with more recent ethnographic descriptions based on the authors’ fieldwork across Guyana and Venezuela. It thinks about these plants as agentive beings (with regard to animist ontologies and sometimes physical properties) within a variety of contexts. Today, the territories of these Indigenous peoples tessellate with extractive frontiers, which center around gold, diamond, and bauxite mining, as well as oil prospecting, forestry, and plantation agriculture. In this context, these plants emerge as active and animate agents. They also emerge as such agents in contexts of subsistence, shamanism, and assault sorcery, as well as sexual and romantic attraction, which can act with or without human impetus. The question arises as to the nature of the relationships between such plants and their users, for example, shamans ( piaimen), assault sorcerers ( kanaima), hunters, gardeners, and miners, within a variety of contexts. Based on the authors’ long-term fieldwork, the article examines animate plants and argues that they evince special botanical agencies among the Indigenous communities with whom the authors have worked in the Guianas. How are animate plants positioned within these practices and contexts? And how do they exert agency therein as plant persons?

Abstract C053: Racial differences in adverse sexual symptoms and implications for quality of life and adjuvant endocrine therapy adherence among women with early-stage breast cancer

Abstract Background Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) is effective at reducing breast cancer recurrence risk. It is associated with adverse symptoms, including sexual symptoms (e.g., vaginal dryness, reduced libido, dyspareunia), that can contribute to medication nonadherence and poor quality of life (QoL). Black women are least likely to start and maintain AET. We conducted post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) to examine racial differences in how sexual symptoms affect sexual satisfaction and how these contribute to differences in AET adherence for Black and White women with early-stage breast cancer. Methods We used data from a nonblinded RCT of women diagnosed with early-stage (Stage I-III), hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and prescribed AET at a regional cancer center in the U.S. Mid-South. We restricted to Black and White participants who completed surveys at enrollment, 6-, and 12-months (N=275). The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Subscale (FACT-ES) captured sexual symptoms (e.g., vaginal itchiness, bleeding, dryness, discharge, change in interest in sex, and pain with intercourse) and PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction captured changes in sexual satisfaction with 5-item options ranging from “not at all” to “very much.” The 12-item Short Form Health Survey measured QoL with physical and mental health component summaries (higher scores indicated better QoL). AET adherence, captured by an electronically monitored pillbox, was measured as the proportion of days participants took their medication as prescribed over the 1-year follow-up. We conducted race-stratified linear regressions to examine associations of sexual symptoms with QoL and adherence. Results Among 275 participants, 102 (37%) were Black. Black women reported greater severity of vaginal discharge and that loss of sexual satisfaction was due to sexual symptoms at 6- and 12-months (p&amp;lt;0.05). Vaginal itchiness, vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, and loss of interest in sex were associated with lower mental QoL for Black and White women at all three time points. However, loss of interest in sex was associated with lower physical QoL at all three time points for Black women only. Worsening vaginal dryness was associated with lower 6-month AET adherence for Black (p=0.018) but not for White women (p=0.90). Similarly, lower sexual interest and lower sexual satisfaction was associated with lower 12-month AET adherence for Black women (p&amp;lt;0.05) but not for White (p=0.21 and p=0.13, respectively). Conclusion Women with early-stage breast cancer on AET reported adverse sexual symptoms with associated reductions in their sexual satisfaction and physical and mental QoL. Vaginal dryness, reduced libido, and lowered sexual satisfaction are associated with AET nonadherence among Black women, a group with known adherence barriers and recurrence risks. Our findings suggest that adverse sexual symptoms and sexual health challenges contribute to racial disparities in AET adherence and QoL. Oncosexuality care interventions for Black women are needed. Citation Format: Janeane N. Anderson, Freddie Yang, Xin Hu, Gregory A. Vidal, Ilana Graetz. Racial differences in adverse sexual symptoms and implications for quality of life and adjuvant endocrine therapy adherence among women with early-stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C053.

Identification of sex attractants for 6 North American click beetle species in 4 tribes of the Elateridae

Identification of sex attractants for 6 North American click beetle species in 4 tribes of the Elateridae