Defining Pleasure: A Focus Group Study of Solitary and Partnered Sexual Pleasure in Queer and Heterosexual Women

Solitary and partnered sexuality are typically depicted as fundamentally similar, but empirical evidence suggests they differ in important ways. 

We investigated how women's definitions of sexual pleasure overlapped and diverged when considering solitary versus partnered sexuality. Based on an interdisciplinary literature, we explored whether solitary pleasure would be characterized by eroticism (e.g., genital pleasure, orgasm) and partnered pleasure by nurturance (e.g., closeness). 

Via focus groups with a sexually diverse sample of women aged 18-64 (N = 73), we found that women defined solitary and partnered pleasure in both convergent and divergent ways that supported expectations. Autonomy was central to definitions of solitary pleasure, whereas trust, giving pleasure, and closeness were important elements of partnered pleasure. Both solitary and partnered pleasure involved exploration for self-discovery or for growing a partnered relationship. 

Definitions of pleasure were largely similar across age and sexual identity; however, relative to queer women, heterosexual women (especially younger heterosexual women) expressed greater ambivalence toward solitary masturbation and partnered orgasm. 

Results have implications for women's sexual well-being across multiple sexual identities and ages, and for understanding solitary and partnered sexuality as overlapping but distinct constructs.

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By:  Goldey KL1,2, Posh AR1, Bell SN3, van Anders SM4.

• 1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
• 2Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, St. Edward's University, Austin, TX, USA.
• 3Departments of Psychology and Women's Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
• 4Departments of Psychology and Women's Studies, Programs in Neuroscience and Reproductive Sciences, Science, Technology, and Society Program, Biosocial Methods Collaborative, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. smva@umich.edu. 
• Arch Sex Behav. 2016 Mar 23.

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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Severity and Relationship Functioning among Partnered Heterosexual and Lesbian Women Veterans

PURPOSE:

Few studies have examined associations of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and relationship satisfaction among women Veterans, and no research has explored these factors in lesbian women Veterans, a large subgroup that may have unique concerns. This study examined the link between PTSD and relationship satisfaction in partnered heterosexual and lesbian women Veterans and evaluated potential moderation by sexual orientation, partner support, and conflict.

METHODS:

Women Veterans (heterosexual n = 260; lesbian n = 128) were recruited nationally to complete a cross-sectional online survey. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate moderation, using two- and three-way interactions.

RESULTS:

Partner support moderated the association between PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction to a different degree for heterosexual and lesbian women Veterans, playing a more prominent role in this association for lesbian women. Specifically, for lesbians with low partner support, as PTSD symptoms worsened, relationship satisfaction decreased at a steeper rate than for heterosexual women with low partner support. On the other hand, for lesbians with high partner support, as PTSD symptoms worsened, relationship satisfaction decreased less sharply than for heterosexual women with high partner support. Degree of conflict was highly correlated with relationship satisfaction and also appeared to moderate these relations differently by sexual orientation.

CONCLUSION:

These findings suggest that women Veterans with PTSD experience impairments in their romantic relationships, which vary by sexual orientation, partner support, and conflict. Partner support and conflict may be important targets in assessment and therapy for women Veterans with PTSD, and especially so for sexual minorities.

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By:  Caska-Wallace CM1,2, Katon JG3,4,5, Lehavot K2,3,4,6, McGinn MM1,2, Simpson TL2,6,7.

• 1 Mental Health Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System , Seattle, Washington.
• 2 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington.
• 3 Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), VA Puget Sound Health Care System , Seattle, Washington.
• 4 Department of Health Services, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington.
• 5 US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Patient Care Services , Women's Health Services, Washington, DC.
• 6 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) , VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington.
• 7 Center of Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education (CESATE) , VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington. 
• LGBT Health. 2016 Feb 19. 

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Religiosity as a Protective Factor for Hazardous Drinking and Drug Use among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Women

OBJECTIVE:

Despite research documenting disparities in risk for alcohol-related problems among sexual minority women, few studies explore potential protective factors within this population. This study examines how religiosity may function as a protective or risk factor for alcohol-problems or other substance use among sexual minorities compared to heterosexuals.

METHOD:

Data from 11,169 women who responded to sexual identity and sexual behavior questions from three population-based National Alcohol Survey waves (2000, 2005, 2010) were utilized for analyses of religiosity in relation to lifetime drinking, past year hazardous drinking, and past year drug use.

RESULTS:

Religiosity was significantly greater among exclusively heterosexual women compared to all sexual minority groups (lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual women who report same sex partners). Lesbians reported the lowest rates of affiliation with religions/denominations discouraging alcohol use. Past year hazardous drinking and use of any illicit drugs were significantly lower among exclusively heterosexual women compared to all sexual minority groups. High religiosity was associated with lifetime alcohol abstention and was found to be protective against hazardous drinking and drug use among both sexual minority and heterosexual women. Reporting religious norms unfavorable to drinking was protective against hazardous drinking among exclusively heterosexual women but not sexual minority women.

CONCLUSIONS:

Findings reveal the importance of considering sexual minority status in evaluation of religion or spirituality as protective among women. Future studies should explore religiosity in the context of other individual and environmental factors, such as positive identity development and community-level acceptance, which may be salient to resiliency among sexual minorities.

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By:  Drabble L1, Trocki KF2, Klinger JL3.

• 1San José State University School of Social Work, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0124, United States. Electronic address: laurie.drabble@sjsu.edu.
• 2Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6475 Christie Ave. Suite 400, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States. Electronic address: ktrocki@arg.org.
• 3Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, 6475 Christie Ave. Suite 400, Emeryville, CA 94608, United States. Electronic address: jklinger@arg.org. 
• Drug Alcohol Depend. 2016 Feb 2. pii: S0376-8716(16)00050-8. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.01.022.

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Explaining the Presence of "Heterosexual" Female Clients of a Rapid HIV Testing Site Located in the Gay Village of Montreal, Quebec

BACKGROUND:

Increasing access and uptake of HIV testing among at-risk women is needed. Examining women's motives for visiting a community-based rapid HIV testing site (Actuel sur Rue-AsR) oriented to men who have sex with men (MSM) could offer suggestions.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the "heterosexual" female and male clients of AsR, located in Montreal's (Canada) gay village, to better understand the women's particular HIV prevention and sexual health service needs.

METHODS:

This cross-sectional pilot study analyzed questionnaire data provided by AsR clients and staff (nurse and community agent teams) between July 2012 and November 2013. Women and men reporting only opposite-sex partners were compared with chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, as appropriate, on sociodemographics, HIV-related behaviors, motives for visiting AsR, and health service provision.

RESULTS:

AsR received 1901 clients. Among these, 55 women and 147 men reported only opposite-sex partners. Women were significantly younger. Significantly greater proportions of women visited AsR because no appointment was necessary (67% vs 48%), sought testing for condom failure (18% vs 5%), and had no regular doctor (44% vs 27%). Both groups mainly chose AsR for the rapid test results (80% and 77%), visited it to receive the rapid HIV test (71% and 76%), and sought testing due to unprotected vaginal sex (44% and 43%). Similar proportions saw the nurse (91% and 89%), received the rapid HIV test (44% and 35%), and were linked to a medical clinic (49% and 52%), especially, to receive complete sexually transmitted infection testing (50% and 44%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this innovative study highlight the draw of rapid HIV testing for "heterosexual" users of a site mainly targeting MSM. They also suggest that further research is warranted into the importance for this group of women clients of drop-in and linkage services, particularly given their possible lesser access to regular care.

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By:  Engler K1, Rollet K2, Lessard D3, Thomas R4, Lebouché B3.

• 1Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (http://rimuhc.ca/), Montreal, Quebec, Canada kimcengler@gmail.com.
• 2Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
• 3Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
• 4l'Actuel Medical Clinic, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• J Prim Care Community Health. 2016 Jan 20. pii: 2150131915626563 

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Infectious Syphilis in Women: What's Old Is New Again?

The aim of this study was to examine trends in infectious syphilis epidemiology among women in Winnipeg, Canada. A descriptive study of syphilis among Winnipeg residents between 2003 and 30 June 2015 was undertaken. Adjusted rate ratios (ARR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) from Poisson regression analyses are reported. Characteristics of men and women were compared using logistic regression, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) reported. 

Between 2014 and 2015, the rate of syphilis was 1.7/100,000, representing a five-fold increase since 2006-2013. All cases have been heterosexual, 90% 20-39 years of age, and 59% living in Winnipeg's inner core. Approximately 24% were pregnant at diagnosis; no cases of congenital syphilis have been reported. Compared to men, women were more likely to report alcohol use (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.2-11.9) and co-infection with chlamydia (AOR: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.1-22.9). 

In conclusion, the rates of infectious syphilis are increasing among women. Prenatal screening and education for inner-core women and the health care providers serving them should be prioritized.

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By:  Shaw SY1, Ross C2, Nowicki DL3, Marshall S2, Stephen S2, Davies C2, Riddell J2, Bailey K2, Elliott LJ4, Reimer JN5, Plourde PJ4.

• 1Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada umshaw@myumanitoba.ca.
• 2Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada.
• 3Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
• 4Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
• 5Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. 
• Int J STD AIDS. 2016 Jan 13. pii: 0956462415627397

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Sexual Motives in Heterosexual Women With and Without Sexual Difficulties

Previous research indicates that women with sexual problems may have different reasons for engaging in sex than women who are not experiencing sexual problems. 

The current study investigated whether reasons for sex differed by women reporting high versus low overall sexual functioning, as assessed by the FSFI. As low desire and inability to achieve orgasm are the two most commonly reported sexual problems for women, the study also investigated whether women with and without problems specifically related to sexual desire or orgasm cited different reasons for sex. 

The sample was comprised of 446 heterosexual women between the ages of 18 and 61 who completed an online questionnaire assessing reasons for sex and sexual functioning. Women with low sexual functioning overall were more likely to endorse insecurity reasons for sex, while women with high sexual functioning overall were more likely to endorse physical reasons for sex. 

Women experiencing low desire specifically were less likely to endorse emotional and physical reasons for sex than women without desire difficulties. Women experiencing orgasm difficulties specifically were more likely to endorse insecurity reasons for sex than women without orgasm difficulties. 

The variance accounted for was low in all cases. This research offers insights into the important but limited role sexual functioning may play in the broader context of women's sexual motivations.

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By:  Watson E1, Milhausen RR2, Wood J3, Maitland S4.

• 1 University of Guelph, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition , 50 Stone Rd East, MacDonald Institute , Guelph , Ontario , Canada.
• 2 University of Guelph, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, Macdonald Institute , 50 Stone Rd., Guelph , Ontario , N1G 2W1 Canada.
• 3 University of Guelph, Psychology, Blackwood Hall , 50 Stone Rd., Guelph , Ontario , Canada.
• 4 University of Guelph, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, MacDonald Institute , 50 Stone Rd., Guelph , Ontario , N1G 2W1 Canada.
• J Sex Marital Ther. 2016 Jan 6:0. [Epub ahead of print] 

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"Sex Is Sweet": Women from Low-Income Contexts in Uganda Talk About Sexual Desire and Pleasure

In many patriarchal societies in Africa, heterosexuality is privileged as the single legitimate form of sexual interaction; other sexualities are marginalised because they are perceived as un-African, abnormal, sinful and are repressed. Female sexuality too is subordinated and controlled with it being reduced to women's conventional mothering roles that are conflated with their reproductive capacities. However, there is evidence that women in heterosexual relations have the opportunity to assert themselves and to define pleasurable sex. 

Drawing on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with married women in heterosexual unions the article examines the extent to which women from low-income contexts in Uganda express their sexual agency. 

The findings show that within heterosexual relations, these women are able to express their sexual desires freely and negotiate diverse options for pleasurable sexual experiences. The evidence indicates the need for acknowledging variations within heterosexual experiences and the possibility of positive heterosexual relationships that resist hegemonic masculinity and subordinated femininity.

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By:   Muhanguzi FK1.

• 1Senior Lecturer, School of Women and Gender Studies, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, UGANDA. Electronic address: floramuha@yahoo.com. 

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Marital Status, Social Support & Depressive Symptoms among Lesbian & Heterosexual Women

The current study investigated social support and relationship status (single, dating-but-not-cohabiting, cohabiting, domestic partnership/civil union, married) as predictors of depressive symptoms among lesbian and heterosexual women. 

The study aimed to determine whether the documented higher rates of depressive symptoms among lesbians compared to heterosexual women could be accounted for by lesbians' reduced access to, or in many cases exclusion from, legalized relationship statuses. The effect of social support from family and social support from friends on depressive symptoms also was examined. 

Contrary to expectations, results indicated no difference in levels of depressive symptoms among lesbian compared to heterosexual women in this sample. However, regardless of sexual orientation, married women had lower levels of depressive symptoms than unmarried women. 

Thus, marriage seems to be associated with less depression in lesbian and heterosexual women alike. The interaction of social support and relationship status added to the prediction of depressive symptoms over and above the predictive power of either variable alone, although this effect was small and should be interpreted with caution.

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By:   Kornblith E1, Green RJ1, Casey S1, Tiet Q2,3.

• 1 California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University , San Francisco , California , USA.
• 2 Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System , Palo Alto , California , USA.
• 3 Stanford University School of Medicine , Menlo Park , California , USA. 

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Vulnerability of Wives of Nepalese Labor Migrants to HIV Infection: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence

HIV risk is determined by the interaction between social and individual risk factors, but information about such factors among Nepalese women is not yet understood. Therefore, to assess the risk factors and vulnerability of the wives of Nepalese labor migrants to HIV infection, we conducted a mixed-methods study in which a descriptive qualitative study was embedded within a case-control study. 

We interviewed 224 wives of labor migrants in the case-control study, and conducted two focus group discussions (n = 8 and 9) in the qualitative study. We found that illiteracy, low socio-economic status and gender inequality contributed to poor knowledge and poor sexual negotiation among the wives of labor migrants and increased their risk of HIV through unprotected sex. 

Among male labor migrants, illiteracy, low socio-economic status, migration to India before marriage and alcohol consumption contributed to liaisons with female sex workers, increasing the risk of HIV to the men and their wives through unprotected sex. 

Both labor migrants and their wives feared disclosure of positive HIV status due to HIV stigma and thus were less likely to be tested for HIV. HIV prevention programs should consider the interaction among these risk factors when targeting labor migrants and their wives.

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By:  Thapa S1,2, Bista N3, Hannes K4, Buve A2, Vermandere M1, Mathei C1.

• 1 Department of Public Health and Primary Care , Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Kapucijnenvoer 33, Block J-Box 7001. 3000 Leuven , Belgium .
• 2 Department of Public Health , Institute of Tropical Medicine , Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp , Belgium .
• 3 Department of Public Health , Nobel College Pokhara University , Kathmandu , Nepal.
• 4 Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences , Katholieke Universiteit Leuven , Andreas Vesaliusstraat 2-Box 3762, 3000 Leuven , Belgium. 

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Rejection Sensitivity, Perceived Power, and HIV Risk in the Relationships of Low-Income Urban Women

The psychological processes associated with HIV infection in long-term relationships differ from those operative in casual sexual encounters, and relatively little research has considered the aspects of personality applicable in the ongoing heterosexual relationships in which women are at greatest risk. 

Sensitivity to rejection has been linked with efforts to prevent rejection at a cost to the self and, therefore, may be relevant to the health risks that many women incur in relationships. We examined the association of rejection sensitivity with women’s sexual risk behavior in a sample of women at heightened risk for HIV exposure. Women in long-term heterosexual relationships (N = 159) were recruited for study participation in the hospital emergency room serving a low-income neighborhood in New York City, in 2001–2003. Rejection sensitivity and known HIV risk factors were assessed using verbally administered questionnaires. 

Rejection sensitivity was associated with lower perceived relationship power and, in turn, more frequent unprotected sex with a partner perceived to be at risk for HIV. These results held when controlling for other HIV risk factors including partner violence, economic dependence, and substance use. 

Understanding the association of rejection concerns with lower perceived personal power in relationships may be important for HIV prevention.

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By:  Kathy R. Berenson PHD^a*, Christine Paprocki MA^b, Marget Thomas Fishman BA^c, Devika Bhushan MD^c, Nabila El-BasselDSW^d & Geraldine Downey PHD^c

• ^a Department of Psychology, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA
• ^b Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
• ^c Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
• ^d School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA

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An Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Use Comparison of Lesbian, Bisexual & Heterosexual Undergraduate Women

BACKGROUND:

Little research has focused specifically on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use of lesbian and bisexual women in general or the college subgroup specifically. Previous research shows sexual minority women at increased risk when compared to their heterosexual counterparts.

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of the current study was to compare ATOD use of lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual undergraduate college women.

METHODS:

A secondary analysis of three fall semesters (2009-2011) of American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA-II) data was conducted. Women who self-identified as gay/lesbian (N = 538), bisexual (N = 1579), and heterosexual (N = 40,869) were compared on ATOD use. Chi-square Tests were used to analyze differences between the groups and logistic regression determined odds ratios of ATOD use.

RESULTS:

Bisexual women had greater odds of using alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana than heterosexual women and lesbians. They also had greater odds of using all illicit drugs (except steroids) and misusing prescription drugs than heterosexual women and greater odds of using amphetamines other than meth, sedatives, and ecstasy when compared to lesbians. Lesbians had greater odds of using tobacco, marijuana, sedatives, hallucinogens, other illegal drugs and misusing prescription drugs than heterosexual women. 

CONCLUSIONS: 

The study confirms increased ATOD use among sexual minority women as compared to their heterosexual counterparts with bisexual women having the highest use. This is the first study to examine misuse of prescription drugs among a large number of lesbian and bisexual college women, and contributes to the scant literature addressing college women's ATOD use by sexual orientation.

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By:  Kerr D1, Ding K, Burke A, Ott-Walter K.

• 1Health Education & Promotion, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA.

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Why (and When) Straight Women Trust Gay Men: Ulterior Mating Motives and Female Competition

Previous findings indicate that heterosexual women experience a greater sense of comfort and trust in their friendships with gay men than in their friendships with heterosexual individuals. 

In the present studies, we tested a hypothesis that not only explains why women exhibit increased trust in gay men but also yields novel predictions about when (i.e., in what contexts) this phenomenon is likely to occur. Specifically, we propose that gay men's lack of motives to mate with women or to compete with them for mates enhances women's trust in gay men and openness to befriend them. 

Study 1 demonstrated that women placed greater trust in a gay man's mating-but not non-mating (e.g., career) advice-than in the same advice given by heterosexual individuals. 

Study 2 showed that women perceived a gay man to be more sincere in scenarios relevant to sexual and competitive mating deception. 

In Study 3, exposing women to a visualization of increased mating competition enhanced their trust in gay men; when mating competition was salient, women's trust in mating information from a gay man was amplified. 

Study 4 showed that women who perceived higher levels of mating competition were more open to befriending gay men. 

Together, these converging findings support our central hypothesis, which not only provides a distal explanation for the trust that straight women place in gay men, but also provides novel insights into previously unidentified contexts that facilitate the formation and strengthening of this unique bond.

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By:  Russell EM1, Ta VP2, Lewis DM3, Babcock MJ2, Ickes W2.

• 1Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19528, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA. eric.russell@mavs.uta.edu.
• 2Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19528, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA.
• 3Department of Psychology, Bilkent University, 06800, Bilkent, Ankara, Turkey. 

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