Psychosexual Correlates of Sexual Double Standard Endorsement in Adolescent Sexuality

Endorsement and enactment of the (hetero)sexual double standard (SDS), prescribing sexual modesty for girls and sexual prowess for boys, has been shown to be negatively related to sexual and mental health. To be able to challenge the SDS, more insight is needed into the conditions that shape gendered sexual attitudes. 

A survey was conducted among 465 heterosexual adolescents (aged 16–20 years), examining the relationship between a number of relevant demographic and psychosexual variables and SDS endorsement. SDS endorsement was assessed using a newly developed instrument, the Scale for the Assessment of Sexual Standards Among Youth (SASSY). Gender (being male) and religiousness were significantly associated with increased SDS endorsement. 

For both boys and girls, increased feelings of entitlement to self-induced sexual pleasure (e.g., masturbation) were significantly associated with reduced SDS endorsement, whereas higher gender investment was significantly associated with increased SDS endorsement. Furthermore, increased feelings of entitlement to partner-induced sexual pleasure and more frequent talking about sexuality with peers were associated with increased SDS endorsement among boys but not among girls. 

We conclude that future research should explore peer influence processes through peer communication about sex, gender investment, and feelings of entitlement to both self and partner-induced sexual pleasure.

Scale for the Assessment of Sexual Standards Among Youth (SASSY) Items and Factor Loadings

Item #	Item Content	Factor Loadings
1	Once a boy is sexually aroused, a girl cannot really refuse sex anymore.	.626
2	Girls like boys who take the lead in sex.	.404
3	I think that a girl who takes the initiative in sex is pushy.	.617
4	I think it is more appropriate for a boy than for a girl to date different people at the same time.	.508
5	Girls should act in a more reserved way concerning sex than boys.	.618
6	I think it is more appropriate for a boy than for a girl to have sex without love.	.456
7	A boy should be more knowledgeable about sex than a girl.	.650
8	I think sex is less important for girls than for boys.	.712
9	I think it is normal for boys to take the dominant role in sex.	.506
10	I think sexually explicit talk is more acceptable for a boy than for a girl.	.562
11	Sometimes a boy should apply some pressure to a girl to get what he wants sexually.	.582
12	It is more important for a girl to keep her virginity until marriage than it is for a boy.	.531
13	Boys are more entitled to sexual pleasure than girls.	.640
14	It is not becoming for a girl to have unusual sexual desires.	.536
15	Sex is more important for boys than for girls.	.548
16	It is more important for a girl to look attractive than it is for a boy.	.449
17	Boys and girls want completely different things in sex.	.413
18	I think cheating is to be expected more from boys than from girls.	.533
19	I think it is important for a boy to act as if he is sexually active, even if it is not true.	.641
20	I think it is more appropriate for a boy than for a girl to masturbate frequently.	.434

Note. The instrument was administered in the Dutch language. For international readability the table provides the English translation. Dutch item wording is available upon request.

Below:  Interaction between participant sex and talking about sex with peers (separated by low and high frequency of talk) depicted based on standardized values.

Below:  Interaction between participant sex and feelings of entitlement to partner-induced sexual pleasure (separated by low and high entitlement) depicted based on standardized values

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/lCG0t8

By:  Peggy M. J. Emmerink, a , * Ine Vanwesenbeeck, a , b Regina J. J. M. van den Eijnden, a and Tom F. M. ter Bogt a

aDepartment of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands

bRutgers, Expert Centre for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Utrecht, Netherlands

Correspondence should be addressed to Peggy M. J. Emmerink, Department of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Martinus J. Langeveldbuilding, Room H2.09, Heidelberglaan 1, Utrecht 3584 CS, the Netherlands.

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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.

Purchase full article at:   http://goo.gl/bEV1Yd

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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Adolescent Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder Growing Up: Follow-Up of Self-Reported Sexual Experience

Systematic research on sexual development in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains scant, notwithstanding the often-suggested relation between ASD, atypical, and even sexually offensive behaviours. 

This study compared follow-up data related to lifetime sexual experience (LTSE) in a homogeneous group of adolescent boys with ASD (n = 30), aged 16-20, with a matched group of boys in the general population (n = 60). Most boys in the ASD and control groups reported masturbation and having experienced an orgasm. 

The proportion of boys with ASD that had no partnered sexual experience was larger than in the control group. This difference was mostly explained by significantly fewer boys with ASD, compared with controls, who reported experience with kissing and petting; no significant differences emerged relating to more intimate partnered sexual experiences. The results suggest the existence of a subgroup of boys who have not (yet) entered the arena of partnered sexual experiences-a finding in line with research in adult samples. 

There were no differences relating to sexual abuse or coercion. Exploration of the partnered experiences revealed a variety of types of partners, mostly of comparable age. Several boys with ASD had not anticipated their sexual debut. Although they felt ready for it, some boys reported regret afterward. 

The hypothesised sexual developmental trajectories are subject to further research, but the sexual experience in this sample and the assumed developmental differences indicate the need for early, attuned, and comprehensive sexuality-related education and communication.

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/e5qXxa

By:  Dewinter J1,2, Vermeiren R3,4, Vanwesenbeeck I5,6, Van Nieuwenhuizen C7,8.

• 1Scientific Centre for Care and Welfare (Tranzo), Tilburg University, PO Box 90153 (T618), 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands. jeroen.dewinter@antwerpen.be.
• 2GGzE Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, PO Box 909 (DP1104), 5600 AX, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. jeroen.dewinter@antwerpen.be.
• 3Curium-LUMC, Leiden University Medical Centre, PO box 15, 2300 AA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
• 4Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU Medical Centre Amsterdam, PO Box 303, 1115 ZG, Duivendrecht, The Netherlands.
• 5Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
• 6Rutgers, PO Box 9022, 3506 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
• 7Scientific Centre for Care and Welfare (Tranzo), Tilburg University, PO Box 90153 (T618), 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
• 8GGzE Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, PO Box 909 (DP1104), 5600 AX, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. 
• Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016 Jan 20.

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Masturbation and Pornography Use among Coupled Heterosexual Men with Decreased Sexual Desire: How Many Roles of Masturbation?

The relation between masturbation and sexual desire has not been systematically studied. The present study assessed the association between masturbation and pornography use and the predictors and correlates of frequent masturbation (several times a week or more often) among coupled heterosexual men who reported decreased sexual desire. 

Analyses were carried out on a subset of 596 men with decreased sexual desire (mean age = 40.2 years) who were recruited as part of a large online study on male sexual health in 3 European countries. 

A majority of the participants (67%) reported masturbating at least once a week. Among men who masturbated frequently, 70% used pornography at least once a week. A multivariate assessment showed that sexual boredom, frequent pornography use, and low relationship intimacy significantly increased the odds of reporting frequent masturbation among coupled men with decreased sexual desire. 

These findings point to a pattern of pornography-related masturbation that can be dissociated from partnered sexual desire and can fulfill diverse purposes. 

Clinical implications include the importance of exploring specific patterns of masturbation and pornography use in the evaluation of coupled men with decreased sexual desire.

Purchase full article at:   http://goo.gl/2QzV1u

By:  Ana Carvalheira^a*, Bente Træen^b & Aleksandar Stulhofer^c

^a Department of Clinical Psychology, ISPA-University Institute, Lisbon, Portugal

^b Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

^c Department of Sociology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

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Sex in Its Daily Relational Context

INTRODUCTION:

The present study measured the daily correlates of sexual behavior in an ecologically valid context by relying on a daily diary approach.

AIM:

Examining the dyadic and multicomponent nature of sexual behavior is essential to create valid models of sexual responding that are better aligned with the day-to-day context of having sex in a relationship.

METHODS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

During 3 weeks, heterosexual couples completed, two times a day, an electronic diary to report on mood, own and perceived partner behavior, relational feelings (in the evening), sexual activity, physical intimacy, and masturbation (in the morning). This design allowed testing bidirectional temporal associations between daily context and different types of sexual behavior.

RESULTS:

Positive mood, displays of positive partner behavior, perceived positive partner behavior, and positive relational feelings predicted more sexual activity and intimacy in men, which then further increased their positive mood, perceived positive partner behavior, and positive feelings about the relationship on the following day. Women showed a similar pattern of predictors regarding sexual activity as men, though the effect of sexual behavior on next-day feelings and behavior was more relationship-oriented rather than affecting personal mood. Intimacy was related to almost all daily variables in women, but related only to own and perceived positive partner behavior and positive relational feelings the next day. Several partner effects also reached significance, and these were more influential in predicting male than female intimacy. Solitary sexual activity showed a different pattern of results than dyadic sexual activity, with men experiencing masturbation as negatively in the context of their relationship.

CONCLUSION:

These results confirm the regulatory function of sex and intimacy in maintaining a positive relational climate and indicate that the quality of the everyday relational context is important to get partners in the mood to act in a sexual way.

Purchase full article at:    http://goo.gl/9VDfJO

By:  Dewitte M1,2, Van Lankveld J3, Vandenberghe S4, Loeys T5.

• 1Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
• 2Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
• 3Department of Clinical Psychology, Open University Heerlen, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
• 4Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
• 5Department of Data Analysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 

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Impact of Prostate Cancer Treatment on the Sexual Quality of Life for Men Who Have Sex with Men

With earlier prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and an increased focus on survivorship, post-treatment sexual quality of life (QoL) has become increasingly important. Research and validated instruments for sexual QoL assessment based on heterosexual samples have limited applicability for men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM).

We aimed to create a validated instrument for assessing sexual needs and concerns of MSM post-PCa treatment. Here we explore post-PCa treatment sexual concerns for a sample of MSM, as the first part of this multi-phase project.

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 MSM face-to-face or via Internet-based video conferencing. Participants were asked open-ended questions about their experiences of sexual QoL following PCa. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, uploaded to NVivo 8^TM , and analyzed using qualitative methodology.

We have conducted semi-structure qualitative interviews on 16 MSM who were treated for PCa. Focus was on post-treatment sexual concerns.

The following themes were inductively derived: (i) erectile, urinary, ejaculation, and orgasmic dysfunctions; (ii) challenges to intimate relationships; and (iii) lack of MSM-specific oncological and psychosocial support for PCa survivorship. Sexual practices pre-treatment ranked in order of frequency were masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex, an ordering that prevailed post-treatment. Sexual QoL decreased with erectile, urinary, and ejaculation dysfunctions. Post-treatment orgasms were compromised. Some single men and men in non-monogamous relationships reported a loss of confidence or difficulty meeting other men post-treatment. Limited access to targeted oncological and psychosocial supports posed difficulties in coping with PCa for MSM.

The negative impact on sexual QoL can be severe for MSM and requires targeted attention. Penile-vaginal intercourse and erectile function have been the primary focus of sexual research and rehabilitation for men with PCa, and do not adequately reflect the sexual practices of MSM. Our findings suggest that future research dedicated to MSM with PCa is needed to incorporate their sexual practices and preferences specifically into treatment decisions, and that targeted oncological and psychosocial support services are also warranted. Lee TK, Handy AB, Kwan W, Oliffe JL, Brotto LA, Wassersug RJ, and Dowsett GW. The impact of prostate cancer treatment on the sexual quality of life for men-who-have-sex-with-men.

Purchase full article at:   http://goo.gl/IefZQt

By:  Lee TK1, Handy AB2, Kwan W1, Oliffe JL3, Brotto LA2, Wassersug RJ4, Dowsett GW5.

• 1British Columbia Cancer Agency, Fraser Valley Cancer Centre, Surrey, BC, Canada.
• 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diamond Health Care Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
• 3Faculty of Applied Science, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
• 4Department of Urologic Sciences, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
• 5Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 

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The Psychosexual Profile of Sexual Assistants: An Internet-Based Explorative Study

Sexual assistance may have some aspects that resemble prostitution and others that might lead one to think of sexual assistants as similar to a group of subjects whose sexual object is disability (devotees). In this study, we investigate whether a rigorous selection and training process on the part of specialised organisations may reduce the risk of training subjects with an atypical sexual interest and behaviours resembling prostitution.

The study population consisted of 152 subjects defining themselves as sexual assistants. Subjects were initially contacted on websites specifically dedicated to sexual assistants and prostitutes. One hundred and twenty subjects were selected, by propensity score analysis, and studied by means of a modified version of a semi-structured questionnaire previously developed to investigate a population of subjects attracted by disability.

The study group was composed of 80 trained and 40 untrained sexual assistants, with mean ages of 41.5 (SD +/-12.58) and 44.5 (SD +/-11.62), respectively. A significant number of untrained subjects affirmed that their motivation in carrying out sexual assistance was of a remunerative nature, while this number was lower among the trained assistants (p = 0.001). Nearly all untrained subjects claimed to do one or more of the following activities during sexual assistance: sexual intercourse, oral sex, and masturbation. Among the trained subjects, however, only 47.5% claimed to do one or more of these activities, which means that there is a significant gap between trained and untrained assistants (p<0.0001). The existence of an atypical sexual interest was more evident between untrained rather than between trained subjects (p<0.0001).

Sexual assistance represents a way through which people affected by disabilities may attain the right to explore their sexuality in a safe setting. This can be guaranteed only if sexual assistants are trained and carefully selected by specialised organisations.

Table 2

The table shows the questions investigating characteristics suggestive of prostitution.

ITEMS	TRAINED SUBJECTS (N = 80)	UNTRAINED SUBJECTS (N = 40)	P value
Motivations to work as sexual assistant* (%; N)
For money	61.2%; (49/80)	95%; (38/40)	0.0001
To turn my sexual interest into a job	36.2%; (29/80)	27.5%; (11/40)	0.451
To take care of people affected by disabilities	33.7%; (27/80)	25%; (10/40)	0.442
I don’t know	3.7%; (3/80)	5%; (2/40)	0.872
Is your work as a sexual assistant always remunerated by moneyor other kinds of gifts? (%; N)
Yes	53.7%; (43/80)	87.5%; (35/40)	<0.0001
No	46.2%; (37/80)	12.5%; (5/40)	<0.0001
I’d rather not say	0%; (0/80)	0%; (0/40)	1
What kind of activities do you carry out during sexualassistance? (%; N)
Sexual activities resembling those of prostitution (oral sex, masturbation,sexual intercourse)	47.5%; (38/80)	95%; (38/40)	<0.0001

*Note that some subjects chose more than one option. Hence, the total number of responses does not equal 100% of the sample.

Full article at: http://goo.gl/iqHrnk

By:  Limoncin E1, Galli D1, Ciocca G1, Gravina GL1, Carosa E1, Mollaioli D1, Lenzi A2, Jannini EA3.

• 1Department of Clinical and Applied Sciences and Biotechnologies, School of Sexology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
• 2Department of Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
• 3Department of Clinical and Applied Sciences and Biotechnologies, School of Sexology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.

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Psychosexual Correlates of Sexual Double Standard Endorsement in Adolescent Sexuality

Endorsement and enactment of the (hetero)sexual double standard (SDS), prescribing sexual modesty for girls and sexual prowess for boys, has been shown to be negatively related to sexual and mental health. To be able to challenge the SDS, more insight is needed into the conditions that shape gendered sexual attitudes. 

A survey was conducted among 465 heterosexual adolescents (aged 16-20 years), examining the relationship between a number of relevant demographic and psychosexual variables and SDS endorsement. SDS endorsement was assessed using a newly developed instrument, the Scale for the Assessment of Sexual Standards Among Youth (SASSY). Gender (being male) and religiousness were significantly associated with increased SDS endorsement. 

For both boys and girls, increased feelings of entitlement to self-induced sexual pleasure (e.g., masturbation) were significantly associated with reduced SDS endorsement, whereas higher gender investment was significantly associated with increased SDS endorsement. Furthermore, increased feelings of entitlement to partner-induced sexual pleasure and more frequent talking about sexuality with peers were associated with increased SDS endorsement among boys but not among girls. 

We conclude that future research should explore peer influence processes through peer communication about sex, gender investment, and feelings of entitlement to both self and partner-induced sexual pleasure.

Via: http://ht.ly/S3j0u 

By: Emmerink PM1, Vanwesenbeeck I, van den Eijnden RJ, Ter Bogt TF.

• 1a Department of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences , Utrecht University , Utrecht , Netherlands
  .
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Asexuality Development among Middle Aged & Older Men

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The specific reasons for asexuality in the population without sexual intercourse

The distribution of chronic disease and sexual status among age groups

Abstract

Objectives

To assess erectile function in middle-aged and older men with asexuality status and further analyze their specific reasons for this condition.

Subjects and Methods

Men who had regular sexual intercourse attempts (sex frequency≥1 time per month) were classified into mild erectile dysfunction (ED), moderate to severe ED and non-ED according to International Index of Erectile Function-5, and men having no sexual intercourse attempts for at least 6 months were defined as having an asexuality status. The risk factors associated with ED were collected in a sample of 1,531 Chinese men aged 40 to 80 years, and the self-report reasons for asexuality were recorded in asexual cohort individually. Comparative analyses and multivariate regression models were conducted among these groups.

Results

The prevalence rates of ED and asexuality status were 49.9% and 37.2%. The asexuality status group had higher risk factors than the moderate to severe ED group in terms of old age (age≥65, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 17.69 versus (Vs.) 7.19), diabetes (crude OR: 2.40 Vs. 2.36) and hypertension (crude OR: 1.78 Vs. 1.72). The specific reasons for the asexuality status were “erectile difficulty” (52.9%), “do not care about sexuality” (53.5%)”, “no longer necessary to have sexuality at this age” (47.7%), “severe stress” (44.4%), “severe fatigue” (26.3%) and “masturbation” (26.9%).

Conclusions

Men with an asexual status suffer from higher risk factors for ED than men with moderate to severe ED. The majority of this asexual status could be attributed to a full ED, although the reasons for this transient asexuality also involved sexual attitudes and interests, sexual partners and masturbation.