Traditional Sex and Gender Stereotypes in the Relationships of Non-Disclosing Behaviorally Bisexual Men

"Female Top, Male Bottom": Gendered Power Dynamics in Sexual and Romantic Relationships within "Fourth Love" Community in China

In China, "fourth love" is a term to describe a particular form of intimacy. In a narrow sense, it describes a sexual act in which a woman uses a strap-on dildo to penetrate a man's anus, an act known as pegging. The purpose of this study was to examine whether power dynamics exist not only in sexual relationships but also in romantic relationships within the fourth love community. The research sample comprised 529 individuals in the fourth love group (197 males and 332 females) and 337 individuals in the non-fourth love group (150 males and 187 females). The study revealed that the core elements of perceived fourth love criteria - including pegging, romantic relationship, female dominance, and heterosexual identity - were strongly supported by the fourth love group. Notably, the aspect of romantic relationships received the highest level of agreement. Fourth love relationships exhibited a female-dominated model of sexual and romantic interactions. Specifically, women reported a substantial increase in power perception (d = 1.94, p < .001), whereas men tended to attribute greater power to their partners during sexual behaviors (d = 2.56, p < .001). Women significantly assumed more dominant and controlling roles (d = 0.57, p < .001), while men demonstrated greater dependence within romantic relationships (d = 1.72, p < .001). This study reveals fourth love as a unique pattern of intimacy, with women assuming a dominant role in both sexual and romantic interactions. This pattern challenges traditional gender roles and offers new perspectives on understanding gender, power, and intimacy.

Gender differences in treatment effectiveness for borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a psychological disorder that is diagnosed predominantly in females yet is equally as prevalent in males. Many empirical research studies on the treatment of BPD have been conducted with only female participants. We aimed to investigate the impact of current treatments for BPD on men compared to women. Using data from a larger ongoing longitudinal study, we matched 48 males with 48 females in treatment on age, overall functioning and psychological distress at intake and then accessed their progress in treatment after 12 months. Controlling for the initial scores at baseline, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) analysis found significant differences in outcome measures at 12-months follow-up. Females had significantly greater improvements in BPD severity and greater improvements in internalizing symptoms such as chronic feelings of emptiness. Females also reported significantly greater satisfaction and ratings of health at follow-up. These findings suggest that current treatment as usual for BPD could be more effective for women compared to men. Results from the study highlight the need for future studies to investigate the experience of males in current BPD treatment and to identify potential areas for modification to better cater to this population.

Erotic Imagination in Latin America: Reflections on Sexual Fantasies and Coloniality

Latin America comprises 20 countries and 14 dependent territories throughout the Western Hemisphere. It is a diverse and plural region in terms of its geography, cultures, languages, and historical experiences, with fifteenth-century colonialism as a common denominator. Two areas in which the lingering effects of coloniality seem clearly ever-present are the realms of gender and sexuality. The latter encompasses sexual fantasies, a subject of focus in this article. The examination of sexual fantasies remains a ripe area for future research, particularly throughout the Global South, where its linkages to coloniality should be explored in detail. To contribute to this larger and long-term goal, we implemented an online qualitative study designed to document the sexual fantasies of Spanish-speaking individuals living in the Latin American region. We developed a data-gathering form that included open-ended questions to document sexual fantasies. The form was available through the JotForm online platform that was linked to the study webpage entitled "A Calzón Quita'o." We conducted a thematic analysis to identify response patterns. Three main categories emerged from: (1) spatiotemporal references, (2) multiple partners, and (3) power, control, and rough sex. We relied on perspectives linked to ongoing discussions about coloniality to analyze the thematic content in the participants' responses regarding their sexual fantasies. The findings highlight the existing tensions between the reproduction of-and resistance to-the norms associated with gender roles and their embodiment within the framework of the gender binary inherited from coloniality.

The Experiences Surrounding Romantic Relationships of Korean Bisexual Individuals

Introduction

In recent years, the level of social and academic interest in sexual minorities has been gradually increasing. However, studies on bisexual individuals and the data on experiences of bisexual individuals outside the United States are scarce.

Methods

To decrease the gap in the literature, this study examined the experiences of South Korean bisexual individuals in the context of romantic relationships via semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Participants were recruited through online-based platforms, and the interview with eight participants was analyzed.

Results

Five main themes were identified: discovering myself as bisexual, being exposed to discrimination and exclusion, being affected by the sex of a romantic partner, protecting myself when engaging in a romantic relationship, and benefits of a romantic relationship.

Discussion

The findings suggest that Korea's heteronormative system and culture were the major challenges perceived by the participants. In conclusion, this study illustrates how sociocultural norms, social acceptance, and recognition affect bisexual identity in a romantic relationship.

Playing Hard-to-Get: A New Look at an Old Strategy

According to dating folklore, playing "hard-to-get" is an effective strategy for attracting prospective mates. However, some research suggests that this strategy could backfire if it leads prospective mates to withhold their attraction in return. The present research aimed to review the scope of research on the link between playing hard-to-get - i.e., appearing uncertain in one's interest and/or difficult to attract - and romantic or sexual outcomes. A scoping search was conducted in the electronic databases of PsycINFO, Sociology Source Ultimate, Anthropology Plus, and Academic Search Ultimate using key words related to playing hard-to-get in the context of dating. A total of 18 studies were included in the review. Research suggests that playing hard-to-get may work if optimal levels of perceived uncertainty and difficulty are achieved. Additional variables were identified as being important when evaluating the tactic's efficacy. These include the pursuer's own level commitment to the pursued partner and aversion to uncertainty, and both the pursuer and pursued partners' gender and attachment styles. Directions for future research and the relevance of sociocultural norms in dating are discussed. Keywords: playing hard-to-get, dating, romantic relationships, mating strategy, attraction.

Issues in bisexual men's lives: Identity, health and relationships

This article provides a critical review of recent research about bisexual men. It foregrounds research dedicated to this group, rather than when bisexual men are included in a broader study, providing a rationale for the importance of doing this. The review finds that there is still a preponderance of research on bisexual men focused on experiences of stigma and discrimination, often from a public health perspective or with a focus on negative health outcomes. Social science research explores disclosure of bisexual identity, with evidence of widespread stigma but also positive experiences of disclosure. Bisexual men have diverse experiences of romantic relationship, with the gender and sexuality of the partner influencing relationship dynamics. Research also highlights sexual health issues, including difficulties in accessing healthcare. The review shows that further research is needed into this understudied population.

Sexual Assault and Behavioral Health: What Can We Learn From a Probability Sample of Young Sexual Minority Men?

BACKGROUND

Previous research indicates that young sexual minority men (YSMM) are at increased risk of experiencing sexual assault compared to their heterosexual peers. While this increased risk is documented in comparison studies, very little is known about the specific range of sexual assault experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of sexual assault experiences and their association with depression and alcohol use for YSMM.

METHODS

In 2017 and 2018, 124 YSMM (18-24 year-olds) were recruited to participate in an online study using probability-based sampling methods, in Los Angeles, CA. Participants answered items about lifetime and recent sexual assault experiences (i.e., unwanted touching, oral rape, penetrative rape), characteristics of the coercive behaviors, recent alcohol use, and depression. Analysis of variance (ANOVAs) and multiple linear regressions investigated the relationships between sexual assault experiences and behavioral health.

RESULTS

The sample reported a range of lifetime sexual assault experiences: 70% unwanted touching and 28% penetrative rape. Fifty-five percent of the sample reported some type of recent sexual assault, with 17% reporting a recent penetrative rape. ANOVAs of the impact of different forms of sexual assault on behavior health indicated that unwanted touching was associated with higher depression and alcohol use. Further investigation of recent unwanted touching indicated that frequency is associated with depression and binge drinking. Of participants who reported experiences of unwanted touching, 61% reported it occurred while they were intoxicated.

DISCUSSION

Findings support previous evidence of high rates of sexual assault among YSMM. Further, the majority of men who reported sexual assault indicated that it occurred while they were intoxicated, suggesting that unwanted touching is occurring while men are drinking alcohol, likely in bars. The culture of gay bars may encourage nonconsensual touching during intoxication and these experiences of sexual assault have consequences (i.e., higher levels of depression and alcohol use).

Heterosexual Identification and Same-Sex Partnering: Prevalence and Attitudinal Characteristics in the USA

This paper used the 2011-2017 National Survey of Family Growth to estimate population sizes and attitudinal characteristics of heterosexual-identified men who have sex with men (MSM) and women who have sex with women (WSW) aged 15-44 years. Analyses estimated population sizes in stages: after excluding respondents who reported only one lifetime same-sex partner, which happened before the age of 15; after excluding males who reported nonconsensual male-male sex; after excluding respondents who reported only one lifetime same-sex partner, regardless of the age at which that experience occurred; after excluding respondents who reported only two lifetime same-sex partners, the first of which occurred before age 15; and after excluding males who reported male-male sex work. The broadest criteria included many individuals with limited same-sex sexual histories or those who experienced nonconsensual sex or potentially coerced sex in youth. After excluding those respondents, analyses showed that heterosexual-identified MSM and WSW had a diversity of attitudes about gender and LGB rights; only a distinct minority were overtly homophobic and conservative. Researchers should carefully consider whether to include respondents who report unwanted sexual contact or sex at very young ages when they analyze sexual identity-behavior discordance or define sexual minority populations on the basis of behavior.

Thinking as the others do: persistence and conformity of sexual double standard among young Italians

The double standard represents a standard of good behaviour that, unfairly, some people are expected to follow or achieve, but others are not. Once neglected by social scientists, the double standard in sexual attitudes has become more and more studied. In this paper, we inquire about the existence of the double standard in opinions regarding peers’ sexual behaviours and study its determinants. What makes young people judge the sexual behaviour of women in a more conservative way than that of men? The paper uses data collected from Italian university students, who are asked to express their (dis)approval of a series of sexual behaviours, considering peers of either gender participating in those behaviours. The results show that the double standard exists and has been persistent amid Italian undergraduate students over the last 20 years, and that the cultural context matters more than the family in shaping students’ beliefs.