1
|
Nguyen TC, Donovan EE, Wright ML. Doula Support Challenges and Coping Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Maternal Health Inequities. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 38:1099-1110. [PMID: 34894931 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1991641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made birthing more stressful and isolating, which has raised particular concern for populations of birthing people affected by maternal health inequities. Doulas have been proposed as one means of improving health outcomes by providing emotional, physical, and informational support to patients and their families before, during, or after labor. However, the social and economic conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic have posed new challenges for doula care. We conducted thematic analysis on 25 semi-structured interviews with practicing doulas in the United States to explore changes to doula care during the pandemic. Although doulas have faced many challenges in providing virtual and socially-distanced support during the pandemic, the rising use of telehealth among doulas has revealed new coping strategies and opportunities for virtual communication with the doula community. Our findings indicate that doula experiences during the pandemic can inform future doula care practices, particularly for birthing people of color and low-income birthing people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tien C Nguyen
- College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas
| | - Erin E Donovan
- Department of Communication Studies, The University of Texas
| | - Michelle L Wright
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas
- Department of Women's Health, Dell Medical School
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Herbenick D, Patterson C, Khan S, Voorheis E, Sullivan A, Wright P, Keene S. "Don't Just Randomly Grab Someone's Neck during Intercourse!" An Analysis of Internet Articles about Choking/Strangulation during Sex. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 49:41-55. [PMID: 35570586 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2065392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sexual choking/strangulation has become prevalent among young U.S. adults, yet little is known about media articles that teach readers about choking. We conducted a content analysis of 27 Internet articles, examining how choking is described, information related to health risks and healthcare, and article accuracy. Most articles described choking in positive terms and indicated choking can be done safely or properly, even while acknowledging potential dangers. Only two articles indicated having undergone expert/medical review. Few gave information about signs that would warrant seeking healthcare. Sexuality professionals need to be aware of choking-related information and misinformation in online media articles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Callie Patterson
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Shahzarin Khan
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Eva Voorheis
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Anne Sullivan
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Paul Wright
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Samantha Keene
- School of Social and Cultural Studies, The Institute of Criminology, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Herbenick D, Rosenberg M, Golzarri-Arroyo L, Fortenberry JD, Fu TC. Changes in Penile-Vaginal Intercourse Frequency and Sexual Repertoire from 2009 to 2018: Findings from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1419-1433. [PMID: 34799832 PMCID: PMC8604196 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02125-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Solo and partnered sexual behaviors are relevant to health, well-being, and relationships. Recent research shows that sexual frequency has declined in the U.S. and in other countries; however, measurement has been imprecise. We used data from 14- to 49-year-old participants in the 2009 and 2018 waves of the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB), a confidential U.S. nationally representative survey that is conducted online. We aimed to: (1) assess changes in frequency of past-year penile-vaginal intercourse and (2) examine combinations of past-year sexual behaviors for each of the two waves. We hypothesized that we would observe lower frequency of penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) from 2009 to 2018 and that we would observe greater engagement in sexual repertoires involving non-coital partnered behaviors (e.g., partnered masturbation, oral sex) in 2018 as compared to 2009. Participants were 4155 individuals from the 2009 NSSHB (Adolescents: 406 females, 414 males; Adults: 1591 women, 1744 men) and 4547 individuals from the 2018 NSSHB (Adolescents: 416 females, 411 males; Adults: 2007 women, 1713 men). Compared to adult participants in the 2009 NSSHB, adults in the 2018 NSSHB were significantly more likely to report no PVI in the prior year (28% in 2018 vs. 24% in 2009). A similar difference in proportions reporting no PVI in the prior year was observed among 14-17-year-old adolescents (89% in 2018 vs. 79% in 2009). Additionally, for both adolescents and adults, we observed decreases in all modes of partnered sex queried and, for adolescents, decreases in solo masturbation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Room 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Room 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lilian Golzarri-Arroyo
- Biostatistics Consulting Center, Indiana University School of Public Health Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - J Dennis Fortenberry
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Room 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Room 116, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wright PJ, Herbenick D, Tokunaga RS. Pornography and Women's Experience of Mixed-Gender Sexual Choking/Strangulation: Eroticization Mediates, Perceived Similarity Moderates. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 27:173-182. [PMID: 35535648 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2022.2073406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sexual choking, which is a form of strangulation, can lead to various health consequences, including death. Recent surveys suggest that sexual choking is prevalent among young U.S. adults, a demographic also likely to view pornography. Pornography professionals, social commentators, and scholars have noted that mixed-gender choking is normative in contemporary pornography. Further, the pornographic portrayal of sexual choking is gendered; men choke women more often than women choke men. Guided by the sexual script acquisition, activation, application model (3AM) of mediated sexual socialization, the present campus-representative probability study explored associations between heterosexual-identified women's pornography exposure and sexual choking behavior. The more frequently women viewed pornography, the more often they were exposed to pornographic depictions of sexual choking. Exposure to sexual choking, in turn, was associated with being choked by men, but not choking men. The link between choking exposure and being choked was mediated by the eroticization of choking (rather than reduced agency to stop rough sex) and became stronger the more women perceived themselves as similar to actors in pornography. These results suggest that women's experience of sexual choking is influenced by their use of pornography, but in an active and willing, rather than a passive and unwilling, manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Wright
- The Media School, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Debby Herbenick
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion in the School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington
| | - Robert S Tokunaga
- The Department of Communication, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Herbenick D, Guerra-Reyes L, Patterson C, Rosenstock Gonzalez YR, Wagner C, Zounlome N. "It Was Scary, But Then It Was Kind of Exciting": Young Women's Experiences with Choking During Sex. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1103-1123. [PMID: 34761344 PMCID: PMC8579901 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02049-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Choking/strangulation during sex is prevalent among young adults, with one study finding that 58% of women college students had ever been choked during sex. However, no qualitative study has examined women's experiences with choking/strangulation during sex outside of intimate partner violence. The purpose of our qualitative interview study was to investigate women's experiences with choking and/or being choked during partnered sex. Through in-depth interviews with 24 undergraduate and graduate women students ages 18 to 33, we sought to understand how women communicate about choking, their learning about and initiation into choking, their feelings about being choked and choking others, as well as consent and safety practices used in relation to choking. We found that women had first learned about choking through diverse sources including pornography, erotic stories, magazines, social media, friends, and partners. While all 24 women had been choked during sex, only 13 of 24 had ever choked a partner. They described having engaged in choking with men as well as women and with committed as well as more casual partner types. Participants described consensual and non-consensual choking experiences. While many women enjoyed choking, others did it largely to please their sexual partner. Women described different methods and intensities of having been choked. Although very few had ever sought out information on safety practices or risk reduction, and only some had established safe words or safe gestures with partners, participants consistently expressed a belief that the ways in which they and their partner(s) engaged in choking were safe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47401, USA.
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
- PH 116, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47401, USA
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Callie Patterson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47401, USA
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Yael R Rosenstock Gonzalez
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47401, USA
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Caroline Wagner
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47401, USA
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Nelson Zounlome
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Herbenick D, Fu TC, Kawata K, Eastman-Mueller H, Guerra-Reyes L, Rosenberg M, Valdivia DS. Non-Fatal Strangulation/Choking During Sex and Its Associations with Mental Health: Findings from an Undergraduate Probability Survey. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 48:238-250. [PMID: 34596011 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.1985025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Choking/strangulation during sex is prevalent among young adults in the United States. We examined associations between having ever been choked and participants' current mental health symptoms (e.g., feeling depressed, anxious, sad, lonely) in the prior 30 days and in the prior year. Participants were 4352 randomly sampled undergraduates who completed a confidential online survey and reported lifetime partnered sexual activity. 33.6% of women and 6.0% of men reported having been choked more than five times. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, having been choked remained significantly associated with all four mental health outcomes, except for overwhelming anxiety among men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Keisuke Kawata
- Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Division of Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Heather Eastman-Mueller
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Dubravka Svetina Valdivia
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Herbenick D, Guerra-Reyes L, Patterson C, Rosenstock Gonzalez YR, Wagner C, Zounlome NOO. "If Their Face Starts Turning Purple, You Are Probably Doing Something Wrong": Young Men's Experiences with Choking During Sex. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022; 48:502-519. [PMID: 34873995 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2021.2009607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Choking/strangulation during sex has become prevalent in the United States. Yet, no qualitative research has addressed men's choking experiences. Through interviews with 21 young adult men, we examined the language men use to refer to choking, how they first learned about it, their experiences with choking, and consent and safety practices. Men learned about choking during adolescence from pornography, partners, friends, and mainstream media. They engaged in choking to be kinky, adventurous, and to please partners. While many enjoyed or felt neutral about choking, others were reluctant to choke or be choked. Safety and verbal/non-verbal consent practices varied widely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Callie Patterson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Yael R Rosenstock Gonzalez
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Caroline Wagner
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Nelson O O Zounlome
- Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, College of Education, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schori A, Jackowski C, Schön CA. How safe is BDSM? A literature review on fatal outcome in BDSM play. Int J Legal Med 2021; 136:287-295. [PMID: 34383118 PMCID: PMC8813685 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02674-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
A noteworthy number of people are interested in BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism, and masochism). Fatal outcomes while participating in BDSM activities occur. The aim of this literature review is to give a better insight into potential dangerous BDSM play by summarizing published data on BDSM fatalities. A literature search was conducted. It was searched for non-natural death related to BDSM activity. Seventeen cases were found. The age of the deceased ranged between 23 and 49 years (mean age 34.9 years). Strangulation in the course of erotic asphyxiation was the most common cause of death (88.2%). In 13 cases, a toxicology report for the deceased was mentioned, of which in eight cases (61.5%) toxicology analysis was positive. In four of these cases, the BDSM partner was also tested positive with the same substance. Drugs or alcohol was involved in 64.3% of fatal BDSM play. In nine cases, the level of experience in BDMS activity of the deceased and the partner was described, and in all of them, the deceased and the partner were not new to BDSM play. Fatal outcomes of BDSM plays are rarer than autoerotic fatalities and natural deaths related to sexual activities. Safeguards and education on medical aspects exist in the BDSM communities. If they are followed by the practitioners, the risks of BDMS play can be reduced. Cases of non-natural death connected to BDSM are rare incidents and can be prevented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Schori
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 20, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Christian Jackowski
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 20, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Corinna A Schön
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 20, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Herbenick D, Fu TC, Patterson C, Rosenstock Gonzalez YR, Luetke M, Svetina Valdivia D, Eastman-Mueller H, Guerra-Reyes L, Rosenberg M. Prevalence and characteristics of choking/strangulation during sex: Findings from a probability survey of undergraduate students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2021; 71:1059-1073. [PMID: 34242530 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1920599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In a random sample of undergraduate students, we aimed to: (1) establish the prevalence of choking and being choked; (2) examine demographic and situational predictors of being choked, and (3) examine demographic and situational predictors of choking someone. Participants: 4168 randomly sampled undergraduates at a large public U.S. university. Methods: A cross-sectional, confidential online survey. Results: We found that 26.5% of women, 6.6% of men, and 22.3% of transgender and gender non-binary participants reported having been choked during their most recent sexual event. Additionally, 5.7% of women, 24.8% of men, and 25.9% of transgender and non-binary participants reported that they choked their partner at their most recent event. Choking was more prevalent among sexual minority students. Conclusions: Choking is prevalent among undergraduate students; implications for college sexual health education are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Callie Patterson
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Yael R Rosenstock Gonzalez
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Maya Luetke
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Dubravka Svetina Valdivia
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Heather Eastman-Mueller
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Herbenick D, Patterson C, Beckmeyer J, Gonzalez YRR, Luetke M, Guerra-Reyes L, Eastman-Mueller H, Valdivia DS, Rosenberg M. Diverse Sexual Behaviors in Undergraduate Students: Findings From a Campus Probability Survey. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1024-1041. [PMID: 37057467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Probability-based surveys of college students typically assess sexual behaviors such as oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Little is known about the broader range of sexual behaviors in which students engage. AIMS In a random sample survey of undergraduate students, we aimed to: (1) describe how recently participants had engaged in solo and partnered sexual behaviors, (2) examine how frequently participants enacted certain rough sex sexual behaviors (e.g., light spanking, hard spanking, choking, slapping, and others), (3) assess participants' frequency of experiencing certain rough sex behaviors, (4) describe participants' frequency of threesome/group sex, (5) assess the characteristics of participants' experiences with choking during sex; and (6) examine choking and face slapping in regard to consent. METHODS A confidential, online cross-sectional survey of 4,989 randomly sampled undergraduate students at a large U.S. university. OUTCOMES Participants reported having engaged in a broad range of solo and partnered sexual activities, including rough sex behaviors. RESULTS The most prevalent general sexual behaviors were solo masturbation (88.6%), oral sex (79.4% received, 78.4% performed), penile-vaginal intercourse (73.5%), and partnered masturbation (71.1%). Anal intercourse was the least prevalent of these behaviors (16.8% received, 25.3% performed). Among those with any partnered sexual experience, 43.0% had choked a partner, 47.3% had been choked, 59.1% had been lightly spanked and 12.1% had been slapped on the face during sex. CLINICAL TRANSLATION College health clinicians and educators need to be aware of the diverse and evolving range of solo and partnered sexual behaviors reported by students. In addition to counseling students about pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection risk, clinicians might assess patients' engagement in diverse sexual behaviors, such as choking/strangulation during sex, given the risk for serious outcomes including death. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Strengths of our research include the large sample size, use of random sampling, high response rate for college populations, broad range of behaviors assessed, and novel data on choking during sex. Among our limitations, we did not assess to what extent the experiences were wanted, pleasurable, or appealing to participants. Except for in relation to choking and slapping, we also did not assess issues of consent. CONCLUSION Participants reported engaging in diverse sexual behaviors, some of which have important clinical implications, are understudied, and warrant further research. Herbenick D, Patterson C, Beckmeyer J, et al. Diverse Sexual Behaviors in Undergraduate Students: Findings From a Campus Probability Survey. J Sex Med 2021;18:1024-1041.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debby Herbenick
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | - Callie Patterson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Jonathon Beckmeyer
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Learning Sciences and Human Development, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Yael R Rosenstock Gonzalez
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Maya Luetke
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lucia Guerra-Reyes
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Heather Eastman-Mueller
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Dubravka Svetina Valdivia
- Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- The Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sheff E. Kinky Sex Gone Wrong: Legal Prosecutions Concerning Consent, Age Play, and Death via BDSM. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:761-771. [PMID: 33650015 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01866-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This commentary begins by describing the author's research and expert witness practice serving sex and gender minorities, especially practitioners of BDSM/kinky sex. Then, it reviews the three most common reasons that BDSM is legally prosecuted. First, consent: was this assault, rape, and/or kidnapping, or was it consensual kinky sex that either got out of hand or is now being strategically employed to punish the other partner? Second, age play: was this adult trying to have sex with children or was he (and it is virtually always men) intending to age play with an adult who is pretending to be an adolescent? Third, death by kinky sex: was this a person who murdered their lover or was this an accidental death? Finally, this article concludes with recommendations for kinksters who wish to assure consent and safe play, and for litigators involved in the prosecution of kinky sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Sheff
- Sheff Consulting, 751 Runyan Dr., Chattanooga, TN, 37405, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fatal strangulation during consensual BDSM activity: three case reports. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:347-353. [PMID: 33106895 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02449-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Autoerotic accidents are well-known occurrences in forensic casework. Reports about unintentional deaths in a sexual context involving other persons are much rarer. Three cases of fatal incidents related to asphyxiophilia during consensual BDSM activity are reported. Two men died while visiting a dominatrix, the third one in the presence of a male casual sexual partner. Paraphernalia associated with BDSM/fetishism were found at the scene in all cases. Autopsy findings were compatible with death by strangulation. The cases are compared with published autoerotic accidents and similar unintentional deaths involving other individuals. The difficulties concerning the forensic assessment and reconstruction of the cases are discussed.
Collapse
|
13
|
De Neef N, Coppens V, Huys W, Morrens M. Bondage-Discipline, Dominance-Submission and Sadomasochism (BDSM) From an Integrative Biopsychosocial Perspective: A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2019; 7:129-144. [PMID: 30956128 PMCID: PMC6525106 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism) increasingly receives attention from the scientific community. Where earlier research efforts mainly focused on epidemiologic characteristics, psychological and biologic factors driving BDSM preferences have recently gained interest as well. AIM To bring together all the existing scientific literature on BDSM from a biopsychosocial perspective. METHODS Based on the PRISMA guidelines, the current systematic review brings together all the existing literature on BDSM from a biopsychosocial perspective. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Prevalence rates of BDSM interests were investigated in the literature, as well as the associations between BDSM interests on one hand and personality traits, adverse childhood experiences, education levels, sexual orientations and biological markers on the other. RESULTS Biologic factors such as gender identity, sex hormone levels, and the neurologic constitution of the brain's pain and reward systems influence BDSM orientation. With regard to psychological factors, both personality traits (eg, higher levels of openness or extraversion) and the presence of a personality disorder have been associated with a heightened interest in BDSM, although only limited supporting evidence is available. Additionally, sensation-seeking levels and impulsivity seem to contribute, because they presumably guide one's drive to explore new or more-intense kinks. Whereas attachment styles impact couple dynamics, they also influence willingness to explore limits in a BDSM context. Lastly, education levels impact relational and sexual dynamics. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The limitations of the current review reflect those of the topical scientific literature. Although the number of studies focused on all aspects of BDSM is exponentially growing, most of these are only descriptive, and very few focus on underlying driving processes. CONCLUSION From this biopsychosocial perspective, we offer a dimensional approach while integrating the factors driving the onset and evolution of BDSM interests. De Neef N, Coppens V, Huys W, et al. Bondage-Discipline, Dominance-Submission and Sadomasochism (BDSM) From an Integrative Biopsychosocial Perspective: A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2019;7:129-144.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nele De Neef
- Europe Hospitals, Campus St Michel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Violette Coppens
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; University Psychiatric Hospital Antwerp, Campus Duffel, Duffel, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Huys
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Manuel Morrens
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; University Psychiatric Hospital Antwerp, Campus Duffel, Duffel, Antwerp, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|