Gender differences in sexuality: a meta-analysis

Sex Differences in Sexual Motivation in Humans and Other Mammals: The Role of Conscious and Unconscious Processes

In self-report questionnaires, men report higher scores than women on variables such as desire for sex, frequency of sexual thoughts, number of sex partners, etc. Based on this, men are considered to have a higher level of sexual motivation than women. However, retrospective self-reports may be unsuitable for estimations of the inherent level of sexual motivation. We review data on automatic (unconsciously controlled) responses and measures of implicit motivation during exposure to sexual stimuli. These responses and measures are inaccessible to willful manipulations and make it possible to determine whether the sex difference in answers to questionnaires is replicated when volitional response manipulations are unlikely. We complement the human data with observations from some rodent and non-human primate species. The attentional resources allotted to stimuli with sexual relevance as well as genital responses to such stimuli are similar in men and women. Measures of implicit motivation also fail to detect any sex difference. Finally, the frequency of masturbation is superior in female infants before the age at which social expectations begin to determine behavior. Neither in rodents nor in non-human primates is there any clear-cut evidence for sex differences in motivation. It seems that males and females are similar with regard to the intensity of sexual motivation. The responses to questionnaires may be affected by social learning of sexual scripts and/or the inferior quality of sexual experiences in women, among other things.

Re-Examining the Link Between Premarital Sex and Divorce

Premarital sex predicts divorce, but we do not know why. Scholars have attributed the relationship to factors such as differences in beliefs and values, but these explanations have not been tested. It is further unclear how this relationship changes by number of sexual partners, or differs by gender. We re-examine this relationship with event history models using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Models include measures of adolescent beliefs and values, religious background, and personal characteristics, as well as approximate number of premarital sexual partners in young adulthood. We find the relationship between premarital sex and divorce is highly significant and robust even when accounting for early-life factors. Compared to people with no premarital partners other than eventual spouses, those with nine or more partners exhibit the highest divorce risk, followed by those with one to eight partners. There is no evidence of gender differences.

Moderating Role of Sexual Attitudes in the Association between Online Sexual Activity and Problematic Pornography Use: Evidence from the Chinese Community and Help-Seeking Men

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the moderating role of sexual attitudes in the association between online sexual activity (OSA) and problematic pornography use (PPU) in the Chinese context. Specifically, we examined whether incongruence stemming from attitudes (i.e., disapproval of nonmarital and casual sex but engaging in OSA) amplifies the perception of PPU.

Methods

We recruited two samples of Chinese men, one from the community (N1 = 525) and the other comprising help-seeking individuals (N2 = 578).

Results

Sexual attitudes moderate the relationship between OSA and PPU in both samples, with the predictive influence of OSA on PPU weakening among individuals with a relatively permissive attitude (scored one SD above the mean of sexual attitudes), and strengthened among individuals with a relatively conservative attitude (scored one SD below the mean of sexual attitudes).

Conclusions

In the conservative sexual cultural context of China, a relatively conservative sexual attitude might strengthen the association between OSA and PPU.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between economic inequality and prosocial behaviour

How does economic inequality relate to prosocial behaviour? Existing theories and empirical studies from multiple disciplines have produced mixed results. Here we conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to systematically synthesize empirical studies. Results from 192 effect sizes and over 2.5 million observations in 100 studies show that the relationship varies from being negative to positive depending upon the study (95% prediction interval -0.450 to 0.343). However, on average, there is a small, negative relationship between economic inequality and prosocial behaviour (r = -0.064, P = 0.004, 95% confidence interval -0.106 to -0.021). There is generally no evidence that results depend upon characteristics of the studies, participants, the way prosocial behaviour and inequality were assessed, and the publication discipline. Given the prevalence of economic inequality and the importance of prosocial behaviour, this systematic review and meta-analysis provides a timely study on the relationship between economic inequality and prosocial behaviour.

What is Infidelity? A Vignette Study on Norms and Attitudes toward Infidelity

Infidelity is more than extradyadic intercourse, but it is unclear where infidelity begins and how behaviors are related to each other. We investigated data from a factorial survey experiment implemented in the German Family Panel (pairfam). 9,104 respondents evaluated 26,633 vignettes on unfaithful behaviors including four dimensions: explicit behavior, emotional involvement, infidelity duration, and erotic online contact. Results suggest that item lists may not reveal the full picture of unfaithfulness. While intercourse is judged as unfaithful irrespective of the context, less explicit behaviors such as kisses or hugs were also regarded as infidelity. Nonphysical dimensions contributed to infidelity judgments more strongly when less explicit behaviors were evaluated. Even cases of no physical contact combined with erotic text messages and emotional involvement were evaluated as unfaithful. Women's judgments were stricter than men's, and younger respondents' evaluations were stricter than those from older respondents. No differences were found regarding the gender of the vignette character.

Sexual risk behaviours among factory workers in Shenzhen, China: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Factory workers are a key population for HIV transmission in China, as they often engage in sexual risk behaviours. This study aims to evaluate sexual risk behaviours and associated factors among factory workers in Shenzhen, China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted by using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling. Full-time workers aged ≥18years were eligible to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were applied to assess factors associated with sexual risk behaviours.

RESULTS

A total of 2029 factory workers were included. Mean age was 37.2 (±4.4)years; 48.5% were men. Two-thirds (64.9%) had had vaginal intercourse. Their sexual risk behaviours included condomless sex with casual partners in the last sex episode (23.6%), multiple sex partners (11.5%) and engaging in commercial sex (8.4%), in the past year. Having HIV/AIDS knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24-0.70) and using a condom at sexual debut (AOR 0.08, 95% CI 0.05-0.13) were factors associated with condomless sex with casual partners in the last sex episode. Males (AOR 3.03, 95% CI 1.96-4.69 and AOR 2.19, 95% CI 1.33-3.60), local workers (AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.01-4.42 and AOR 3.42, 95% CI 1.63-7.21), being single (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.39-3.01 and AOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.61-3.87), having sexual debut aged Conclusions : Sexual risk behaviours were prevalent despite most participants having basic HIV/AIDS knowledge. Future workplace-based prevention programs should target factory workers and there should be a focus on enhanced sexual education to reduce HIV transmission in China.

Masturbation Prevalence, Frequency, Reasons, and Associations with Partnered Sex in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a U.S. Nationally Representative Survey

Despite well-documented individual, relational, and health benefits, masturbation has been stigmatized and is understudied compared to partnered sex. In a US nationally representative survey of adults, we aimed to: (1) assess the prevalence and frequency of participants' prior-year masturbation, (2) describe reasons people give for not masturbating, (3) describe reasons people give for masturbating, and (4) examine the association between masturbation frequency and actual/desired partnered sex frequency in the prior year. Significantly more men than women reported lifetime masturbation, past month masturbation, and greater masturbation frequency. The most frequently endorsed reasons for masturbating related to pleasure, feeling "horny," stress relief, and relaxation. The most frequently endorsed reasons for not masturbating were lack of interest, being in a committed relationship, conflict with morals or values, or being against one's religion. Among women, those who desired partnered sex much more often and a little more often were 3.89 times (95% CI: 2.98, 5.08) and 2.07 times (95% CI: 1.63, 2.62), respectively, more likely to report higher frequencies of past-year masturbation than those who desired no change in their partnered sex frequency. Among men, those who desired partnered sex much more often and a little more often were 4.40 times (95% CI: 3.41, 5.68) and 2.37 times (95% CI: 1.84, 3.06), respectively, more likely to report higher frequencies of past-year masturbation activity than those who reported that they desired no change in their current partnered sex frequency. Findings provide contemporary U.S. population-level data on patterns of adult masturbation.

An Agent-Based Model of Sex and Sexual Orientation Differences in Short-Term Mating Behaviors as a Result of Mating Preferences

Sex differences in short-term mating behaviors are well-documented in human sexuality research. Existing studies usually explain sex differences in sexual behaviors through differences in mating preferences, which is theoretically problematic. Using an agent-based model, we investigated the circumstances under which males' and females' differential preferences for short-term mating would result in sex differences in short-term mating behaviors. The model showed that when all individuals in a closed heterosexual population were considered, males and females had the same average number of short-term mating experiences and short-term mates even when males had stronger preferences for short-term mating. Males (vs. females) had a higher average number of both experiences and mates when analyses were limited to only heterosexual males and females who successfully participated in the mating pool (i.e., those with a non-zero number of short-term mating experiences). Moreover, when males (vs. females) had stronger preferences for short-term mating, gay males had a higher average number of experiences and mates compared to both lesbian females and heterosexual males. These results suggest that even when sex differences in mating preferences exist, the sex differences in short-term mating behaviors only occur among particular populations, or when males' preferences for short-term mating are not constrained by those of females. Suggestions for future research in human mating psychology and behaviors were provided.

Attitudes toward sexual behaviors: relationship with gender and sexual orientation

Most studies that have compared sexual attitudes between men and women have focused on heterosexual individuals or have not controlled for sexual orientation. In addition, many have used measures of general sexual attitudes, which have more difficulty in predicting sexual behaviors and sexual health than measures of attitudes toward specific sexual behaviors. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze whether gender and sexual orientation are related to attitudes toward specific sexual behaviors in Spain. The study sample consisted of 1725 participants (55.8% women) aged between 18 and 35 years and of different sexual orientations. All participants completed an instrument to measure attitudes toward specific contextualized sexual behaviors. After controlling for age and current relationship status, the results reveal that while women have more positive attitudes toward solitary sexual behaviors and erotic material than men, men have more positive attitudes toward unconventional and online sexual behaviors than women. Bisexual people have more positive attitudes toward frequent dyadic sexual behaviors with casual partners than homosexual people. Finally, bisexual and homosexual people have more positive attitudes towards solitary sexual behaviors and erotic material, unconventional sexual behaviors, and online sexual behaviors than heterosexuals. It is concluded that gender and sexual orientation are related to attitudes toward different types of sexual behaviors.

Neuroelectric Correlates of Human Sexuality: A Review and Meta-Analysis

Many reviews on sexual arousal in humans focus on different brain imaging methods and behavioral observations. Although neurotransmission in the brain is mainly performed through electrochemical signals, there are no systematic reviews of the electrophysiological correlates of sexual arousal. We performed a systematic search on this subject and reviewed 255 studies including various electrophysiological methods. Our results show how neuroelectric signals have been used to investigate genital somatotopy as well as basic genital physiology during sexual arousal and how cortical electric signals have been recorded during orgasm. Moreover, experiments on the interactions of cognition and sexual arousal in healthy subjects and in individuals with abnormal sexual preferences were analyzed as well as case studies on sexual disturbances associated with diseases of the nervous system. In addition, 25 studies focusing on brain potentials during the interaction of cognition and sexual arousal were eligible for meta-analysis. The results showed significant effect sizes for specific brain potentials during sexual stimulation (P3: Cohen's d = 1.82, N = 300, LPP: Cohen's d = 2.30, N = 510) with high heterogeneity between the combined studies. Taken together, our review shows how neuroelectric methods can consistently differentiate sexual arousal from other emotional states.

Attitudes Toward Lesbians, Gay Men, and Their Rights in a Sample of Ecuadorian Cisgender Men and Women

Since 1997, Ecuador has undergone a series of changes to ensure family rights to sexual minorities. However, there is still limited research regarding attitudes toward them. This study focused on the attitudes toward lesbians (L), gay men (G), and their rights. A sample of 318 cisgender Ecuadorians who responded to an online survey was recruited. Analyses indicated that men, heterosexuals, who practice their religion, attend more frequently to religious services, and identify as conservative showed higher levels of prejudice against LG as well as less support toward their rights. Further, participants who did not have LG acquaintances, friends, family members, and those who did not know any LG parented family showed less support toward these populations. Multiple regression analyses indicated that believing that a person's sexual orientation is learned significantly predicted the attitudes measured in our study. Implications of these findings to help reduce prejudice against LG individuals are discussed.

Public attitudes towards sexual behavior-Results of the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)

Population-level data on predictors for attitudes towards sexual behavior are missing for Germany. The current study investigated sexual attitudes in the German population with regard to sociodemographic and sociocultural factors. Data originated from the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD; N = 4,955) carried out from October 2018 to September 2019. Computer-assisted face to face interviews were conducted with a large self-administered component due to the sensitive topics of the survey. Public acceptance towards several aspects of sexual behavior (extramarital sex, abortion, same sex sexual activities, sex work, promiscuity, sex without love) was investigated. Age, gender, education, religious aspects and migration background were introduced as predictors into logistic regression analyses. Overall, respondents rather rejected promiscuity (61%) and extramarital sex (81%) and rather supported same sex sexual activities (63-70%). Male respondents more likely rejected same sex sexual activities and abortion. Higher education was associated with more acceptance towards the sexual behaviors whereas first generation migrants, Muslim faith and religious devoutness were associated with less acceptance. Results indicate that gender is relevant in terms of sexual attitudes with male respondents tending to have more traditional and heteronormative gender role values. Furthermore, education, culture and religion play an important role concerning the liberality towards sexual behaviors. Acculturation processes of second generation migrants may lead to an adaptation of values. Comprehensive and culturally sensitive sex education may focus on differences concerning sexuality-related norms and values.

In the Heat of the Short-Term Moment: Evidence that Heightened Sexual Arousal Increases Short-Term Mating Motivation Among Men

Individual differences in men’s short-term mating interest are well studied, both at state and trait levels. Yet, the role of sexual arousal as a source of intra-individual variation has been neglected. This research represents the first attempt to integrate sexual arousal into the human mate plasticity literature. We argue that sexual arousal directly impacts the short-term mating motivation among men regardless of their personality, relationship status, and sociosexuality. Across four experiments, we found that heightened sexual arousal consistently increased men’s short-term mating motivation relative to participants in neutral and arousing control groups. Experiments 1 and 2 revealed that sexual arousal increased participants’ general short-term mating motivation and their preference for a short-term relationship over a long-term one. Experiment 3 replicated the findings of the first two experiments whilst also demonstrating that this effect was not moderated by personality (i.e., Dark Triad, Big Five) or relationship status. Heightened sexual arousal also led to decreased “state” long-term mating motivation. Finally, Experiment 4 showed that sexual arousal increased the participants’ preference for a short-term relationship over a long-term one, an effect that was not moderated by sociosexuality. Together, the results suggest that sexual arousal has a powerful effect on men’s short-term mating motivation, and that this effect is independent of intrasexual differences in personality, relationship status, and sociosexuality.

Associations between two conceptualizations of materialism and subjective wellbeing in China: A meta-analysis of studies from 1998 to 2022

This meta-analysis examines the relationship between materialism (materialistic values and extrinsic aspirations) and subjective wellbeing in the Chinese population. Fifty-six relevant studies covering the period from 1998 to 2022 were included in the meta-analysis. Fifty-eight independent effect sizes from a total of 52,368 participants were obtained to calculate the mean effect sizes. Materialistic values correlated with significantly lower subjective wellbeing (r = −0.205), while the mean effect size for extrinsic aspirations was found to be not significant (r = −0.048). The effect sizes varied across different types of wellbeing outcomes (materialistic values: rs = −0.095 to −0.202; extrinsic aspirations: rs = 0.066 to −0.125). The associations were also moderated by certain demographic factors (age and gender), methodological factors (study design and scoring method), publication features (type of publication and publication year), and economic indicators (economic growth and wealth inequality). We discuss our limitations and the implications for future research.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Sexual Debut Among South Korean Adolescents

Objective: This study assesses the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic on the first time Korean adolescents have sex. Methods: The study examines 2017-2021 data from an annual, cross-sectional survey. Results: There is a significant drop in the percentages of male adolescents initiating sexual intercourse in 2020 and noticeable rebounds in 2021. However, the sexual debut among female students shows no significant change. Conclusions: We suggest that strict social distancing measures in 2020 and loosening of them in 2021, different orientations toward having sex by gender, and a strong sexual double standard are responsible for these findings.

Comparison of Indirect and Direct Approaches to Identifying an Unfaithful Partner

Infidelity has been operationalized inconsistently across studies, and measurement approaches have been employed that are not ideally suited for addressing the stigmatized and subjective nature of infidelity, thereby limiting the conclusions that can be drawn from this body of literature. In 2016, Thompson and O'Sullivan took a step toward addressing these shortcomings by implementing an indirect measurement approach. We extend their findings using a sample of 465 married and divorced individuals via MTurk. Substantially more participants reported having engaged in infidelity via the indirect approach than the direct approach, and results suggest that-in contrast to findings from direct questioning-similar percentages of men and women engage in self-defined infidelity. Implications for research and clinical practice are provided.

Gender differences in the association of psychological distress and sexual compulsivity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic had numerous consequences for general, mental and sexual health. As gender differences in sexual compulsivity (SC) have been reported in the past and SC has been connected to adverse events and psychological distress, the current study aims at investigating associations between these factors in the context of contact restrictions in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany.

METHODS

We collected data for five time points in four retrospective measurement points in an online convenience sample (n T0 = 399, n T4 = 77). We investigated the influence of gender, several pandemic-related psychosocial circumstances, sensation seeking (Brief Sensation Seeking Scale), and psychological distress (Patient-Health-Questionnaire-4) on the change of SC (measured with an adapted version of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) between T0 and T1 (n = 292) in a linear regression analysis. Additionally, the course of SC over the time of the pandemic was explored with a linear mixed model.

RESULTS

Male gender was associated with higher SC compared to female gender over all measurement points. An older age, being in a relationship, having a place to retreat was associated with a change to lower SC during the first time of the pandemic. Psychological distress was associated with SC in men, but not in women. Men, who reported an increase of psychological distress were also more likely to report an increase of SC.

DISCUSSION

The results demonstrate that psychological distress seems to correlate with SC differently for men and women. This could be due to different excitatory and inhibitory influences on men and women during the pandemic. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the impact of pandemic related psychosocial circumstances in the times of contact restrictions.

Changes in sleep quality among Chinese active service personnel: A cross-temporal meta-analysis, 2003-2019

Military personnel live in operating environments in which poor sleep is common. In this cross-temporal meta-analysis (CTMA), 100 studies (144 data sets, N = 75,998) were identified to examine changes in sleep quality among Chinese active service personnel from 2003 to 2019. Participants were divided into three groups: the navy, the non-navy, and the unknown service. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used as the measure of sleep quality; it contains a global score and seven component scores, with higher scores indicative of poorer sleep. Among all active military personnel, the PSQI global and seven component scores decreased from 2003 to 2019. In examining the results by military type, the PSQI global and seven component scores increased in the navy group. Conversely, both the non-navy and unknown-service groups showed decreased PSQI global scores over time. Similarly, all PSQI component scores decreased over time for both the non-navy and unknown service groups, except for the use of sleeping medication (USM), which increased in the non-navy group. In conclusion, the sleep quality of Chinese active service personnel showed a positive trend. Further research should focus on improving the navy's sleep quality.

An Exploratory Network Analysis of Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction Comparing Partnered Cisgendered Men and Women

BACKGROUND

Sexual and relationship satisfaction are intimately connected and share many predictors.

AIM

The aim of the present study is to disentangle the relationship between sexual and relationship satisfaction, by exploring the connections to other relevant correlates.

METHODS

Regularized mixed graphical model networks were estimated separately for men and women, which were compared using the network comparison test. In addition, strength centrality and community structure were explored.

OUTCOME

The partial correlation structure between sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction and their correlates.

RESULTS

The associations between variables measuring sexual and relationship satisfaction and related constructs did not differ significantly between partnered, cisgendered men and women. Sexual and relationship satisfaction were associated with sexual pleasure, sexual distress, and sexual communication for both men and women. Sexual satisfaction was the most central variable in the network for men (strength = 1.1), while sexual desire was the most central variable for women (strength = 1.1). Frequency of sexual activity was a central variable for both men and women (strength men = 1.0, strength women = 1.1). The community analysis showed similar communities of variables for men and women, except that frequency of sexual activity consistently belonged to the same community as sexual and relationship satisfaction for men, but not as consistently for women.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

The results have clinical implication in sex and couples therapy, as they increase the knowledge on sexual and relationship satisfaction.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

A strength of the study is the population-based dataset, and a limitation is that inferences of causality cannot be made due to the cross-sectional study design.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that men and women are largely similar when comparing constructs related to sexual and relationship satisfaction. Nickull S, Källström M, Jern P. An Exploratory Network Analysis of Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction Comparing Partnered Cisgendered Men and Women. J Sex Med 2022;19:711-718.

Prevalence of Masturbation and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Four European Countries

Solitary sexual activity is a free, safe, and accessible way to experience sexual pleasure. Despite these advantages, research on masturbation in later life is highly understudied. Using data from a cross-sectional probability-based survey of 3816 European adults (mean age 67 years; range 60-75 years), we explored several sociodemographic, health, attitudinal, and sexual behavioral factors associated with reported masturbation frequency. Across all countries, between 41% and 65% of men and 27% and 40% of women reported any masturbation in the preceding month. Satisfaction with sexual activity and attitudes related to disapproval of sex without love were significant predictors of reported masturbation in almost all countries and in both genders. Age, education, self-perceived health, and depression were for the most part predictive of men's reported masturbation, but not women's. Generally, those believing sex is beneficial to older people were more likely to masturbate, while less permissive attitudes decreased the likelihood of reporting masturbation. To improve healthy sexual aging, misinformation about masturbation and sexual attitudes in older people need to be addressed.

Queen Bees: How Is Female Managers' Happiness Determined?

This paper aims to study the determinants of subjective happiness among working females with a focus on female managers. Drawn on a large social survey data set (N = 10470) in China, this paper constructs gender development index at sub-national levels to study how institutional settings are related to female managers' happiness. We find that female managers report higher levels of happiness than non-managerial employees. However, the promoting effect is contingent on individual characteristics and social-economic settings. The full sample regression suggests that female managers behaving in a masculine way generally report a high level of happiness. Meanwhile, female managers who refuse to support gender equality report low happiness levels. Sub-sample analysis reveals that these causalities are conditioned on regional culture. Masculine behavior and gender role orientation significantly predict subjective happiness only in gender-egalitarian regions. This study is one of the first to consider both internal (individual traits) and external (social-economic environment) factors when investigating how female managers' happiness is impacted. Also, this study challenges the traditional wisdom on the relationship between female managers' job satisfaction and work-home conflict. This study extends the literature by investigating the impacts of female managers' masculine behavior on their happiness. This study is useful for promoting female managers' leadership effectiveness and happiness.

Perceptual Accuracy for Sexual Rejection in Romantic Relationships

In the current research, we investigated perceptual accuracy in romantic partners' detection of sexual rejection. In two daily diary studies of predominantly cisgender heterosexual couples, we examined patterns of accuracy and bias concerning both the degree of sexual disinterest (Study 1; N = 98 couples) and occurrence of sexual rejection (Study 2; N = 115 couples), as well as how these perceptions were associated with satisfaction. Using a multi-method approach to capture both continuous and categorical operationalizations of sexual rejection (Study 1: truth and bias; Study 2: quasi-signal detection), we found that people were both accurate and biased in their perceptions of partner rejection. Across studies, results showed that people demonstrated general tracking accuracy in detecting a partner's sexual rejection, but they also overestimated the degree and occurrence of this rejection. Additionally, this overestimation bias was associated with lower daily relationship and sexual satisfaction. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of dyadic perceptions of sexual rejection in shaping daily relationship and sexual functioning.

In Pursuit of Pleasure: A Biopsychosocial Perspective on Sexual Pleasure and Gender

Objective: Various sources of evidence suggest that men and women differ in their experience of sexual pleasure. Such gender differences have been attributed to men's higher innate sex drive, supported by evolutionary psychology perspectives and gender differences in reproductive strategies. Method: This paper presents biopsychosocial evidence for gender similarities in the capacity to experience pleasure, and for substantial gender differences in opportunities for sexual pleasure. Results: We conclude that sexual activity, in most cultures, is less pleasurable and associated with greater cost for heterosexual women than for heterosexual men, even though they do not differ in the capacity for sexual pleasure. Conclusion: Since gender differences in experienced sexual pleasure are not a biological given, a more critical discourse of sexual pleasure might create awareness of current inequalities, help lift restrictions for women's opportunities for pleasure, and could reduce gender differences in the cost of sex. That would truly serve sexual justice around the globe.

Is Compulsive Sexual Behavior Different in Women Compared to Men?

The inclusion of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) in the ICD-11 has sparked research interest on this topic in recent years. This review aims to investigate gender differences in Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CBD) and persons with CSBD. While impulsivity and psychiatric comorbidity play a role in persons with CSBD regardless of gender, some gender differences can be identified. CSBD is more prevalent in men, with a higher rate of reported sexual behaviors and higher scores on questionnaires measuring CSBD related symptoms. Neuroticism and stress vulnerability seem to play a more important role in the symptomatology of CSBD in women. While it seems plausible that childhood adversities play a role in the development of CSB, the manner with respect to how these adversities affect men and women differently is still to be explored. More clinical studies including the female CSBD population are required to infer clinical implications.

Dating and sexualities across the life course: The interactive effects of aging and gender

Research on aging and sexuality has proliferated in recent years. However, little is known about the gender-specific effects of aging on dating and sexuality. Using survey data from the 2014 wave of Singles in America (SIA), a comprehensive survey on adult singles' experiences with dating and sexuality, we examine whether age differentially affects heterosexual women's and men's dating and sexual attitudes and behaviors and whether gender differences persist across the life course. We find that men remain active in the dating and sexual marketplace longer than women. Although main effects of gender differences are documented in dating and sexual attitudes and behaviors, the results show that gender does not operate the same across the life course. Notably, gender differences shrink or are eliminated in attitudes and behaviors surrounding partnering in midlife and late adulthood, suggesting that age is integral to understanding gendered heterosexuality.

Predictors of Sexual Satisfaction in Women: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

The increasing research interest in sexual satisfaction corresponds to a large amount of studies which focus on different singular determinants without establishing a common model for its explanation.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this review is to systematically identify and evaluate the structure and results of the current research about sexual satisfaction in heterosexual women in a long-term relationship.

METHODS

A systematic literature search using Web of Knowledge, ProQuest and PSYNDEX was conducted from January 2004 to October 2019. In total, 1,649 studies published in the last 15 years were extracted from the databases with a systematic keyword search. Through a multistage evaluation process 204 studies met the inclusion criteria and described findings about sexual satisfaction as dependent variable.

RESULTS

Research interest in sexual satisfaction increased notably in the last 5 years. Empirical analyses were predominantly based on data from North America whereas a considerably smaller share of research analyzed samples from Europe or Asia. Relationship variables were the most frequently analyzed predictors and included in more than half of the identified studies. Sexual behavior was most often analyzed in the form of frequency of sexual interactions. Contrariwise, sexual practices, communication about sexuality and sexual desire, and sexual thoughts received limited attention. Demographics were considered in one third of all studies. The inclusion of control variables was rare. Some important studies considered variables closely related to sexual satisfaction such as sexual dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Relationship satisfaction and the frequency of sexual interactions are identified as the most frequently confirmed predictors of sexual satisfaction across all evaluated studies. Results about the effects of pornography consumption, religion, and relationship duration showed the greatest inconsistency. In general, identified effects were often believed to result from mediator variables like sexual desire or distracting thoughts. Rausch D, Rettenberger M. Predictors of Sexual Satisfaction in Women: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:365-380.

College students in the western world are becoming less emotionally intelligent: A cross-temporal meta-analysis of trait emotional intelligence

OBJECTIVE

Over the last two decades, Western society has undergone a marked cultural transformation characterized by rising individualism. Concurrently, the digital landscape has transformed through the rise of social media and smartphones. These factors have previously been implicated in changing individuals' attitudes, behavior, and interpersonal interactions. We investigated whether these societal changes have coincided with changes in trait emotional intelligence (EI) over the last 17 years in Western university students.

METHOD

We examined this question using a cross-temporal meta-analysis (k = 70; N = 16,917).

RESULTS

There was no change in overall trait EI; however, the trait EI domains "well-being," "self-control," and "emotionality" demonstrated significant decreases with time, after controlling for gender composition and between-country differences.

CONCLUSION

We discuss these findings in relation to how they contribute to our understanding of trait EI, and how they add to the literature on how Western society is changing with time.

Sexual satisfaction of older adults: testing the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction in the ageing population

Having a satisfying sex life is important to older adults. Thus, this study aimed to provide information about the sexual satisfaction of older adults in a relationship, using the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS) as a theoretical framework. Participants were 187 sexually active individuals (98 men and 89 women) in a romantic relationship (age 65–75 years). They were recruited using Amazon's Mechanical-Turk, and completed the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire and two open-ended questions asking what they enjoyed most and least about their sexual relationship. On average, participants were highly sexually satisfied. In keeping with the IEMSS, greater sexual satisfaction was predicted by a more favourable balance of sexual rewards to costs, greater equality of sexual costs and higher satisfaction with the non-sexual aspects of the relationship. Four themes emerged regarding what participants liked most and least about their sexual relationship: emotional aspects of the relationship, physical aspects of the relationship, dyadic aspects of the relationship and age-related aspects of being sexual. None of the four themes were specific to men or women, although some gender/sex differences were found. The results paint a positive picture of the sexual relationships of older adults and support the utility of the IEMSS as a framework to understand sexual satisfaction in older adults.

Association between Psychopathological Dimensions and Sexual Functioning/Sexual Arousal in Young Adults

Psychological-psychiatric factors have a different effect on sexual functioning in men and women. This research aimed to examine the association between psychopathological dimensions and dimensions of sexual functioning in Spanish young adults in two studies. Study 1 examined sexual functioning and psychopathological dimensions in 700 women and 516 men. Study 2 conducted an experimental laboratory task to evaluate subjective sexual arousal and genital sensations when watching visual sexual stimuli in a subsample of participants from Study 1 (143 women and 123 men). As a result, the first study showed that depression and anxiety-related symptoms had a negative effect, both in men and women, and having a partner had a positive influence on the dimensions of sexual functioning. The second study showed that anxiety symptoms were positively associated with subjective sexual arousal in both men and women, and anxiety was associated with the assessment of genital sensations in men. The differences between the results of anxiety may be explained because sexual arousal was evaluated in general terms in Study 1, whereas it was evaluated as a state in Study 2. These findings confirm that the presence of psychopathological symptoms contributes to sexual functioning, as well as the necessity of strengthening mental illness prevention programs that include sexual health components.

Validation of the Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) in Portugal: Assessing Dyadic Interdependence and Associations with Sexual Behaviors

BACKGROUND

The Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) are self-report measures of expectant couples' attitudes towards sex during pregnancy.

AIM

This study aimed to examine dyadic non-independence of MSP/PSP scores in a sample of expectant couples, while providing an evaluation of factor structure, validity, and reliability of the Portuguese versions of the MSP/PSP. The association between partners' attitudes and frequency of sexual behaviors was also examined.

METHODS

A total of 189 expectant couples completed a survey that included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the MSP/PSP, frequency of sexual behaviors, as well as validated measures of attitudes to sex, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, depression, and perceived social support.

OUTCOMES

Dyadic interdependence was tested via Pearson correlation between MSP/PSP scores; between-dyads variability was tested via intraclass correlation of the unconditional model including only MSP/PSP scores using a multi-level model. Associations between attitudes and sexual behavior were tested using regression analysis (between-dyads outcomes) or APIM (mixed outcomes). Factor structure, internal consistency, and validity (convergent, discriminant, and concurrent) of the Portuguese versions of the scales were assessed.

RESULTS

MSP/PSP scores were interdependent within-dyads. Male partners presented significantly more positive attitudes towards sex during pregnancy than pregnant women. Attitudes were linked to indices of sexual well-being for both partners (sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction) and, for both partners, more positive attitudes were associated with higher frequencies of most partnered sexual behaviors. The Portuguese MSP/PSP scales showed good factor structure, and good to excellent indices of reliability and validity.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The Portuguese MSP/PSP is adequate for use in couples. The scales can be used to screen partners with negative attitudes towards sex during pregnancy and evaluate how these attitudes relate to intra- and inter-individual sexual well-being during pregnancy.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

A strength of this study is the inclusion of both expectant partners and the use of dyadic analysis. Couples who participated in the study were all in mixed-gender/sex relationships, although this was not defined as an inclusion criterion. Future studies should use the MSP/PSP in more diverse samples in order to further determine how the scale performs for couples with different characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Scores in the MSP/PSP are interdependent between mixed-sex/gender expectant couple members. More positive attitudes towards sex during pregnancy are linked to higher frequencies of partnered sexual behaviors and to both partners' greater sexual well-being. Tavares Inês M., Heiman Julia R., Rosen Natalie O., et al. Validation of the Maternal and Partner Sex During Pregnancy Scales (MSP/PSP) in Portugal: Assessing Dyadic Interdependence and Associations with Sexual Behaviors. J Sex Med Rev 2021;18:789-799.

Assessing Implicit Associations with Consensual Non-monogamy Among U.S. Early Emerging Adults: An Application of the Single-Target Implicit Association Test

Research has demonstrated that implicit and explicit attitudes toward consensual nonmonogamy (CNM; sexually and/or emotionally nonexclusive romantic relationships) are less favorable than those toward monogamy. Although this general pattern of results is often reported, it is not clear to what extent this implicit difference reflects negative associations with CNM. To investigate this issue, the current study assessed 355 U.S. early emerging adults' (89 men, 265 women, one gender nonconforming) implicit associations with CNM and monogamy using the Single-Target Implicit Association Test (ST-IAT). In addition, the convergent (using explicit measures), postdictive, and concurrent validity of the CNM ST-IAT was also investigated. The results revealed that although early emerging adults demonstrated a positive implicit association with monogamy (mean D score = 0.38), a neutral implicit association emerged for CNM (mean D score = 0.00). Additionally, young women and those without previous CNM experience demonstrated more negative implicit associations with CNM as compared to men and those with previous CNM experience. Finally, implicit associations with CNM predicted willingness to allow one's partner to participate in CNM, but not one's own interest in CNM. These results support previous research suggesting that a disparity in attitudes toward CNM and monogamy exists and provides further clarification reflecting positive implicit associations with monogamy and neutral associations with CNM. These results also confirm that monogamous relationships continue to be upheld as the ideal relationship structure in the U.S. and that educators/practitioners should work to reduce negative implicit bias toward CNM in an attempt to promote relationship equity.

On the Functional Relationships Among Sexual Orientation, Masculine and Feminine Gender Role Orientation, and Sociosexual Orientation in Young Heterosexual and Lesbian Women

The present study investigated the mutual interplay of sexual orientation, masculine and feminine gender role orientation, and sociosexual orientation in young women. To ensure cross-sample validity, 323 heterosexual women and 323 lesbian women, ranging in age from 18 to 29 years, were matched for possible confounding variables. Lesbian women scored significantly higher (d = 0.27) on the Desire subscale of the Revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory, but not on the Behavior (d = 0.07) and Attitude subscales (d = 0.11). Concerning gender role orientation, heterosexual women were characterized by significantly higher scores on the Femininity scale (d = 0.20), whereas lesbian women showed more pronounced masculine gender role orientation (d = 0.16). Structural equation modeling revealed two functionally distinct relationships between sexual orientation and sociosexuality, on the one hand, and between gender role orientation and sociosexuality, on the other hand. Sociosexual desire was exclusively associated with a woman's sexual orientation with no indication of any mediating effect of gender role orientation. Sociosexual behavior was positively related to a woman's level of masculine gender role orientation, while sociosexual attitude was positively associated with masculine and negatively associated with feminine gender role orientation, irrespective of sexual orientation.

Sexual satisfaction among italian university students

This paper examines the determinants of sexual satisfaction among Italian young men and women at the beginning of their adulthood, taking into account the different stages of sentimental and sexual transitions. We based the analyses on the data collected in 2017 by the SELFY Survey on a sample of 7842 university students in Italy. Results of the logistic regression models highlight that, above all, sexual satisfaction is positively associated with the frequency of intercourse within a stable and exclusive relationship. Furthermore, results highlight the essential role of all transitions, sexual and sentimental, in enhancing sexual satisfaction, both in a positive and negative direction. Religion has a positive effect too, but only among students who have not yet had intercourse, expressing a protective effect of the adherence to beliefs. Significant differences between young men and women emerged mainly concerning performance, other conditions being equal.

Pubertal timing predicts adult psychosexuality: Evidence from typically developing adults and adults with isolated GnRH deficiency

Evidence suggests that psychosexuality in humans is modulated by both organizational effects of prenatal and peripubertal sex steroid hormones, and by activational effects of circulating hormones in adulthood. Experimental work in male rodents indicates that sensitivity to androgen-driven organization of sexual motivation decreases across the pubertal window, such that earlier puberty leads to greater sex-typicality. We test this hypothesis in typically developing men (n = 231) and women (n = 648), and in men (n = 72) and women (n = 32) with isolated GnRH deficiency (IGD), in whom the precise timing of peripubertal hormone exposure can be ascertained via the age at which hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was initiated. Psychosexuality was measured with the Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2) and Sociosexual Orientation Inventory-Revised (SOI-R). In both sexes, earlier recalled absolute pubertal timing predicted higher psychosexuality in adulthood, although the magnitude of these associations varied with psychosexuality type and group (i.e., typically developing and IGD). Results were robust when controlling for circulating steroid hormones in typically developing participants. Age of initiation of HRT in men with IGD negatively predicted SOI-R. We discuss the clinical implications of our findings for conditions in which pubertal timing is medically altered.

Papa Don't Preach? : Using Lies to Expose the Truth about Who Suppresses Female Sexuality

The suppression of sexuality is culturally widespread, and women's sexual promiscuity, activity, and enjoyment are almost always judged and punished more harshly than men's. It remains disputed, however, to what end people suppress sexuality, and who benefits from the suppression of female sexuality. Different theories predict that women in general, men in general, women's intimate partners, or parents benefit most. Here we use the lies women and men tell-or imagine telling-about their sexual histories as an indirect measure of who is most involved in the suppression of sexuality. We asked men and women what they would reply if asked questions by their mother, father, current partner, attractive confederate, and various same- or opposite-sex friends and colleagues about their number of previous sex partners, age at first romantic kiss, age at first consensual sex, and cheating on a previous partner or spouse. By comparing the size and direction of the lies that subjects told, we tested competing predictions of several cultural and evolutionary theories concerning why female sexuality is suppressed and who is driving its suppression. We found that men and women told larger and more frequent lies to their parents, with women telling the largest and most frequent lies of all to their fathers. Additionally, the majority of lies by both men and women were in sexually conservative directions. Our findings suggest that mothers, and especially fathers, restrict female sexuality.

“The Untold Side of COVID-19”: Struggle and Perspectives of the Sexual Minorities

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has threatened global public health. Travel has been restricted, economies slashed, borders sealed, and billions quarantined at their residences, in an attempt to contain the outbreak. Social distancing and lockdown measures have disrupted human lives in terms of social relationships and emotional bonds. Every individual is facing unique challenges to cope with these unprecedented times. However, certain sections of the population, like the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community, are particularly vulnerable to not only the infective risks of the virus, but also the psycho-social offshoots of the global lockdown and the pandemic aftermath. The various factors range from the immunocompromised state, increased comorbidities of sexually transmitted diseases, other chronic medical disorders and substance abuse, as well as reduced access to health care, to stigma and social discrimination, administrative apathy, economic constraints, and uncertainty of social rituals like the Pride Celebrations. These can lead to the underdetection of the viral load, increased physiological risks to COVID-19, decreased help-seeking, and inequality in health and legal care. Their emotional and psychosexual well-being also gets impaired, with increased risks for psychiatric disorders and suicidality.

Keeping these factors in the background, this article glances at the disproportionate risk related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the sexual minorities, explores the psycho-social factors behind the same, and highlights specific ways to mitigate these risks for better care. Adopting a rights-based perspective for the LGBTQ community through public health measures during such crises can help reduce stigma and promote their social inclusion.

Sexual Chemosignals: Evidence that Men Process Olfactory Signals of Women's Sexual Arousal

Research suggests that humans can communicate emotional states (e.g., fear, sadness) via chemosignals. However, thus far little is known about whether sexual arousal can also be conveyed through chemosignals and how these signals might influence the receiver. In three experiments, and a subsequent mini meta-analysis, support was found for the hypothesis that men can process the scent of sexually aroused women and that exposure to these sexual chemosignals affect the subsequent perceptions and sexual motivation of men. Specifically, Experiment 1 revealed that men evaluate the axillary sweat of sexually aroused women as more attractive, compared to the scent of the same women when not sexually aroused. In addition, Experiment 2 showed that exposure to sexual chemosignals increased the men's sexual arousal. Experiment 3 found support for the thesis that exposure to sexual chemosignals would increase sexual motivation. As predicted, men devoted greater attention to and showed greater interest in mating with women who displayed sexual cues (e.g., scantily dressed, in seductive poses). By contrast, exposure to the sexual chemosignals did not alter males' attention and mating interest toward women who displayed no sexual cues. It is discussed how sexual chemosignals may function as an additional channel in the communication of sexual interest and how contextual factors can influence the dynamics of human sexual communication.

[The mediating role of attitudes between the sexual behaviours of men and women]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this research was to verify the mediating effect of attitudes toward sexual behaviours in the relationship between sex and the number of sexual behaviours performed.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A total of 763 Spanish people (42.2% men and 57.8% women) ranging in age from 18 to 65 years (M=25.60; SD=9.23) identified as heterosexual participated. At the time of the study, 56.9% had a steady partner, 10.1% had a casual partner and 33.0% did not have partner. In addition to sociodemographic questions, the Attitudes toward Sexual Behaviours Scale and a Checklist of Sexual Behaviours were administered online.

RESULTS

The results show that attitudes toward sexual behaviours correlate positively with the number of sexual behaviours performed (r=.481; P<.001) and that men have more positive attitudes toward sexual behaviours (t=10.273; P<.001; d=.75) and they engage in a greater number of sexual behaviours (t=6.412; P<.001; d=.47) than women. Finally, there is total mediation of attitudes toward sexual behaviours between sex and the number of sexual behaviours performed in the 3subsamples (steady partner, casual partner, without a partner).

CONCLUSIONS

Men engage in a greater number of different sexual behaviours than women because their attitudes toward sexual behaviours are more positive. Therefore, if we want to influence certain sexual behaviours, we should focus on the attitudes toward these behaviours.

The Hotel Room Purchase Task: Effects of Gender and Partner Desirability on Demand for Hypothetical Sex in Individuals with Disordered Cocaine Use and Controls

Hypothetical purchase tasks allow for rapid assessment of behavioral economic demand for numerous commodities and are useful in evaluating reinforcer pathologies, such as substance and behavioral addiction. Currently, there is not a task for evaluating demand for sex without requiring implicit engagement in sex work. The current study used a novel purchase task with hotel rooms for sex as the hypothetical commodity to assess demand for sex in individuals with disordered cocaine use, a population that frequently engages in risky sexual behavior. Adults meeting criteria for cocaine abuse or dependence (13 males, ten females) and noncocaine-using controls (eight males, three females) chose hypothetical sexual partners from a series of photographs and endorsed two partners with whom they would most and least like to have sex. Participants then completed the hotel purchase task for both partners, wherein they reported how many nights at a hotel room, at prices from $10 to $1280 per night, they would purchase in a year. Demand intensity was significantly greater and demand elasticity was significantly lower for the most preferred relative to the less preferred partner. Males demonstrated significantly greater intensity and lesser elasticity for sex than females. Demand metrics did not differ between the cocaine and control group. This task may serve as a useful measure of demand for sex without requiring implicit hypothetical engagement in sex work. Future studies exploring the relation between task performance and other characteristics such as sexual dysfunction, in addition to acute substance administration effects, may further determine the task's clinical utility.

Oxytocin amplifies sex differences in human mate choice

Infidelity is the major cause of breakups and individuals with a history of infidelity are more likely to repeat it, but may also present a greater opportunity for short-term sexual relationships. Here in a pre-registered, double-blind study involving 160 subjects we report that while both sexes valued faithful individuals most for short-term and long-term relationships, both single men and those in a relationship were more interested in having short-term relationships with previously unfaithful individuals than women. Oxytocin administration resulted in men rating the faces of unfaithful women as more attractive and likeable but in women rating those of unfaithful men as less attractive and also finding them less memorable. Oxytocin also increased single men's interest in having short-term relationships with previously unfaithful women whereas it increased single women's interest in having long-term relationships with faithful men. Thus, oxytocin release during courtship may first act to amplify sex-dependent priorities in attraction and mate choice before subsequently promoting romantic bonds.