Ethnic,gender, and length‐of‐residency influences on sexual knowledge and attitudes

We examined potential differences in sexual knowledge and attitudes between 702 Canadian undergraduates of Asian (n = 356) and European (n = 346) ancestry. We also examined potential influences of length of residency in Canada on these variables among Asians, and the role of gender both across and within ethnic groups. The primary purpose was to examine whether length of exposure to North American sexual values influences sexual knowledge or attitudes among Asians living in Canada. Results revealed that compared to Europeans, Asians held more conservative sexual attitudes and demonstrated significantly less sexual knowledge. Recent Asian immigrants were significantly more likely than Canadian‐born or long‐term Canadian residents to hold conservative sexual attitudes on a number of sexuality items. Among Asians and Non‐Asians, males reported more negative attitudes toward homosexuals than did females; females held more conservative sexual attitudes toward uncommitted sexual relations than did males. The findings provide partial support for a cultural explanation of the frequently reported finding that, compared with North Americans, Asians are more restricted in their expression of sexuality.     

Non‐erotic thoughts: Content and relation to sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction

We examined the possible range of content of non‐erotic thoughts experienced during typical sexual activities with a partner. Undergraduate men (n = 47) and women (n = 50) were administered a measure of non‐erotic thought content, frequency, and anxiety, along with measures of sexual attitude, satisfaction, and functioning. Men were more likely to report performance‐related thoughts, and women were more likely to report thoughts about body image. However, men and women were equally likely to report thoughts about the external consequences of the activity (e.g., pregnancy, being caught) and the emotional consequences of the activity (e.g., morality, implications of the activity for the relationship). Women reported that their thoughts occurred more frequently and caused more anxiety. Greater thought frequency and greater anxiety over thoughts were associated with poorer sexual functioning for both men and women. For women, greater frequency of and anxiety evoked by thoughts was associated with lower sexual satisfaction. These data provide modest support for cognitive‐behavioral models of sexual dysfunction and indicate the importance of both examining a broad range of non‐erotic thought content and taking gender into account when applying these models to understanding and treating sexual difficulties.     

The amount and timing of parent‐adolescent sexual communication as predictors of late adolescent sexual risk‐taking behaviors

This study examined the moderating role of timing of first discussion of sexual intercourse with mothers and fathers on the relationship between the amount of sexual communication and sexual risk‐taking behaviors in late adolescence. Late adolescents (N = 214) completed questionnaire measures regarding the amount and timing of sexual communication with their mothers and fathers. In addition, the participants provided information about their various sexual risk‐taking behaviors. In general, the results suggest that timing of first discussion of sexual intercourse contributes additional variance in several sexually risky behaviors beyond that contributed by the amount of communication with both fathers and mothers. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

Co‐marital sex and the sexual freedom movement∗

Schachter's (1964) cognitive labeling model of emotions was used to make predictions about the impact of presentation order of explicit sexual stimuli and order of reporting reactions to these stimuli on sexual and affective responses. Subjects (27 males, 23 females) viewed a series of sexually explicit slides in story‐line sequence, in reversed story‐line sequence, or in a random sequence. In counterbalanced order subjects rated how sexually arousing and disgusting the slides were to themselves. Males, but not females, reported being more disgusted when they rated disgust first than when they rated sexual arousal first. Additionally, males and females who saw the random presentation sequence reported more sexual arousal than those who saw the reversed story‐line sequence. Females also were more aroused by the random sequence them by the story‐line sequence, while males in these conditions did not differ in arousal. These results indicated that Schachter's model of emotions may be useful in explaining how people respond to sexual stimuli.     

Sexual satisfaction and sexual self‐disclosure within dating relationships

This study examined dating individuals' self‐disclosure about their sexual likes and dislikes to their partner. Forty‐seven college men and 52 college women in a dating relationship of 3 to 36 months completed a questionnaire measuring sexual exchange variables, sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, sexual communication satisfaction, and sexual and non‐sexual self‐disclosure with their partner. Both sexual and nonsexual self‐disclosure were at the level of revealing some detail but not fully disclosing personal attitudes and feelings. Participants reported self‐disclosing significantly more about non‐sexual than about sexual topics. Sexual and nonsexual self‐disclosure were related to sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and sexual communication satisfaction. Sexual self‐disclosure was uniquely related to sexual communication satisfaction when nonsexual self‐disclosure was controlled, but was not uniquely associated with relationship satisfaction or sexual satisfaction. The study provided evidence that both sexual exchanges and relationship satisfaction mediate the relationship between sexual self‐disclosure and sexual satisfaction as proposed by Cupach and Metts (1991). The results of a series of analyses suggest that self‐disclosure affects sexual satisfaction through two routes. First, sexual self‐disclosure may increase sexual rewards in the relationship. Second, it may increase overall relationship satisfaction. Both increased sexual rewards and increased relationship satisfaction, in turn, enhance sexual satisfaction.     

Risky sexual behavior in low‐income African American women: The impact of sexual health variables

In a sample of 163 low‐income African American women, we used logistic regression analyses to test for associations between (a) 5 operationalized constructs theorized in the Sexual Health Model to impact one's overall sexual health (barriers to healthy sexuality, sexual anatomy and functioning, positive sexuality, sexual health care, and cultural identity) and (b) several measures of risky sexual behavior (consistent condom use, multiple concurrent partnerships, and overall sexual risk). No significant relationship was found between acculturation and risky sexual behaviors. Having sexual difficulties was positively associated with overall sexual risk and multiple concurrent partnerships. Favorable attitudes toward condoms were positively associated with consistent condom use. Desiring or intending pregnancy was positively associated with inconsistent condom use and overall sexual risk behavior. This is only the second study linking sexual difficulties and risky sexual behavior. The exact nature of this correlational relationship needs to be studied and replicated in different and more heterogeneous populations.     

Predictors of sexual risk‐taking among new drug users

We studied predictors of HIV‐related sexual risk‐taking among individuals who initiated the use of heroin or metham‐phetamine during the past 5 years. Many studies have linked drug use to HIV risk, but most research has been based on samples of users with long‐established drug careers. We conducted face‐to‐face interviews with 153 adult new drug users in Atlanta, GA. Drug use was not a statistically significant predictor of sexual risk, but gender, age, race, homelessness status, childhood neglect, level of paranoia, and level of (dys)functionality in handling disagreements were associated with frequency of sexual risk‐taking. We discuss the need to incorporate new drug users in HIV/AIDS and other health‐related prevention and intervention programs.     

Sexual addiction, sexual compulsivity, sexual impulsivity, or what? Toward a theoretical model

We critically review the concepts of sexual addiction, sexual compulsivity, and sexual impulsivity and discuss their theoretical bases. A sample of 31 self-defined sex addicts were assessed by means of interview and questionnaires and compared with a large age-matched control group. A tendency to experience increased sexual interest in states of depression or anxiety was strongly characteristic of the sex addict group. Dissociative experiences were described by 45% of sex addicts and may have some explanatory relevance. Obsessive-compulsive mechanisms may be relevant in some cases, and the addiction concept may prove to be relevant with further research. Overall, results suggested that out of control sexual behavior results from a variety of mechanisms. We propose an alternative theoretical approach to investigating these mechanisms based on the dual control model and recent research on the relation between mood and sexuality.     

Female crack users and their sexual relationships: The role of sex‐for‐crack exchanges

This study challenges the image of female crack users as exchangers, or women who exchange sex for crack. Between June 1997 and February 1999, quantitative interviews were conducted with 150 active female crack users, one half of whom also completed a qualitative interview. Data analysis involved contingency analysis, bivariate logistic regression analysis, and the constant comparison method. Exchangers (n = 65) were younger, and were more likely to have been homeless and to be single than were nonexchangers (n = 85). Exchangers also were more likely to report infidelity and less likely to communicate with their most recent steady partner about the partner's relationship expectations. Sexual behaviors differed by partner type among the exchangers and nonexchangers. These findings provide a comprehensive picture of female crack users. Additionally, the findings indicate the importance of designing interventions that capture the complexities of the women's sexual relationships.     

A short‐form scale to measure sexual discord in dyadic relationships

This paper presents a new short‐form scale for use by clinical workers and researchers in measuring the degree or magnitude of a problem in the sexual component of a dyadic relationship, as seen by the respondent. The scale was designed for use in repeated administrations at periodic intervals in order that therapists might continually monitor and evaluate their clients' response to treatment. Internal consistency and test‐retest reliability were found to be in excess of .90, and the scale has a discriminant validity coefficient of .76.     

Changing aids‐ and fertility‐related behavior: The effectiveness of sexual education

A questionnaire was used to access the effectiveness of a ten‐week university course on human sexuality in changing students' AIDS‐ and fertility‐related behavior. The students' knowledge and behavior were evaluated (1) early in the class before there were any discussions or readings about sexual behavior, AIDS, or birth control and (2) three months later—approximately one month after completing the class. A randomly selected control group of students who did not take the class on sexuality was given the questionnaire at the same two points in time. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant increases in knowledge about the likelihood of contracting the virus from one act of vaginal intercourse. The experimental group also reported increased worry about contracting AIDS from their sexual activity, while the control group did not. Further, compared with the control group, the experimental group increased certain cautious behaviors, such as being more selective in their choice of sexual partners and asking their partners more questions about their AIDS‐related behavior. However, the course did not lead students to: 1) significantly increase their use of the condom or other forms of contraception, 2) decrease their number of sexual partners, or 3) spend a longer time getting to know new partners before engaging in sexual activity. Implications for sexual education are discussed.     

Cognitive‐behavioral bibliotherapy for sexual dysfunctions in heterosexual couples: A randomized waiting‐list controlled clinical trial in the Netherlands

In a randomized waiting‐list controlled clinical trial cognitive‐behavioral bibliotherapy was investigated in heterosexual couples with sexual dysfunctions. After a 10‐week treatment participants (N = 199 couples) reported fewer complaints of low frequency of sexual interaction and general improvement of their sexual problem, and lower male posttreatment ratings of problem‐associated distress. At follow‐up gains with respect to frequency of sex and problem‐associated distress had eroded. Female participants with vaginismus posttreatment reported less complaints of vaginismus. However, female participants with dyspareunia reported more complaints of vaginal discomfort. These differences were maintained at follow‐up. An “intention‐to‐treat” analysis showed that the effects were robust to participant attrition. Treatment compliance was positively associated with outcome in females at posttreatment.     

Quality of the intimate and sexual relationship in first‐time parents six months after delivery

This study aimed to describe the quality of the intimate relationship among parents six months after the birth of their first child. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) has been modified and used on 820 responding first‐time parents, of which 768 were couples. The results reveal that most parents were happy in their relationship, but both mothers and fathers were discontented with the dyadic sexuality. “Being too tired for sexual activity “ was a problem, especially for the mothers, and the most common frequency of intercourse was once or twice per month. The result does not support the assumption that the couples compensate the lacking sexuality with sensuality. Good communication within the couple was associated with higher levels of several dimensions of the intimate relationship, especially dyadic consensus and satisfaction. Thus, one way to stabilize and strengthen a relationship when dyadic sexual activity is low would be to emphasize dyadic communication and sensual activity.     

Relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction: A longitudinal study of individuals in long‐term relationships

This study examined the association between relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction over time to provide evidence about possible causal explanations for the association between the two variables. Eighty‐seven individuals in long‐term relationships completed measures of sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction at 2 times 18 months apart. There was only limited evidence, based on exploratory analyses, to support either the hypothesis that changes in relationship satisfaction lead to changes in sexual satisfaction or the hypothesis that changes in sexual satisfaction lead to changes in relationship satisfaction. However, sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction were found to change concurrently. The quality of intimate communication accounted for part of the concurrent changes in relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction. I discuss the results in terms of the need to develop more complex models depicting the longitudinal associations between relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction.     

A new sexual revolution? Critical theory, pornography, and the Internet

The "sexual revolution" was a central element of North American culture in the 1960s. Today, sex is increasingly central to mainstream culture, in large part due to the Internet, and we might wonder whether we are living through a comparable period of sexual history. In this article, I revisit the work of Herbert Marcuse-the original theorist of the sexual revolution-to ask whether it can contribute to a critical theory of sexuality in the era of digital technology. After outlining Marcuse's theory of the role of Eros in social life, I discuss two pornographic Web sites that combine eroticism and social critique. I argue that Marcuse's work is valuable for its emphasis on the intersection of sex, technology, and capitalist economy, but that it needs to be supplemented by a focus on masculinity and the male body in Internet pornography.     

Number of sexual partners and sexual assertiveness predict sexual victimization: do more partners equal more risk?

In previous studies, number of sexual partners and sexual assertiveness were examined as independent risk factors for sexual victimization among college women. Using a sample of 335 college women, this study examined the interaction of number of sexual partners and sexual assertiveness on verbal sexual coercion and rape. Approximately 32% of the sample reported unwanted sexual intercourse, 6.9% (n = 23) experienced verbal sexual coercion, 17.9% (n = 60) experienced rape, and 7.2% (n = 24) experienced both. As number of sexual partners increased, instances of verbal sexual coercion increased for women low in relational sexual assertiveness but not for women high in relational sexual assertiveness. A similar relationship was not found for rape. Among women who experienced both verbal sexual coercion and rape, increases in number of partners in the context of low refusal and relational assertiveness were associated with increases in verbal sexual coercion and rape. Findings suggest sexual assertiveness is related to fewer experiences of sexual coercion.