Adult sexual orientation and attraction to underage persons

A random sample of 175 males convicted of sexual assault against children was screened with reference to their adult sexual orientation and the sex of their victims. The sample divided fairly evenly into two groups based on whether they were sexually fixated exclusively on children or had regressed from peer relationships. Female children were victimized nearly twice as often as male children. All regressed offenders, whether their victims were male or female children, were heterosexual in their adult orientation. There were no examples of regression to child victims among peer-oriented, homosexual males. The possibility emerges that homosexuality and homosexual pedophilia may be mutually exclusive and that the adult heterosexual male constitutes a greater risk to the underage child than does the adult homosexual male.     

Resistance to sexual aggression: Personality,attitudinal, and situational factors

This study's purpose was (i) to assess resistance to sexual aggression, from kissing/fondling to intercourse; (ii) to test the relative efficacy of three theoretical models (Victim Precipitation, Social Control, and Situational Blame) for predicting resistance to acquaintance rape. Seventy-five percent of the 206 university students reported vicitimization. Average time since victimization was 2.03 years. Sixty-eight percent of victims successfully resisted their most severe victimization attempt. Four situational factors predicted resistance: isolation of incident site, previous victim—offender relationship, previous victim—offender sexual intimacy, and clarity of victim nonconsent. Two personality variables, the California Personality Inventory scales of dominance and social presence, distinguished successful from unsuccessful resisters. Attitudinal measures were not statistically significant.     

Prevalence and correlates of young people's sexual aggression perpetration and victimisation in 10 European countries: a multi-level analysis

Data are presented on young people's sexual victimisation and perpetration from 10 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain) using a shared measurement tool (N = 3480 participants, aged between 18 and 27 years). Between 19.7 and 52.2% of female and between 10.1 and 55.8% of male respondents reported having experienced at least one incident of sexual victimisation since the age of consent. In two countries, victimisation rates were significantly higher for men than for women. Between 5.5 and 48.7% of male and 2.6 and 14.8% of female participants reported having engaged in a least one act of sexual aggression perpetration, with higher rates for men than for women in all countries. Victimisation rates correlated negatively with sexual assertiveness and positively with alcohol use in sexual encounters. Perpetration rates correlated positively with attitudes condoning physical dating violence and with alcohol use in men, and negatively with sexual assertiveness in women. At the country level, lower gender equality in economic power and in the work domain was related to higher male perpetration rates. Lower gender equality in political power and higher sexual assertiveness in women relative to men were linked to higher male victimisation rates.     

Measurement of sexual aggression in college men: A methodological analysis

Researchers have devoted increased attention in recent years to the measurement of sexual aggression in college populations. This review describes and critically examines current methods of measuring sexual aggression which rely on a self-reported history of such behavior. We suggest that the construct validity of these approaches can be enhanced through a systematic consideration of instrumentation and methodological issues. Twenty-six empirical studies were evaluated with regard to sample characteristics such as size, type, representativeness, and subject exclusion criteria, as well as study design, measurement method, statistics reported, use of debriefing, and control for socially desirable response bias. Specific instrumentation methodology to measure a self-reported history of sexual aggression was examined in detail.     

Assessment of sexual beliefs and information in aging couples with sexual dysfunction

The incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunction indicate that a large portion of the U.S. population will experience a sexual dysfunction, with older individuals being particularly at risk. Cognitive factors (e.g., attitudes, misinformation, beliefs) may contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction or influence response to treatments. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a brief instrument designed to assess information and beliefs regarding sexual functioning in an aging population. Results indicate that the Sexual Beliefs and Information Questionnaire (SBIQ) had adequate test-retest reliability and is an internally consistent measure of sexual knowledge and beliefs. Most individuals had adequate knowledge regarding sexual functioning as indicated by correct responses to most items; however, there were several items missed more often than expected. Exploratory factor analysis suggests an underlying five-factor structure of the SBIQ. Scores were not correlated with years of education, mood, or marital satisfaction. Scores on the SBIQ improved after a brief standardized educational intervention. The SBIQ is a simple and psychometrically sound measure of sexual knowledge and myths that can assist clinicians to identify and possibly rectify knowledge deficits.     

Level of postassault sexual functioning in rape and incest victims

In a systematic study, 372 sexual assault survivors and 99 women with no history of sexual assault were interviewed with regard to their sexual histories to determine the incidence and types of sexual dysfunctions in these two samples. The women also completed the Sexual Arousability Inventory. Of the sexual assault survivors, 58.6% of the women were experiencing sexual dysfunctions, with 71% of them reporting that their sexual assaults were related to their development of sexual problems. In contrast, only 17.2% of the nonassaulted women reported experiencing any sexual problems. Differences in the types of sexual problems experienced by the two samples are noted, as are treatment implications. The sensitivity of the Sexual Arousability Inventory to assault-related sexual dysfunctions was affected by the educational level of the sexual assault survivors.This research was funded in part by Research Grant MH-32982-03 from the National Institute of Mental Health. The data analysis was supported in part by Mental Health Clinical Research Center Grant MH-30906-04 from the National Institute of Mental Health.Project Coordinator of the Victim Treatment and Research Clinic at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.     

Boundary‐making in the medico‐legal context: examining doctor–nurse dynamics in post‐sexual assault forensic medical intervention

A key dimension of the institutional response to sexual assault is the forensic medical examination of a victim's body conducted for purpose of documenting, collecting and testifying to corroborative evidence. Drawing upon in‐depth interviews with forensic examiners and forensic nurse practitioners in one region of England, this study addresses a gap in the existing research on medico‐legal processes, and critically examines the nature and dynamics of the relationship between doctors and nurses involved in this intervention. Using an analytic framework based on Thomas Gieryn's notion of ‘boundary‐work’, we explore how this historically gendered dyadic relationship is experienced and understood in a context influenced by both medicine and law. We demonstrate very clear boundaries demarcating (i) physicians as experts and nurses as non‐experts in the collection and representation of medical evidence, and, (ii) physicians as equated with technical competence and nurses with ‘caring’ duties. We conclude by positing implications that may stem from these professional relations with respect to sexual assault evidence, professionals and victims.     

Eating disturbance and sexual trauma in childhood and adulthood.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between sexual trauma and eating disorder behavior, taking into account the effects of developmental stage of the victim and the effects of multiple sexual assaults. METHOD: Four groups of adult women took part in this study. Subjects were either victims of childhood sexual abuse, victims of rape in adulthood, victims of both childhood sexual abuse and rape, and controls who were not traumatized sexually. All subjects were assessed with semistructured interviews and self-report inventories that assessed eating disorder behavior, general psychopathology, and impulsivity. RESULTS: Victims of childhood sexual abuse differed from controls on measures of eating disorder behavior and individuals who had experienced both childhood sexual abuse and rape in adulthood were most likely to display eating disorder-related psychopathology. Victims of childhood sexual abuse also distinguished themselves with high levels of eating disorder behavior plus multiple forms of impulsive self-destructive behavior. DISCUSSION: This study provides additional support for the association between childhood sexual abuse and eating disorder behavior. Childhood sexual abuse may be particularly linked to the presence of binge eating behavior and several other forms of impulsive self-destructive behavior.     

Thrills and spills: Young people's sexual behaviour andattitudes in seaside and rural areas

This paper reports on a qualitative study which explored attitudes to sexual risk-taking among young people in rural and seaside areas in England. The research was undertaken in three sites, each comprising a seaside resort and its rural hinterland. Data were collected through group discussions with 341 young people in secondary schools in England and through individual interviews with young people outside school settings, with young parents and with professionals working in the field of sexual health and education. Data analysis adopted a grounded theory approach and incorporated the views of local young people's advisory groups. Key features of the study which appeared specific to the locales studied were the influence of the seaside entertainment industry on young people's sexual behaviour and the high visibility experienced by young people in rural areas. Gender was also identified as playing a crucial role in determining perceptions of risk and influencing behaviour. Sexual health services and health promotion strategies need to acknowledge the relevance of factors such as gender and stigma for young people as well as being responsive to the specific features of local contexts.     

Comparing knowledge and perceived risk related to the human papilloma virus among Australian women of diverse sexual orientations

Objectives : The study compared levels of awareness of human papilloma virus (HPV) as a sexually transmissible infection (STI) between women of different sexual orientations. It also examined self-reported risk factors for HPV infection, perceived level of personal risk, and willingness to have the HPV vaccine.
Methods : Recruitment occurred through community sampling and data was collected using a self-completion questionnaire.
Results : A convenience sample of 349 women completed the questionnaire in early 2007, 309 were sexually active; 47.6% had lifetime sexual partners of both genders, 26.9% had only male partners, and 25.5% had only female partners. Women with partners of both genders were more likely to have ever had a pap test but were also more likely to report an abnormal result (OR 3.19) than women with only male partners. Only 68% of the sample had heard of HPV and women with partners of both genders were significantly more likely to be aware than women with only male partners (OR 2.56). Forty-four per cent did not know how HPV was transmitted and less than half correctly identified HPV-associated clinical problems, with no differences according to gender of partners. The majority of women had risk factors for HPV, however, few felt personally at risk.
Conclusions : The very low personal risk perception for HPV, particularly among women who have female and male sexual partners, suggests the need for targeted education for this group regarding HPV transmission and prevention.
Implications : Health promotion regarding HPV should be broadened to specifically include information about HPV as an STI between women.     

Circumcision in Australia: further evidence on its effects on sexual health and wellbeing

Objective: To report on the prevalence and demographic variation in circumcision in Australia and examine sexual health outcomes in comparison with earlier research. Methods: A representative household sample of 4,290 Australian men aged 16–64 years completed a computer‐assisted telephone interview including questions on circumcision status, demographic variables, reported lifetime experience of selected sexually transmissible infections (STIs), experience of sexual difficulties in the previous 12 months, masturbation, and sexual practices at last heterosexual encounter. Results: More than half the men (58%) were circumcised. Circumcision was less common (33%) among men under 30 and more common (66%) among those born in Australia. After adjustment for age and number of partners, circumcision was unrelated to STI history except for non‐specific urethritis (higher among circumcised men, OR=2.11, p<0.001) and penile candidiasis (lower among circumcised men, OR=0.49, p<0.001). Circumcision was unrelated to any of the sexual difficulties we asked about (after adjusting for age) except that circumcised men were somewhat less likely to have worried during sex about whether their bodies looked unattractive (OR=0.77, p=0.04). No association between lack of circumcision and erection difficulties was detected. After correction for age, circumcised men were somewhat more likely to have masturbated alone in the previous 12 months (OR=1.20, p=0.02). Conclusions: Circumcision appears to have minimal protective effects on sexual health in Australia.     

Sexual Attitudes and Number of Partners in Young British Men

The relationship between sexual attitudes and number of heterosexual partners in a survey-based and nationally representative random sample of 551 British men aged 16–25 years was examined. The main predictor of the number of partners in the last 5 years was the time since the first sexual intercourse, whereas age, marital status, education, social class, smoking, and alcohol consumption contributed on a smaller but significant level. Sexual attitudes were summarized in terms of three underlying dimensions which could be described as permissiveness, attitudes toward sexual relations of same-sex partners, and importance of orgasm for sex. None of these was a significant predictor of the number of partners in the last 5 years. Both permissiveness and number of partners were associated with the age of first sexual intercourse and other background variables indicating opportunities for social contact. In conclusion, common factors of sexual attitudes and the number of sexual partners are not directly related but rather jointly predicted by a very similar set of background variables such as age, time since first sexual intercourse, social class, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Given the absence of a significant relationship between sexual attitudes and number of young men's partners, promoting safer sex may be a more sensible strategy than trying to change these attitudes.     

The Sex,Age, and Me study: recruitment and sampling for a large mixed-methods study of sexual health and relationships in an older Australian population

Abstract

Older people are often excluded from large studies of sexual health, as it is assumed that they are not having sex or are reluctant to talk about sensitive topics and are therefore difficult to recruit. We outline the sampling and recruitment strategies from a recent study on sexual health and relationships among older people. Sex, Age and Me was a nationwide Australian study that examined sexual health, relationship patterns, safer-sex practices and STI knowledge of Australians aged 60 years and over. The study used a mixed-methods approach to establish baseline levels of knowledge and to develop deeper insights into older adult’s understandings and practices relating to sexual health. Data collection took place in 2015, with 2137 participants completing a quantitative survey and 53 participating in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. As the feasibility of this type of study has been largely untested until now, we provide detailed information on the study’s recruitment strategies and methods. We also compare key characteristics of our sample with national estimates to assess its degree of representativeness. This study provides evidence to challenge the assumptions that older people will not take part in sexual health-related research and details a novel and successful way to recruit participants in this area.     

Public awareness and misunderstanding about DrinkWise Australia: a cross‐sectional survey of Australian adults

Objective: DrinkWise Australia is an alcohol industry Social Aspects/Public Relations Organisation (SAPRO). We assessed the Australian public's awareness of DrinkWise, beliefs about its funding source, and associations between funding beliefs and perceptions of DrinkWise. Methods: A total of 467 adult weekly drinkers completed an online cross‐sectional survey in February 2016. Results: Half the sample had heard of DrinkWise (48.6%); of these, the proportion aware that DrinkWise is industry funded (37.0%) was much smaller than the proportion believing it receives government funding (84.1%). Respondents who incorrectly believed DrinkWise receives government funding were more likely to hold a favourable perception of the organisation's credibility, trustworthiness and respectability than those who did not believe it receives government funding (75.9% vs. 58.3%; p=0.032). Conclusions: The drinking population is vulnerable to believing that alcohol industry public relations organisations such as DrinkWise are government funded, which in turn is associated with more favourable perceptions of the organisation's credibility, trustworthiness, and respectability. Implications for public health: Favourable perceptions of DrinkWise may enhance the industry's ability to delay or dilute potentially effective alcohol control policies. Future research should investigate whether educating the public about DrinkWise's alcohol industry funding alters the public's perception of how credible, trustworthy and respectable the organisation is.     

贵州兴义农村在校儿童性与生殖健康知识及行为调查

目的 了解贵州省兴义市农村在校儿童性与生殖健康知识知晓情况、发生性行为及其影响因素,为改善农村在校儿童性与生殖健康状况提供依据。方法 2015年3-4月采用整群抽样方法对兴义市小学五、六年级和初中一、二年级548名农村在校儿童进行调查,采用单因素及多因素logistic回归分析知识知晓及发生性行为的影响因素。结果 调查的548名儿童中,有297人（54.2%）知晓性与生殖健康知识;多因素logistic回归分析显示,男生（OR_调整=1.454,95% CI=1.027~2.058）、经常与父母交流沟通（OR_调整=1.460,95% CI=1.003~2.125）、经常与老师交流沟通（OR_调整=1.608,95% CI=1.129~2.289）、在校学习过性教育课程（OR_调整=2.035,95% CI=1.418~2.919）是知晓性与生殖健康知识的影响因素。5.8%（32/548）的农村在校儿童发生过性行为,多因素分析显示,经常与父母交流沟通（OR_调整=0.267,95% CI=0.128~0.558）和在校学习过性教育课程（OR_调整=0.447,95% CI=0.216~0.925）是减少儿童过早性行为的保护因素。结论 农村在校儿童性与生殖健康知识待完善,应注意加强学校及家庭教育,营造良好网络环境,促进农村儿童健康成长。     

Perceptions of sexual violence among men who have sex with men and individuals on the trans-feminine spectrum in Mongolia

With the growing realisation that sexual violence poses pressing health and human rights concerns for men who have sex with men (MSM) and individuals on the trans-feminine spectrum, research has focused on the context in which sexual violence takes place. Rape myths and other perceptions of sexual violence affect the prevalence of perpetration and the availability of services and support for survivors. Little research has been conducted on rape myths among sexual and gender minority groups, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Two focus groups and 30 in-depth interviews were conducted with MSM and individuals on the trans-feminine spectrum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. A number of rape myths previously noted to be prevalent among Western, heterosexual men, and women were expressed by participants, including the myth that males are never raped, rape as a cause of homosexuality or transgenderism, conceptualisations of prototypical rape as requiring overwhelming force, and victim blaming. However, many of these perceptions appeared to have different origins and effects in these populations. This study illustrates interesting similarities and differences compared to rape myths explored in Western, heterosexual male samples, and draws attention to the need to address community perceptions of sexual violence in sexual health and violence intervention programming.     

'Nobody ever chooses this ...': a qualitative study of service providers working in the sexual violence sector – key issues and challenges

This paper describes the findings from the first stage of a study designed to assess the impact of sexual violence (SV) on the lives of Irish women. Stakeholder interviews ( n  = 18) were undertaken to explore experiences of delivering services to people who have experienced SV, in rural and urban settings in Ireland. A range of themes and sub-themes were identified through a thematic analysis, and interrelationships between two of the main themes (barriers to services and current gaps in service provision) are discussed. Sub-themes include: survivor guilt and shame, difficulties in naming the incident as SV, problems with the Criminal Justice System and the availability of Sexual Assault Treatment Units. Participants identified an urgent need for a co-ordinated national strategy in the form of a public awareness and education campaign in order to undermine commonly held rape myths and stereotypes. The findings will be of interest to all health and social care professionals who are in contact with women who have experienced SV. They will also help to raise an awareness of the 'hidden' costs of SV, and inform appropriate policies and community-based responses to this important social problem.