Journal of Sex Research最新文献

Chemsex, understood as a form of sexualized drug use that involves a range of psychoactive substance and sociocultural contexts, has been associated with various physical and psychological risks. Among these, sexual victimization remains a critical yet underexplored issue. This scoping review synthesizes literature on sexual victimization in chemsex to identify key patterns, risk factors, and research gaps. A systematic search was conducted in multiple databases, following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Review guidelines. Fifteen empirical studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for methodological quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Three main themes were identified: (1) experiences of nonconsensual sex acts; (2) sexual consent, self-perception, and labeling sexual victimization; (3) risk factors for sexual victimization. Reports of sexual victimization in chemsex are significant, particularly in cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault. Moreover, the understanding of consent remains ambiguous, and there is little perception and acknowledgment of victimization experiences. Several risk factors, including specific substances such as gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), younger age, and power dynamics contribute to this phenomenon. Based on the results, harm reduction strategies were proposed at three different levels to mitigate risks (public and policy, health care and support professionals, and practitioners). Future research should refine measurement tools and further investigate protective factors and intervention effectiveness.

Heterosexual-identified men who have sex with men (H-MSM) are a unique population difficult to identify and recruit for research and practice. Yet, engaging H-MSM remains a top research priority to learn more about this population's health needs. A scoping review was conducted to develop a stronger understanding of recruitment patterns involving H-MSM in research. The search and screening procedures yielded 160 total articles included in the present study. Most studies relied on venue-based and internet-based recruitment strategies. Thematic analysis was then used to identify three themes. Locations of H-MSM's sexual encounters related to where sex researchers may recruit participants; sociocultural backgrounds of H-MSM related to important characteristics researchers should acknowledge and consider when working with H-MSM; and engagement with health services related to how H-MSM interact with or avoid HIV/STI testing and treatment and other public health services. Findings suggest H-MSM have sex with other men in a variety of venues (e.g. bathhouses, saunas) but tend to avoid gay-centric venues. H-MSM also are diverse, and these unique identities should be accounted for when engaging them. Finally, H-MSM are less likely to access healthcare services than other MSM, highlighting the need for targeted advertisements and interventions specific for H-MSM.

Scholars are at the beginning stages of understanding the trajectory of incels' deradicalization process. This study aimed to gain insight into the trajectories of individuals who have left or expressed a desire to leave inceldom, by focussing on the turning points that propel incels to deradicalize from the misogynistic ideology associated with inceldom. To achieve this, 28 threads related to the process of exiting inceldom were extracted from r/IncelExit, a subreddit which caters to incels seeking support and guidance in said process. A reflexive thematic analysis allowed for the identification of three distinct stages in the process of exiting inceldom: 1) pursuing dating, 2) attempting to change ideology, and 3) struggling to leave the incel ideology. Our findings show that, initially, the prospect of entering a romantic relationship was perceived as the primary means of leaving inceldom. However, after experiencing a few attempts at dating, a turning point was reached when individuals recognized the importance of changing their ideology. This stemmed from the realization that the incels' ideology had a detrimental impact on their overall well-being. Consequently, they turned to their peers on the subreddit for strategies for ideological transformation. Various courses of action were proposed, with particular emphasis on the importance of addressing fundamental needs through self-care practices. Simultaneously, participants reported a range of challenges encountered during the process of leaving inceldom. These findings underscore the requirement for interventions adapted to this clientele's needs to accompany them through their deradicalization journey. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Sexual compliance (i.e., consenting to sexual activity despite the lack of initial desire for it) is common in committed relationships. Previous research has shown that sexual compliance can have both positive and negative consequences for the well-being of the individual and the relationship. The aim of the present study was to develop a scale to measure the perceived consequences of sexual compliance, using exploratory factor analysis. The scale items were developed based on previous research and administered to a Finnish population-based sample of adults (N = 1,159). A two-factor model, explaining 40% of the total variance, was selected to create the Consequences of Sexual Compliance Scale (CSCS). The final scale included two subscales, with 10 items measuring perceived positive consequences and 10 items measuring perceived negative consequences of sexual compliance. The individuals in the current sample perceived significantly more positive than negative consequences of sexual compliance, suggesting that engaging in sex without initial sexual desire does not harm well-being for most people. Our scale can be used by researchers and clinicians who wish to further explore the perceived consequences of sexual compliance.

Satisfying romantic relationships often feature high levels of nurturance and eroticism. Consensually non-monogamous (CNM) individuals may experience these with additional partners, potentially reducing the need for both to be present in a primary relationship to achieve satisfaction. We assessed how nurturance and eroticism relate to relationship satisfaction in single-partnered (n = 289) and multi-partnered (n = 335) individuals. We also compared relationship behavior (single vs multiple current partners) and identity (monogamous, n = 217 vs CNM, n = 399). Compared to multi-partnered individuals' reports of their primary relationship, single-partnered individuals reported similar satisfaction and nurturance, and higher eroticism. Across single- and multi-partnered individuals, nurturance and eroticism were positively associated with relationship satisfaction, with no upper level interactions. Instead, interactions emerged when assessing relationship identity. Among monogamous individuals, nurturance and eroticism also did not interact, meaning the positive association of one was consistent across levels of the other. For CNM-identified individuals, however, nurturance and eroticism interacted; nurturance was more strongly linked to satisfaction when eroticism was low, while eroticism was only linked to satisfaction when nurturance was low. When nurturance was high, there was no association between eroticism and satisfaction. Longer relationship durations were linked to lower eroticism and higher nurturance, regardless of partner number or age. Findings suggest that nurturance and eroticism contribute to satisfaction differently for monogamous and CNM individuals, with CNM individuals fostering highly satisfying relationships even when eroticism is low. This study provides a nuanced understanding of how these factors contribute to satisfaction across diverse relationship forms.

Asexuality is a sexual orientation centered around low or absent sexual attraction. Despite the growth of empirical scholarship on asexuality, laboratory sex research with asexual individuals remains significantly underutilized. As such, we conducted a qualitative survey aimed at examining asexual individuals' perceptions of laboratory sex research as well as their perspectives/experiences on participation. Reflexive thematic analysis of 412 responses revealed 4 themes and 10 sub-themes focused on mapping the domain of asexuality, participants' trust, distrust and ambivalence toward laboratory sex research, and developing best practices for overcoming challenges with asexual individuals. A large proportion of asexual individuals emphasized concerns related to the potential medicalization and pathologization of asexuality, with 34.6% exhibiting their unwillingness to participate. Nonetheless, 41.7% of asexual individuals expressed a desire to take part in laboratory sexuality studies. These findings indicate a strong interest in laboratory sex research, driven by the lack of knowledge about ace sexual functioning. To further improve ace individuals´ engagement and experience in such studies, a set of participant-driven recommendations was presented. As such, this study highlights the importance of grounding future laboratory sex research with asexual individuals in ethical and reliable procedures.