Archives of Sexual Behavior最新文献

Research into detransition—stopping, shifting, or reversing an initial gender transition—remains limited despite its increasing visibility in society and healthcare settings. While previous studies with adults identified the reasons and experience of detransition as heterogenous, researchers have not developed clear, empirically-validated concepts to examine these phenomena. This study used latent class analysis to characterize distinct detransition experiences among 957 adolescents and adults (aged 16–74 years; 78.8% assigned female at birth; AFAB) living in the USA (73.6%) and Canada (26.4%). Using self-reported reasons for detransition as indicator variables, we identified four distinct detransition classes. Participants rated factors using Likert scales, allowing quantitative assessment of each dimension’s influence on their detransition pathway. Class A (n = 316, 14.6% Transgender/Gender-Diverse (TGD) identity, 89.9% AFAB) strongly endorsed mental health-related factors and changes in self-identity, with moderately high scores on dissatisfaction with treatment. Class B (n = 186, 62.4% TGD identity, 87.1% AFAB) scored moderately high on satisfaction with treatments and in changing self-identity. Class C (n = 182, 62.3% TGD identity, 75.8% AFAB) strongly endorsed discrimination and interpersonal factors and had moderate scores in additional dimensions. Class D (n = 273; 95.3% TGD identity, 62.3% AFAB) strongly endorsed discrimination, and had moderate scores in healthcare access barriers. The prevalence of medical transition across the four classes ranged between 62.9 and 65.8%. Transfeminine, AMAB participants were more frequently typed into classes strongly reporting discrimination. Findings illustrated that detransition is driven by multidimensional factors and can occur alongside regret and satisfaction with transition-related decisions. Future research is required to develop rigorous conceptual frameworks for studying detransition and gender identity development among gender-diverse populations.

African migrants in China are at increased risk of HIV and other STDs. Consistent condom use is the most effective and cost-efficient method of preventing STD/HIV. However, there is limited literature on condom use and its determinants among Africans in China. A national online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Africans in China from January to February 2021. Participants completed a survey including social-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and personal networks. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with condomless sex. The study surveyed 1305 individuals, with 488 reporting sexual activity and being included in the analysis. Most were young, unmarried, Christian, migrants for study or business in China for over a year, insured, and about half proficient in Mandarin. Notably, 53% reported engaging in condomless sex. Among them, African migrants with low sexual health community engagement (80%), lacking condom distribution services (almost 70%), had an average of 5.61 friends. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed higher odds of condomless sex for seven variables: those migrating for study (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.62, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.10–2.40), frequent contact with Chinese friends (aOR 1.71, 1.05–2.78), meeting more than one friend on social apps (aOR 1.57, 1.09–2.28), using social apps in China (aOR 2.19, 1.18–4.08), having over three regular partners (aOR 2.41, 1.02–5.69), using alcohol in the past 12 months (aOR  2.13, 1.45–3.11), and alcohol before/during sex in the past 6 months (aOR 2.16, 1.46–3.21). Our data suggest the need for comprehensive sexual health services that are tailored for African migrants in China. Expansion of condom distribution alongside community engagement and decentralized sexual health services based on personal networks is urgently needed among this population.

Rough sex behaviors have become prevalent among young adults in the U.S. and internationally. However, little is known about these behaviors at the population level. Using nationally representative survey data of 9029 U.S. adults, we aimed to provide population estimates and demographic correlates of 10 such behaviors: consensual and nonconsensual hair pulling, biting, face slapping, genital slapping, light spanking, hard spanking, choking, punching, name-calling, and smothering. We found that 47.8% of women, 60.8% of men, and 67.3% of transgender and gender nonbinary participants (TGNB+) had ever done one or more of the behaviors to a partner. Also, 53.8% of women, 45.7% of men, and 69.5% of transgender and gender nonbinary participants reported that a partner had ever performed at least one type of the assessed behaviors on them, with consent. Experiencing one or more of the behaviors done to them without consent was reported by 19.6% of women, 15.9% of men, and 33.5% of TGNB+ participants. As a general pattern, the behaviors we assessed tended to be more prevalent among younger cohorts as compared with older cohorts and to be reported by more sexual orientation minorities than those identifying as heterosexual. Sexuality educators and clinicians need to be aware of these emerging sexual behaviors. Also, public health agencies should address the increased prevalence of sexual choking, which is usually done as a form of neck compression or strangulation and poses unique risks to health.

Relationship breakups are common yet often distressing events for young adults. Some adjust better than others to the changes following that relationship loss. It is unclear whether rebounding into a new relationship is a helpful distraction or interferes with processing relationship loss. In two studies, we examined whether entering a new relationship shortly after a breakup was linked to individual factors reflecting resiliency and ultimately better adjustment regarding the end of a relationship. Both studies used anonymous online cross-sectional surveys of young adults (18–25 years) who had recently experienced a breakup (single versus in a new relationship). Study 1 (n = 480; 50.2% women) compared groups in terms of individual traits reflective of resiliency (self-esteem and grit) and adjustment (distress, relationship obsessions, and intrusive thoughts). Those who had rebounded into a new relationship (versus remained single) after a breakup reported fewer intrusive thoughts about the past relationship. Study 2 (n = 426; 56.8%) examined whether intrusive relationship thoughts and obsessions were intermediary variables between self-esteem and breakup distress. As in Study 1, those who had experienced a breakup and had rebounded (versus remained single) reported fewer intrusive thoughts about the past relationship. Self-esteem was linked to breakup distress through intrusive thoughts about the relationship loss. Implications relate to education and supports for young people in distress following a breakup.

Sexual-economic exchange is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by biological, psychological, social, and economic factors. This paper examines sexual-economic exchange—including commercial sex and transactional intimacy—through a multidisciplinary lens, integrating perspectives from evolutionary psychology, sexual economics, and the social sciences. Evolutionary models frame these exchanges as adaptive strategies emerging from reproductive asymmetries and resource transfer dynamics. Historically, the institutionalization of private property and male-dominated societies fostered conditions for sex-for-resources arrangements, with prostitution representing an institutionalized and often stigmatized variant. Psychological approaches explore how some individuals arrive at sexual-economic exchange through pathways shaped by early adversity, cognitive patterns, and social marginalization. However, for many, sex work represents a conscious and strategic choice shaped by broader life circumstances and constrained opportunities. Sexual economics theory contextualizes these dynamics within market principles, positing that sexual access functions as a valued resource predominantly regulated by women in heterosexual interactions. Gender asymmetries in sexual desire and resource provision shape mating strategies and intrasexual competition, with societal norms reflecting market dynamics. Efforts to eliminate or liberalize sexual-economic exchange have yielded mixed outcomes, as seen in diverse historical and policy contexts. The persistence of such exchanges underscores the influence of socioeconomic inequality and biopsychological predispositions. This paper advocates for a multiple perspectives approach, integrating the biopsychosocial model, systems theory, and evolutionary psychology to provide a holistic understanding of sexual-economic exchange. This framework is not only conceptually integrative but also practically useful for informing research, improving support services, and guiding evidence-based policy.

Virginity is a social construct with no medical or scientific value. Although some people believe an intact hymen is proof of virginity, this belief has not been confirmed using forensic evidence. Despite these facts, in many places in the world women’s sexuality is controlled via virginity testing and hymen (re)constructions. These practices are on the rise globally, including in Sweden. Voicing the viewpoints of racialised women are rare. Using a gender perspective, this study analysed how young women living in Sweden who experience patriarchal chastity norms construct and understand virginity and what conditions, actions, and consequences follow when virginity is highly valued. A total of 14 young women originating from countries in the Middle East, East Africa, and Sweden were interviewed. This study uses constructive grounded theory to explore concepts such as oppression, inequality, and injustice. The category Unequal sexual conditions for women compared with men describes why virginity is understood as a troublesome condition for women. The category The making and faking of a virgin presents various ways women’s sexuality is controlled in cultural and medical contexts. The consequences of the intrusions of medicine and the roles physicians play are included in the category Surgical interventions in gendered bodies. The emergent core category, Intersecting dimensions of honor cultures, (un)medical power, and gender injustice sustain the norms of virginity, explains how the epistemologies of ignorance are connected to virginity and the hymen. Unscientific discourses about virginity testing and the hymen (re)construction must be challenged if we intend to stop these harmful practices.