Risky business: is pubic hair removal by women associated with body image and sexual health?

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie L. Grossman ◽  
Rachel A. Annunziato
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pubic Hair ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hair Removal ◽  
Thin Ideal ◽  
Body Hair

Background Body hair removal is a behaviour that has become normative among women in Westernised cultures, and is presented by the media as the feminine ideal, despite being painful and a potential cause of infection. Of concern, removal may be part of a more global pattern of appearance dissatisfaction and risky sexual behaviour. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships among pubic hair removal, body image and sexual health indicators. Methods: Women (n = 264; Mage = 33.82, s.d. = 11.13, range = 18–66) completed self-report questionnaires assessing these constructs, including an assessment of body hair removal practices. Results: Greater appearance concerns (as measured by thin-ideal internalisation, appearance investment and self-objectification) and sexual health indicators (i.e. less condom use self-efficacy when a partner disapproves of condom use) all predicted greater importance of reasons for pubic hair removal (R2 = 0.315, F(8184) = 9.97, P < 0.001), controlling for age groups. Additionally, women who removed a greater amount of hair reported more thin-ideal internalisation and appearance investment than those who removed less hair. Conclusions: Women who express stronger reasoning for pubic hair removal, and remove a larger amount of it, may endorse problematic beliefs and behaviours particularly related to appearance concerns. It is important for practitioners to consider this practice as distinct from grooming and to be aware of its association with a broader array of risky beliefs and behaviours that can compromise women’s well-being.

Examining the Link Between Character Strengths and Positive and Negative Mental Health Indicators in Iranian Adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 073428292110053
Author(s):  
Mahsa Jabbari ◽  
Shahriar Shahidi ◽  
Leili Panaghi ◽  
Mohammad Ali Mazaheri ◽  
Eva Oberle
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Positive Development ◽  
Response Patterns ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Grade Level Differences

Character strengths are an important foundation for positive development and thriving in adolescence. Most research on character strengths has been conducted with youths in Western cultures. We examined character strengths in relation to positive and negative well-being indicators in a sample of Iranian youths. We investigated the reliability and validity of the Farsi version of the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (VIA Y-96)—a self-report survey commonly used in Western contexts. Participants were adolescents in Iran ( N = 1,359; 48.5% female; M age = 13.54, SD = 1.00) who completed the VIA Y-96 and questionnaires assessing life satisfaction, positive/negative experiences, depression, anxiety, and stress. We found that reliability coefficients were acceptable for most of the VIA subscales. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), as well as a second-order CFA, supported the construct validity of the Farsi VIA Y-96. Correlations between the character strengths and positive and negative well-being indicators supported convergent validity. Measurement invariance for the VIA Y-96 was established in this study comparing boys’ and girls’ response patterns. Sex and grade level differences were found for some of the subscales. Overall, the Farsi VIA Y-96 had acceptable psychometric properties, suggesting that it can be used in research on character strengths with Iranian youths.

Family Rejection as a Predictor of Negative Health Outcomes in White and Latino Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 5-11
Author(s):  
Caitlin Ryan ◽  
David Huebner ◽  
Rafael M. Diaz ◽  
Jorge Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Self Report ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Pencil And Paper ◽  
And Gender

OBJECTIVE We examined specific family rejecting reactions to sexual orientation and gender expression during adolescence as predictors of current health problems in a sample of lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. METHODS On the basis of previously collected in-depth interviews, we developed quantitative scales to assess retrospectively in young adults the frequency of parental and caregiver reactions to a lesbian, gay, or bisexual sexual orientation during adolescence. Our survey instrument also included measures of 9 negative health indicators, including mental health, substance abuse, and sexual risk. The survey was administered to a sample of 224 white and Latino self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults, aged 21 to 25, recruited through diverse venues and organizations. Participants completed self-report questionnaires by using either computer-assisted or pencil-and-paper surveys. RESULTS Higher rates of family rejection were significantly associated with poorer health outcomes. On the basis of odds ratios, lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults who reported higher levels of family rejection during adolescence were 8.4 times more likely to report having attempted suicide, 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression, 3.4 times more likely to use illegal drugs, and 3.4 times more likely to report having engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse compared with peers from families that reported no or low levels of family rejection. Latino men reported the highest number of negative family reactions to their sexual orientation in adolescence. CONCLUSIONS This study establishes a clear link between specific parental and caregiver rejecting behaviors and negative health problems in young lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults. Providers who serve this population should assess and help educate families about the impact of rejecting behaviors. Counseling families, providing anticipatory guidance, and referring families for counseling and support can help make a critical difference in helping decrease risk and increasing well-being for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth.

scholarly journals Sexting, Self-Esteem, Body Image: Sexual Health in a Sample of Young Women in Italy

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-187
Author(s):  
V. Verrastro ◽  
◽  
L. Fontanesi ◽  
I. Petruccelli ◽  
P. Diotaiuti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Image Perception ◽  
Body Image Perception ◽  
On Line

Objective: The present research aims to identify the relation between at risk on-line behaviour (as sexting), self-esteem and the influence of media on bodyimage. According to the literature, our hypothesis suggests that on line behavior is influenced by self-esteem and body-image perception. Design and Method: 500 female participants (range 14-25) filled out self-report questionnaires about socio-anagraphical information, health and sexual behaviour (a.e. BMI, contraception, sexual experiences). Italian versions of Sexting Behaviour Scale, Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 and Multidimensional Self Concept Scale, Cyberbulliyng Questionnaire were administered too. Results: Our results suggest that there are several differences between female adolescents and young adult women, especially for what concern sexual health and body image perception. Higher scores in the Sexting Behaviour Scale were associated with higher scores in the SATAQ subscales concerning internalization, suggesting that they perceive their body as not in shape as they want it to be. Moreover, we found that having a strong self-esteem was a protective factor from the pressure of TV and Magazines. Conclusions: Our results highlighted the relation between on line and offline sexual health, self-esteem and the influence of media on self-perception. Adolescents should be considered at high risk for development of psychological and health problem related to on line behaviour. Therefore it is extremely important for prevention to focus on intervention in schools to enhance self-efficacy in girls and young women, and to develop specific programs to show the risk of the use of internet.

Predictors of Sexual Health in Women After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2371-2371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Ganz ◽  
Katherine A. Desmond ◽  
Thomas R. Belin ◽  
Beth E. Meyerowitz ◽  
Julia H. Rowland
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Sexual Interest ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
The Common

PURPOSE: To identify variables that might be predictive of sexual health (interest, dysfunction, and satisfaction) in a large sample of breast cancer survivors, with a validation conducted in a second, independent sample. PATIENTS AND METHODS: On the basis of a conceptual framework of sexual health in breast cancer survivors, we performed multivariable regression analyses to estimate sexual interest, dysfunction, and satisfaction in both samples. Additional analyses were performed using stepwise regression and recursive partitioning to explore in each sample the relative contributions of the independent variables toward predicting the outcome measures. RESULTS: The models for sexual interest accounted for at least 33% of the variance, and the significant predictors common to the two samples were having a new partner since the diagnosis of breast cancer, mental health score, and body image score. For sexual dysfunction, the models in the two samples explained at least 33% of the variance, and the common significant predictors were vaginal dryness, past chemotherapy use, and having a new partner since diagnosis. The sexual satisfaction models explained at least 27% of the variance, with the common significant predictors being the quality of the partnered relationship and sexual problems in the partner. CONCLUSION: Among the predictors of sexual health, several are mutable (vaginal dryness, emotional well-being, body image, the quality of the partnered relationship, and sexual problems in the partner), and these should be considered for future interventions to address the sexual health and well-being of breast cancer survivors.

scholarly journals The Causal Effects of Relational Security and Insecurity on Condom Use Attitudes and Acquisition Behavior

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Kitchener Sakaluk ◽  
Omri Gillath
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Causal Effects ◽  
Health Threat ◽  
Observational Measure ◽  
Relational Factors ◽  
Avoidance Condition ◽  
Negative Effect

Research on attachment and condom use has been limited to correlational studies of self-report measures, yielding inconsistent results. Here, we examined the causal effects of attachment priming on self-reported condom use attitudes and an observational measure of condom acquisition behavior. In three experiments, participants were exposed to one of three attachment primes (security, anxiety, or avoidance) or a control prime. For Study 1, participants in the security and anxiety conditions preferred condom non-use to a greater extent, compared to participants in the avoidance condition. This effect was replicated in Study 2, and was mediated by perceptions of sexual health threat. In Study 3, the effect of security priming on condom acquisition behavior was eliminated through the use of a framing manipulation, though, the effect of primed attachment on condom use attitudes was not significant. A Meta-Analysis, however, revealed that the predicted effects of attachment priming were consistent across the three studies, supporting the role of attachment in evaluations of condom use. Priming attachment security or anxiety lead participants to perceive their sexual partners as less of a sexual health threat, resulting in a devaluation of condom use. Primed security also reduced condom acquisition behavior, though this negative effect eliminated by framing condoms as protecting a partner’s sexual health. Overall, these studies suggest that relational factors, such as attachment, require greater consideration when studying sexual health and designing interventions.

scholarly journals Health and well-being of trans and non-binary participants in a community-based survey of gay, bisexual, and queer men, and non-binary and Two-Spirit people across Canada

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246525
Author(s):  
Leo Rutherford ◽  
Aeron Stark ◽  
Aidan Ablona ◽  
Benjamin J. Klassen ◽  
Robert Higgins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Two Spirit

There is a paucity of population health data on the experiences of transgender, non-binary, and other gender minority gay, bisexual, and queer men, and Two-Spirit people in Canada. To address this gap, this article presents a socio-demographic and health profile of trans and non-binary participants from the community-based bilingual 2018 Sex Now Survey. Participants were recruited in-person from Pride festivals in 15 communities to self-complete an anonymous paper-and-pen questionnaire. To be eligible, participants needed to be at least 15 years old, live in Canada, either report a non-heterosexual sexual identity or report sex with a man in the past 5 years, and not report gender identity as a woman. Through community consultations the survey was inclusive of trans men, non-binary people, and Two-Spirit people. Three gender groups (cisgender, transgender, and non-binary) were created, and trans and non-binary participants were compared with their cisgender peers across a variety of demographic, mental health, sexual health, and general health indicators. Odds ratios were calculated to determine initial significance for categorical variables, and adjusted odds ratios were calculated to control for five possible confounders (age, ethnoracial identity, country of birth, sexual identity, and financial strain). Significant differences emerged across all sets of indicators, with many of these findings remaining significant after adjusting for confounding variables, including significantly higher reported rates of mental health challenges and sexual health service barriers for trans and non-binary participants compared to the cisgender group. Trans and non-binary participants were also more likely to be in polyamorous relationships. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that trans and non-binary people experience significant disadvantages compared with cisgender sexual minority men. Improved educational supports and employment protections, access to queer and gender affirming healthcare, and trauma-informed mental health services are needed to improve the health wellbeing of trans and non-binary people in Canada.

scholarly journals 117 Using composite area-level measures as a proxy for self-report family income

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. e48-e49
Author(s):  
Mythili H Nair ◽  
Imaan Bayoumi ◽  
Patricia C Parkin ◽  
Charles D G Keown-Stoneman ◽  
Adrian J Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parental Education ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Postal Code ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Socioeconomic status (SES) is a well-established social determinant of child health. When reliable self-report family income is unavailable, area-level measures, such as median neighbourhood income, are commonly used as a proxy. However, median neighbourhood income is not a good proxy for self-report family income. Newer area-level measures, such as the Neighbourhood Equity Score (NES) and the Child and Family Inequities Score (CFIS) are composite scores comprised of indicators of well-being such as income, parental education and physical surroundings. Objectives The primary objective was to evaluate the agreement between self-report family income and three area-level measures: median neighbourhood income, NES, and CFIS. The secondary objective was to examine the association between self-report family income, NES, and CFIS with two health indicators associated with SES: overweight/obesity (BMI z-score&gt;1) and short breastfeeding duration (&lt;6 months). Design/Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from a healthy urban Canadian cohort of young children (0-5 years) attending a scheduled health supervision visit in primary care. Parents completed a questionnaire including family income, postal code and breastfeeding duration. Research assistants measured height and weight (to calculate body mass index). Postal code was used to determine each area-level measure. Agreement between self-report family income and area-level measures was evaluated using kappa coefficients. The percentage of families accurately classified by area-level measures compared with self-report family income was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between self-report family income, NES, and CFIS (quintiles) with the two health indicators (present/absent). Results 5149 children were included (mean age 21 months). Agreement between self-report family income and both NES and CFIS was ‘fair’ (weighted k=0.29 for both), and agreement with median neighbourhood income was ‘poor’ (weighted k=0.09). Accurate classification between self-report family income and the three measures were: median neighbourhood income (5.6%), NES (32.2%), CFIS (32.4%). For children in the lowest vs. highest quintile, the odds (95% CI) of overweight/obesity were: self-report family income OR=2.75 (1.60-4.72), NES OR=2.02 (1.23-3.30), CFIS OR=2.04 (1.25-3.33); and having short breastfeeding duration: self-report family income OR=1.61 (1.32-1.97), NES OR=1.84 (1.50-2.25), CFIS OR=1.84 (1.46-2.31). Conclusion Agreement and accurate classification between self-report family income was strongest for composite area-level measures (NES and CFIS), compared with median neighbourhood income. Both self-report family income and composite area-level measures supported the same conclusion that lower SES was associated with poorer health outcomes. These newer measures may be more appropriate than median neighbourhood income when self-report family income is unavailable.

scholarly journals Interventions to Improve Sexual Health in Women Living with and Surviving Cancer: Review and Recommendations

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 3153
Author(s):  
Jenna Sopfe ◽  
Jessica Pettigrew ◽  
Anosheh Afghahi ◽  
Leslie C. Appiah ◽  
Helen L. Coons
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Medical Subject Headings ◽  
Health Concerns

Sexual health concerns, both physical and psychological, are common and represent an unmet need among women with and surviving cancer. Sexual challenges and conditions negatively impact body image, satisfaction, relationships, well-being, and quality of life, yet are widely reported to be under-recognized and undertreated. To guide clinical care and future research on sexual function in women with cancer, we performed a scoping review of interventions for sexual health concerns, including sexual function, body image, genitourinary symptoms, and hot flashes. Relevant publications between 2005 and 2020 were identified by searching PubMed with a combination of medical subject headings and keywords. Articles were included if they focused on the aforementioned topics, were primary research publications, and included female cancer survivors. Studies focusing on women receiving hormone therapy for breast cancer were also included. A total of 91 investigations conducted in the US and abroad were reviewed. Most commonly, interventions included a component of psychoeducation, although pharmacologic, exercise, and other approaches have been evaluated. Many studies have focused on survivors of breast or gynecologic cancer, among other sampling and methodological limitations. These limitations underscore the need for more work on this vital survivorship issue. Recommendations for future research in this area are also offered.

Longitudinal Evaluation of the Mental Health Continuum- Short Form (MHC-SF)

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanne M. A. Lamers ◽  
Cees A. W. Glas ◽  
Gerben J. Westerhof ◽  
Ernst T. Bohlmeijer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Differential Item Functioning ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Item Functioning ◽  
Valid Instrument ◽  
Over Time

This study evaluated the measurement invariance of the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF), a 14-item self-report questionnaire for measuring emotional, social, and psychological well-being. The study draws on data of a representative panel (Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences of CentERdata). 1,932 Dutch adults filled out the MHC-SF at four timepoints over 9 months. We used item response theory analyses with two-parameter models to examine differential item functioning across demographics, health indicators, and timepoints. The results indicated differences in the performance of one item (social well-being) for educational level, one item (social well-being) for sex, and two items (psychological well-being) for age. The MHC-SF is highly reliable over time, as there was no differential item functioning across the four timepoints. Furthermore, the means and reliabilities of the subscales were consistent over time. The MHC-SF is a reliable and valid instrument to measure positive aspects of mental health.

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