Sexual function and problematic use of smartphones and social networking sites

Introduction. The use of social networking sites (SNS) sometimes acquires an addictive-like quality, often referred to as problematic use of SNS. This condition overlaps with problematic (addictive-like) use of smartphones, as the latter are commonly used for online social networking in addition to other activities that may gain addictive-like qualities. There is ample evidence that problematic use of smartphones and SNS is associated with poorer mental health, but research on associations with sexual function is scarce. Thus, we examined if sexual difficulties are related to problematic use of SNS and smartphones. Methods: Data from four studies conducted in Portugal were collapsed, resulting in 946 women and 235 men providing data on sexual function and problematic use of smartphones, and in 536 women and 194 men providing data on sexual function and problematic use of SNS. Female sexual function was assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale – Revised (FSDS–R). Male sexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Problematic smartphone use was measured by the Smartphone Addiction Scale – Short Version (SAS–SV). Problematic use of SNS was measured by the Internet Addiction Scale (IAT) specifically adapted to online social networking.Results: In women, problematic use of smartphones and SNS correlated with lower sexual arousal, difficulties lubricating, difficulties having orgasms, sexual dissatisfaction, coital pain, and greater sexual distress. In men, problematic use of smartphones and SNS correlated with lower erectile function. Men’s problematic use of SNS correlated additionally with lower desire, intercourse dissatisfaction, overall sexual dissatisfaction, and more difficulties having orgasms. In a subsample of 311 women and 94 men with data on use of smartphones and SNS, multiple regressions predicting sexual function domains from age, problematic smartphone use, and problematic use of SNS, were performed. In women, problematic use of SNS independently predicted lower arousal, dissatisfaction, pain, and more sexual distress. Problematic use of smartphones independently predicted more difficulties lubricating. In men, problematic use of SNS independently predicted lower erectile function, intercourse dissatisfaction, and overall dissatisfaction.Discussion: Addictive-like use of SNS might be a risk factor for sexual difficulties. Our findings corroborate previous research.

Trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness are indirectly related to sexual quality over time in dating relationships among emerging adults

Trait mindfulness is associated with sexual satisfaction, but their temporal relation is unexplored. Using a short-term longitudinal design, the present study not only examines their temporal relation but also extends extant research by also investigating relationship mindfulness and potential mechanisms that might account for any temporal relation that exists between the two forms of mindfulness and sexual quality. Participants were sexually active emerging adults ( N = 104) in romantic relationships who initially completed measures of trait and relationship mindfulness, and 6 weeks later measures of relationship satisfaction and difficulties in emotion regulation. After another 6 weeks, they completed a measure of sexual quality. Relationship mindfulness was related to sexual satisfaction 12 weeks later via relationship satisfaction, whereas trait mindfulness was related to later sexual dissatisfaction via difficulties in emotion regulation. These results suggest that the temporal relationship between mindfulness and sexual quality is indirect and more nuanced than previously thought. Several avenues for future research are suggested.

Depression Severity and Sexual Satisfaction in Fertile and Infertile Women in Iran: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Background: Depression and sexual dissatisfaction are among the most common psychological factors caused by infertility. Infertility is an essential topic in the Iranian culture, and many studies have already investigated it. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the depression severity and sexual dissatisfaction between fertile and infertile women in Iran. Methods: This case-control study enrolled 180 infertile women and 540 fertile women in 2019. The participants were selected through multistage stratified and cluster sampling methods. For each infertile woman, three fertile women were randomly selected. The data collection instruments consisted of a demographic form, the Depression Inventory Scale (Second Edition), and the Linda Berg Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire. The multivariate marginal model and SPSS version 21 were used for data analysis at a significance level of 0.05. Results: After adjustment for confounding variables, the marginal model showed that the odds of depression increased by approximately 21.305 times among cases compared to controls (OR = 21.305, 95% CI = 14.75 - 32.021, P < 0.001). This model also found that by moderating the effects of confounding variables, infertility increased the odds of low sexual satisfaction by approximately 15.560 times (OR = 15.560, 95% CI = 5.089 - 47.571, P < 0.001). The chi-square test showed a significant relationship between infertility treatment and depression severity in infertile women (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The overall depression severity and sexual dissatisfaction were higher in the infertile group than in the fertile one. Most cases of severe depression were observed in IVF clinics with higher depression levels. The study may help reveal infertility's psychological and social aspects in Iran.

Sexual Inactivity and Sexual Dissatisfaction Among Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Partners

PurposeTo measure the sexual activity of breast cancer survivors and their partners to better understand the causes of sexual inactivity and sexual dissatisfaction in this population.MethodsWe investigated the proportion of sexual activity and sexual dissatisfaction in a cross‐sectional study and described their association with sexual health information sexual thoughts, socio‐demographic factors, body image, marital satisfaction, and mental health problems. We enrolled 438 eligible couples by convenient sampling. The statistical analysis and graphical work were completed using SPSS and Graphpad Prism.ResultsOf all participants, 58.66% (257/438) reported being sexually inactive. Of the 41.3% (181/438) sexually active participants, 96.7% (175/181) were considered to have sexual dysfunction. Patients’ sexual knowledge related to their disease, such as “sexual activity may impede disease recovery (AOR = 1.642; 95% CI: 1.119~2.409)”, “sexual activity may cause cancer recurrence or metastasis (AOR = 1.526; 95% CI: 1.012~2.302)”, “sexual activity could change the estrogen level and stimulate tumor growth (AOR = 1.585; 95% CI: 1.021~2.460)” were significantly associated with sexual inactivity. Psychological issues related to sexual activity, and hospital's sexual health resources, such as“anxiety (AOR = 2.141; 95% CI: 1.400~3.272)”, “depression (AOR =2.082; 95% CI: 1.317~3.293)”, “feeling less feminine as a result of your disease or treatment (AOR = 1.526; 95% CI: 1.012~2.302) ”, “dissatisfied with their physical appearance (AOR = 1.514; 95% CI: 1.010~2.271) ”, “medical providers provide information on sexual health (AOR = 4.459; 95% CI: 2.044~9.730) ”, “used sexual health aids (AOR = 1.514; 95% CI: 1.010~2.271) ” were significantly associated with sexual dissatisfaction. We also identified that the sexual demands of the partner led to increased sexual dissatisfaction among the survivors. ConclusionsMost Chinese breast cancer survivors were sexually inactive. Patients’ sexual knowledge related to their disease was the great barrier to sexual activity. Improving psychological problems associated with sexual activity and providing professional sexual health resources in hospitals can effectively improve sexual satisfaction among survivors. In addition, the impact of the partner's proactive needs on sexual satisfaction also needs to be considered when developing couples' therapy together.

Pornography and Sexual Dissatisfaction: The Role of Pornographic Arousal, Upward Pornographic Comparisons, and Preference for Pornographic Masturbation

Research finding that pornography use is associated with lower sexual satisfaction is common; evaluation of the mechanisms hypothesized as underlying the association is not. Informed by multiple theoretical perspectives, the present study tested a conceptual model positing that (a) regularly consuming pornography conditions the user’s arousal template to be particularly responsive to pornographic depictions, (b) this amplified arousal to pornography increases both (c) upward comparisons between one’s own sex life and sex as it is represented in pornography and (d) a preference for masturbation to pornography over partnered sex, which in turn (e) weaken perceptions of how satisfying it is to have sex with one’s partner, and ultimately (f) decreases perceptions of how satisfying one’s relationship is with one’s partner. Path-analytic results were supportive of the hypothesized linkages for both men and women. Discussion focuses on the implications of the present study’s findings for current debates in the literature and theoretical development.

Transcripts of Unfulfillment: A Study of Sexual Dysfunction and Dissatisfaction among Malay-Muslim Women in Malaysia

The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), or in everyday notion, sexual dissatisfaction, among Malay women remains high, denoting that there are several influences shaping their experience of sex within marriage. This qualitative study identified the perceived effects of social factors in the development of sexual dysfunction among Malay women. Engaging a phenomenological framework, 26 in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted among married women from Peninsular Malaysia, based on their self-reporting of FSD symptoms. All sessions were audio-recorded and the data were transcribed verbatim and managed in the ATLAS.ti software before being analysed. The three themes that emerged—‘sex is taboo and culturally unacceptable’, ‘self-ignorance about sex’, and ‘lack of husband’s role in mutual sexual enjoyment’—suggest some influence of Islamic teachings and cultural conduct, as in Adat, on sexuality in society. However, a lack of knowledge and nonadherence to positive values and teachings around sexual satisfaction between men and women, as espoused through the Islamic religion, have affected woman’s sexual functions and coupling relationship even more significantly. The results of this qualitative study show that a formal, culturally sensitive, and comprehensive sex education programme incorporating both medical and Islamic knowledge may work to effectively reduce FSD.

The Impact of Vitiligo on Patients' Psychological Status and Sexual Function: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study

Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary cutaneous disorder. Although vitiligo is not a life-threatening disease, it seriously affects patients' psychological status and Quality-of-Life (QoL). Moreover, the effect of vitiligo on genital image severely affects sexual function, especially in females. Patients & Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study had targeted patients with vitiligo of both genders. 173 patients who had responded to the given questionnaires were included and their responses were statistically analyzed. Patients’ files were revised for extraction of demographic and clinical data and the previous evaluation of the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score. Results and Discussion: Median VIS-22 score was in the range of 21-49, but 109 patients had a median score of 28. Seventy-eight patients had mild and 15 patients had moderate depression. Regression analysis defined the sense of being unattractive, disappointed in self and discouragement about the future as the most significant underlying causes of depression. Ninety-two patients had sexual dysfunction and scoring of satisfaction by the sexual act was the highest while scoring for the desire was the lowest. Regression analysis revealed that female gender, high ASEX and VASI scores are the significant predictors for high BDI-II. ROC curve analysis defined a high ASEX score as a significant predictor for a high BDI-II score. Conclusion: The obtained results indicated a deleterious effect of vitiligo on patients’ psychological status that may progress to depression. The effects of the disease on body image, especially the genital area, induced sexual dissatisfaction with an impact on sexual function. Altogether, raise a suggested adjuvant role for psychotherapy in patients with vitiligo which might even indirectly lead to improvement of vitiligo.

A Systematic Review of Immersive Social Media Activities and Risk Factors for Sexual Boundary Violations among Adolescents

Social media is appealing to the general public, especially the teenagers. This has brought about changes as the role of social media has penetrated our daily activities which directly affects the adolescence. This review looked at the usage of social media amongst adolescents and its impact on their sexual behaviour. Four databases were used in the literature search ie Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Ovid Medline. The search terms used revolved around social media, adolescent and social behaviour. Only English literature published from 2015 to 2020 were included. A total of 244 potentially relevant articles were identified in the initial search. 16 were excluded due to duplicates. A further 199 articles were excluded due to irrelevant population, intervention or outcome. Only 29 articles were suitable for narrative synthesis. The selected articles were analysed for risk factors and impact on the usage of social media on sexual behaviour. Sexual abuse, same-sex sexual activity, pornography, multiple online sexual partner, and sexual dissatisfaction were found to be negative impact. Positive impact included understanding of sexual role and consequences, safe sex practices and improved psychological well-being. This systematic review proved social media usage amongst adolescents have great impact on their sexual behaviour. Sexting was the main social media online sexual activity amongst adolescents which brings about negative sexual behaviours. This must be curb from earlier on which demands parental supervision in monitoring adolescence online activities.