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2nd Edition: Exclusive Papers Collection of the Editorial Board of...
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2nd Edition: Exclusive Papers Collection of the Editorial Board of Sexes

A special issue of Sexes (ISSN 2411-5118).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 31903

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. David L. Rowland

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA
Interests: sexual psychology; sexual behavior; sexual response; sexual dysfunction in men and women; psychological distress; sexual health; sexual psychophysiology; cross-cultural perspectives
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Charmaine Borg

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 Groningen, The Netherlands
Interests: sexual arousal; unlearning negative emotions; psychophysiology; sexual pain; sexual cohesion in long term couples; sexual creativity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ion G. Motofei

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oncology/Surgery, St. Pantelimon Hospital, Carol Davila University, Dionisie Lupu Street, No. 37, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: sexual psychology; sexual neurophysiology; mental and sexual health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the Editor-in-Chief of Sexes, I am pleased to announce the second edition and continuation of our Special Issue “Exclusive Papers Collection of the Editorial Board of Sexes”. The first edition attracted considerable attention, resulting in the publication of 10 peer-reviewed papers that garnered many views and downloads. These articles are freely available for download via the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph/special_issues/3N5XJCT5SR.

This Special Issue will be a further collection of papers from our Section Editorial Board Members, as well as from prominent or emerging scholars specially invited by the Editorial Board Members. The aim is to provide a platform for high-quality yet diverse research studies that facilitate networking and communication between Sexes and scholars in the field of sexology. All papers will be published fully open access after peer review.

As a leader in your field, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance the visibility of your research and the journal.

Prof. Dr. David L. Rowland
Dr. Charmaine Borg
Dr. Ion G. Motofei
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sexes is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sexual and reproductive health 
  • sexual behavior and attitudes 
  • sexual diversity 
  • sexual relationships 
  • sexual problems and disorders

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 266 KB  
Article
Sexual Objectification, Health and Well-Being in Spanish Women
by M. Pilar Matud, Lorena Medina, Carmen Rodríguez-Wangüemert and Ignacio Ibáñez
Sexes 2026, 7(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes7020025 - 18 May 2026
Viewed by 203
Abstract
Sexual objectification is the treatment of a person as a body or a collection of body parts that are valued primarily for their sexual appeal. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relevance of sexual objectification to women’s health and [...] Read more.
Sexual objectification is the treatment of a person as a body or a collection of body parts that are valued primarily for their sexual appeal. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relevance of sexual objectification to women’s health and well-being across the life cycle, from middle adolescence to old age. Additionally, the relevance of age and education to sexual objectification and its association with traditional gender role attitudes was examined. This study was cross-sectional and the sample consisted of 6112 Spanish women between the ages of 16 and 85, who were assessed using seven questionnaires and scales. The results show that lower age and lower number of children were associated with greater importance of sexual and physical attractiveness and with a more sexualized image, although there were no differences between adolescent and emerging adult women. Greater importance placed on sexual and physical attractiveness, as well as total sexual objectification, was associated with greater mental distress, lower psychological well-being, lower life satisfaction, and lower self-esteem at every life stage. Greater importance placed on sexual and physical attractiveness was associated with more traditional gender role attitudes among all age groups, except for older women. We conclude that sexual objectification is a threat to women’s mental health and well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Exclusive Papers Collection of the Editorial Board of Sexes)
13 pages, 362 KB  
Article
Sexual Cognitive Schemas Mediate the Relationship Between Personality and Sexual Function
by Zsuzsanna Kövi, Veronika Mészáros, Zsuzsanna Mirnics, Nahathai Wongpakaran, Tinakon Wongpakaran and Krisztina Hevesi
Sexes 2026, 7(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes7020021 - 22 Apr 2026
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Sexual cognitive schemas are central cognitive representations of sexual aspects of self that shape the interpretation of sexual experiences and may contribute to individual differences in sexual functioning. The present study aimed to validate the Questionnaire of Cognitive Schema Activation in Sexual Context [...] Read more.
Sexual cognitive schemas are central cognitive representations of sexual aspects of self that shape the interpretation of sexual experiences and may contribute to individual differences in sexual functioning. The present study aimed to validate the Questionnaire of Cognitive Schema Activation in Sexual Context (QCSASC) in a Hungarian sample and to examine whether sexual cognitive schemas mediate the relationship between personality traits and sexual functioning. A total of 256 university students (202 females) completed the QCSASC and the Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire. Moreover, the Female Sexual Function Index was administered. The factor structure was examined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and associations among personality, schemas, and sexual function were tested using correlational, regression, and mediation analyses. Results supported a five-factor structure of the Hungarian QCSASC, identifying Helplessness, Incompetence, Rejection, Unattractiveness, and Unlovability schemas, all showing good internal consistency. Sexual cognitive schemas were positively related to Neuroticism and negatively to Extraversion. Female sexual function was related to the Incompetence schema. Personality traits showed no direct link with female sexual functioning; however, through the sexual cognitive schema, there was a significant indirect link between personality (Extraversion, Neuroticism) and female sexual functioning. These findings suggest that sexual cognitive schemas can represent a pathway between personality traits and sexual functioning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Exclusive Papers Collection of the Editorial Board of Sexes)
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11 pages, 778 KB  
Article
Self-Reported Aspects of Vulvodynia Assessed Through the Administration of an Online Questionnaire
by Cristina Rizzo, Antonella Verrone, Sofia Galeazzi, Lidia Morgante and Giuseppe Morgante
Sexes 2026, 7(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes7020018 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 404
Abstract
Vulvodynia is a chronic gynecological condition characterized by unexplained vulvar pain, which may significantly impact every aspect of women’s quality of life, encompassing physical, psychological, and social well-being. Due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation and associated comorbidities, vulvodynia is often misdiagnosed and/or not [...] Read more.
Vulvodynia is a chronic gynecological condition characterized by unexplained vulvar pain, which may significantly impact every aspect of women’s quality of life, encompassing physical, psychological, and social well-being. Due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation and associated comorbidities, vulvodynia is often misdiagnosed and/or not adequately treated. This descriptive observational study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire, which was distributed through social media channels and included 29 questions (25 multiple-choice and four open-ended questions) and aimed to investigate participants’ most frequent symptoms, comorbidities, impact on quality of life, and treatment efficacy and costs. Analyzing a total of 221 answers, we found that burning (85%) and abrasion/irritation sensation (73%) are the most common symptoms, and they are most frequently localized in the vestibular area, while irritable bowel syndrome (35%) is the most common comorbidity. A significant negative effect on individual functioning was confirmed, also due to a noticeable diagnostic delay (4.5 years on average) and treatments’ prohibitive costs potentially impairing participants’ compliance. Our study provides valuable insights into self-reported aspects of women affected by vulvodynia, raising healthcare professionals’ awareness of this issue. Better knowledge of peculiar aspects of vulvodynia may help improve its diagnosis and promote a more personalized and efficient therapeutic approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Exclusive Papers Collection of the Editorial Board of Sexes)
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20 pages, 300 KB  
Article
An Exploration of Predictors of Psychological Help-Seeking Attitudes in a Transgender Population in a Non-Western Context
by Shakir Adam, Kiran Bashir Ahmad, Yusra Khan and David L. Rowland
Sexes 2025, 6(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes6020025 - 30 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2423
Abstract
Barriers to help-seeking behaviors in transgender populations in non-Western contexts are both understudied and poorly understood. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, this study examined the psychological help-seeking attitudes of 109 transgender persons from Pakistan in relation to their psychological distress and attitudes toward [...] Read more.
Barriers to help-seeking behaviors in transgender populations in non-Western contexts are both understudied and poorly understood. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, this study examined the psychological help-seeking attitudes of 109 transgender persons from Pakistan in relation to their psychological distress and attitudes toward sexuality. This research further identified which components of distress (stress, anxiety, or depression) were stronger predictors and assessed the role of particular demographic/behavioral factors in help-seeking attitudes. Participants completed three validated assessment tools translated into Urdu: Beliefs about Psychological Services Scale, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Sexual Attitude Scale. The results indicated that psychological distress predicted expertness and intent but not stigma tolerance. Post hoc analysis using DASS-21 subscales revealed that stress and anxiety were the stronger predictors of attitudes related to expertness and intent. The Sexual Attitude Scale marginally predicted stigma tolerance directly and also moderated the relationship between psychological distress and help-seeking attitudes for stigma tolerance. Finally, a role for demographic/behavioral factors—possibly serving as a proxy for mental health literacy—was identified for stigma tolerance. These findings reiterate the importance of tailored mental health awareness initiatives within the transgender community in non-Western settings and highlight the need for qualitative research to further understand the dynamics of psychological distress along with other linked factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Exclusive Papers Collection of the Editorial Board of Sexes)
15 pages, 1270 KB  
Article
The Evaluation of Psychosexual Profiles in Dominant and Submissive BDSM Practitioners: A Bayesian Approach
by Daniele Mollaioli, Tommaso B. Jannini, Diana Piga Malaianu, Andrea Sansone, Elena Colonnello, Erika Limoncin, Giacomo Ciocca and Emmanuele A. Jannini
Sexes 2025, 6(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes6020016 - 7 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 27045
Abstract
Bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, Sadism/Masochism (BDSM) is a multifaceted spectrum of consensual sexual practices, that has long intrigued the psychological community for its implications on mental health and personality. While previous research has shed light on its psychopathological aspects, less is known about the distinct [...] Read more.
Bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, Sadism/Masochism (BDSM) is a multifaceted spectrum of consensual sexual practices, that has long intrigued the psychological community for its implications on mental health and personality. While previous research has shed light on its psychopathological aspects, less is known about the distinct psychosexual dimensions that characterize individuals who assume dominant or submissive roles within these dynamics. Our research aims to identify differences in personality traits between dominant and submissive individuals and explore the relationship between BDSM roles and mental health outcomes. While previous studies have explored personality traits in BDSM practitioners, research specifically examining the associations between BDSM roles and multiple psychological constructs remains limited. To address this, we employed Bayesian methods with non-informative priors, including ANOVA and linear regression, to evaluate the associations between self-identified BDSM roles and psychological constructs with the specific intent to build informative priors for future research. A sample of 99 BDSM practitioners from online forums participated, providing responses across several psychometric instruments. The study utilized comprehensive psychometric evaluations, including the Big Five Inventory for personality assessment, the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory for hypersexuality, the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale for sensation seeking, the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression, and the General Anxiety Disorder scale for anxiety. Bayesian regression analysis revealed that dominant practitioners exhibit lower hypersexuality and agreeableness, while submissive practitioners show higher levels of agreeableness, depression, hypersexuality, and sensation seeking. These findings highlight distinct psychosexual profiles associated with BDSM roles and provide several implications for mental health professionals working with BDSM practitioners, emphasizing the need to assess and address underlying psychological factors. Future research should further explore these psychosexual dynamics to develop targeted interventions for enhancing psychological well-being and relationship satisfaction within the BDSM community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Exclusive Papers Collection of the Editorial Board of Sexes)
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10 pages, 239 KB  
Perspective
Time to Dump the Sex/Gender Dichotomy for Science and Society
by Anagha Joshi
Sexes 2026, 7(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes7020024 - 12 May 2026
Viewed by 287
Abstract
Women have been historically underrepresented in every step of scientific enquiry and, therefore, the knowledge of female bodies is lacking. Now the tide is turning to bring focus on the role of sex and gender in human health and disease. The increasing demands [...] Read more.
Women have been historically underrepresented in every step of scientific enquiry and, therefore, the knowledge of female bodies is lacking. Now the tide is turning to bring focus on the role of sex and gender in human health and disease. The increasing demands by publishers, funders, and policymakers to pay attention to both sex and gender are commendable. Nevertheless, the premise of the definitions of sex, framed as biological attributes of an individual, contrasting with gender, which is defined through the sociocultural roles, identities, and power structures, carries all pitfalls of the nature–nurture divide, undermining that they are deeply intertwined and interact continuously across the lifespan, shaping physiology and behavior. Current scientific studies rarely disentangle the two for etiological purposes, for their respective contributions to health outcomes. Despite this, there is a push to use both terms appropriately in research and society. This invariably results in the oversimplification of complex processes of sex/gender intertwining, leading to incomplete or misleading causal inferences. Here, I make a case for retiring the sex/gender etiological split in the scientific and public discourse and embracing sex/gender intertwining, rather than minimizing it. This will then enable researchers to focus on how they interact with other variables to produce phenotypes, bringing scientific clarity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Exclusive Papers Collection of the Editorial Board of Sexes)
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