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Keywords = risky sexual behaviors

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28 pages, 342 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of LGBTQ+ Patients and Their Care in Comparison with Heterosexual Individuals: What Is Important for the OBGYN?
by Gabija Didžiokaitė, Paulina Leškevičiūtė, Aida Kuznecovaitė and Virginija Paliulytė
Medicina 2025, 61(7), 1209; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61071209 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 413
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Women of the LGBTQ+ community, like heterosexual women, face a wide range of health issues and have a right to comprehensive healthcare. Unfortunately, they often do not seek healthcare due to concerns about possible discrimination or prejudice. The aims [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Women of the LGBTQ+ community, like heterosexual women, face a wide range of health issues and have a right to comprehensive healthcare. Unfortunately, they often do not seek healthcare due to concerns about possible discrimination or prejudice. The aims of this study were to analyze and compare experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and heterosexual women during OBGYN appointments in Lithuania as well as to analyze the health of individuals whose biological gender is female and their lifestyle’s effect on their health. Materials and Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted. Respondents answered questions regarding their gender and social identity; obstetrical, gynecological, and general clinical history; sexual life characteristics; and their experiences of visiting OBGYNs in Lithuania. Results: This study revealed that some lifestyle habits of LGBTQ+ respondents are more similar to those of heterosexuals than is often hypothesized. However, it also underscored such issues as the more common consumption of psychotropic substances, higher rates of depression, and more prevalent risky sexual practices among the LGBTQ+ community, as well as some neglected topics of OBGYN care in Lithuania. Conclusions: This study is the first in Lithuania to analyze the characteristics of LGBTQ+ individuals whose biological sex is female in relation to the field of obstetrics and gynecology. It provides important insights for the further improvement of the healthcare system regarding this topic. Full article
14 pages, 510 KiB  
Article
Sexting Behaviors and Fear of Missing out Among Young Adults
by Mara Morelli, Alessandra Ragona, Antonio Chirumbolo, Maria Rosaria Nappa, Alessandra Babore, Carmen Trumello, Gaetano Maria Sciabica and Elena Cattelino
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040454 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1000
Abstract
Fear of missing out (FoMO) creates a strong urge to stay continuously connected and informed about peers’ activities, identified as a risk factor for problematic social media use and risky behaviors. Sexting is generally defined as the exchange of sexually suggestive or explicit [...] Read more.
Fear of missing out (FoMO) creates a strong urge to stay continuously connected and informed about peers’ activities, identified as a risk factor for problematic social media use and risky behaviors. Sexting is generally defined as the exchange of sexually suggestive or explicit photos, videos, or text messages through cell phones or other technologies. Despite its social relevance, the link between FoMO and sexting remains underexplored. This study examines their relationship in young adults—an understudied group compared to adolescents—while controlling for age, sex, and sexual orientation. The study surveyed 911 Italian young adults (18–30 years, Mage = 22.3, SDage = 2.57, 74% women, 70.4% heterosexual) through an online questionnaire. The results indicate that FoMO predicts only risky sexting behaviors (sexting under substance use and sexting for emotion regulation) while not influencing experimental sexting (sending one’s own sexts). Additionally, the link between FoMO and sexting for emotion regulation is stronger among LGB individuals. Therefore, FoMO has proven to be strongly related to the two kinds of risky sexting but not to experimental sexting. Understanding this relationship can inform prevention and intervention programs on relationships, online communication, and sexting in young adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Research on Sexual and Social Relationships)
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13 pages, 255 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological Profile and Risk Factors Related to Sexually Transmitted Infections in Sex Workers in Granada (Spain)
by Isabel Llavero-Molino, María Sánchez-Torres, César Hueso-Montoro, Alberto González-García, Inmaculada García-García, Francisco Jiménez-Bautista and María Ángeles Pérez-Morente
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15030082 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 850
Abstract
Background: Sex work is one of the oldest trades in the world. It is the practice of sexual activity in exchange for money or material goods. It has traditionally been carried out by women, although in recent years, there has been an increase [...] Read more.
Background: Sex work is one of the oldest trades in the world. It is the practice of sexual activity in exchange for money or material goods. It has traditionally been carried out by women, although in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of male sex workers. Sex workers have been recognized as a population at high risk of contracting and transmitting sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus and have had limited access to multiple services, including health care. Objective: The aim was to identify the epidemiological profile and risk factors of a population of sex workers in the province of Granada, southern Spain. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records at a specific sexually transmitted infection center in Spain. Results: A total of 157 sex workers’ records were analyzed, most of whom were women, who mainly identified as heterosexual, with a mean age of 28.52 years and a high percentage of foreign nationality. Some sexual behaviors associated with the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections were also analyzed. Conclusions: The results revealed a deficient coverage of the health needs of a highly vulnerable and stigmatized social group, highlighting the need for interventions to prevent risky habits, as well as to promote behaviors aimed at achieving better sexual health. Full article
35 pages, 2219 KiB  
Review
Reduction of Prostate Cancer Risk: Role of Frequent Ejaculation-Associated Mechanisms
by Mohamed Hassan, Thomas W. Flanagan, Abdulaziz M. Eshaq, Osama K. Altamimi, Hassan Altalag, Mohamed Alsharif, Nouf Alshammari, Tamadhir Alkhalidi, Abdelhadi Boulifa, Siraj M. El Jamal, Youssef Haikel and Mossad Megahed
Cancers 2025, 17(5), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17050843 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 9764
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) accounts for roughly 15% of diagnosed cancers among men, with disease incidence increasing worldwide. Age, family history and ethnicity, diet, physical activity, and chemoprevention all play a role in reducing PCa risk. The prostate is an exocrine gland that is [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer (PCa) accounts for roughly 15% of diagnosed cancers among men, with disease incidence increasing worldwide. Age, family history and ethnicity, diet, physical activity, and chemoprevention all play a role in reducing PCa risk. The prostate is an exocrine gland that is characterized by its multi-functionality, being involved in reproductive aspects such as male ejaculation and orgasmic ecstasy, as well as playing key roles in the regulation of local and systemic concentrations of 5α-dihydrotestosterone. The increase in androgen receptors at the ventral prostate is the first elevated response induced by copulation. The regulation of prostate growth and function is mediated by an androgen-dependent mechanism. Binding 5-DHT to androgen receptors (AR) results in the formation of a 5α-DHT:AR complex. The interaction of the 5α-DHT:AR complex with the specific DNA enhancer element of androgen-regulated genes leads to the regulation of androgen-specific target genes to maintain prostate homeostasis. Consequently, ejaculation may play a significant role in the reduction of PCa risk. Thus, frequent ejaculation in the absence of risky sexual behavior is a possible approach for the prevention of PCa. In this review, we provide an insight into possible mechanisms regulating the impact of frequent ejaculation on reducing PCa risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Drug Resistance in Cancer)
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15 pages, 526 KiB  
Review
Methylphenidate in Borderline Personality Disorder: Assessing Its Therapeutic Potential and Limitations
by Simone Pardossi, Alessandro Cuomo, Despoina Koukouna, Mario Pinzi, Bernardo Firenzuoli and Andrea Fagiolini
Life 2025, 15(3), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030380 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 2381
Abstract
Impulsivity is increasingly recognized as a transdiagnostic feature that spans multiple psychiatric disorders, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. In BPD, impulsive behaviors manifest as substance misuse, risky sexual activity, self-injury, and other maladaptive patterns. This review article [...] Read more.
Impulsivity is increasingly recognized as a transdiagnostic feature that spans multiple psychiatric disorders, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. In BPD, impulsive behaviors manifest as substance misuse, risky sexual activity, self-injury, and other maladaptive patterns. This review article updates the clinical and preclinical literature to explore the biological and psychological bases of impulsivity in BPD and considers whether methylphenidate (MPH) can be used as a treatment in this context. Although no medication is specifically approved for BPD, limited evidence from patients with comorbid BPD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) indicates that MPH may reduce impulsivity and improve key symptoms. In addition, real-world data indicate that MPH may be associated with better outcomes and a lower risk of suicidal behaviors in patients with BPD. Nevertheless, such evidence remains scant, particularly among those with a primary diagnosis of BPD without a diagnosis of ADHD. Larger, methodologically rigorous studies are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of MPH in targeting impulsivity within this population. An improved understanding of dopaminergic mechanisms may eventually shed light on MPH’s therapeutic role in BPD, although current data remain preliminary. Overall, recognizing impulsivity as a core symptom rather than focusing exclusively on diagnostic boundaries may facilitate more tailored and effective interventions for BPD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in Clinical Research 2025)
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20 pages, 803 KiB  
Article
Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Risk-Taking: Attachment Avoidance as a Linking Mechanism
by Jacqueline Woerner, Catalina Kopetz and Ximena Arriaga
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15020239 - 19 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1377
Abstract
Why might women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) become more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior? Women’s interest in casual sex may satisfy relational expectations and connection needs, while avoiding the types of close attachments that previously were violent. Specifically, attachment [...] Read more.
Why might women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) become more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior? Women’s interest in casual sex may satisfy relational expectations and connection needs, while avoiding the types of close attachments that previously were violent. Specifically, attachment avoidance was tested as a mechanism linking IPV victimization and risky sexual behavior. Women who experienced (vs. did not experience) partner violence reported higher rates of risky sexual behavior, and this association was mediated by attachment avoidance (Study 1, N = 312; age range 18–58 years, M = 28). Making IPV salient via an experimental manipulation caused more avoidant perceptions (Study 2, N = 140; age range 19–57 years, M = 31), and inducing an avoidant mindset via an experimental manipulation caused greater sexual interest (Study 3, N = 128; age range 19–66 years, M = 33). These findings suggest that IPV disrupts expectations of security and reinforces a manner of connecting with partners that leads to risky sexual encounters. Full article
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13 pages, 1341 KiB  
Article
Risk of Cervical Carcinoma After Unfavorable Behavior and High Genetic Risk in the UK Biobank: A Prospective Nested Case–Control Study
by Shiyi Liu, Yunlong Guan, Shitong Lin, Peng Wu, Qing Zhang, Tian Chu and Ruifen Dong
Biomedicines 2025, 13(2), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13020464 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 995
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have established a general understanding of the association between risky sexual behavior, genetic risk, and cervical carcinoma. However, these studies were conducted several years ago and lack systematic analysis using high-quality and population-based data. Methods: We conducted a [...] Read more.
Background: Previous studies have established a general understanding of the association between risky sexual behavior, genetic risk, and cervical carcinoma. However, these studies were conducted several years ago and lack systematic analysis using high-quality and population-based data. Methods: We conducted a prospective nested case–control study to identify risky behaviors and developed a behavior score. Combining the behavior score and genetic risk, we evaluated the effect of sexual and reproductive behavior and PRS on cervical carcinoma through the developed conditional logistic regression models. Results: We verified increased carcinoma risk in individuals with early sexual intercourse (OR: 1.41 [95% CI 1.09 to 1.83], p = 0.0083), non-monogamous sexual partners (OR: 3.13 [95% CI 2.15 to 4.57], p < 0.0001), three or more live births (OR: 1.44 [95% CI 1.12 to 1.84], p = 0.0040), and high PRS (polygenic risk score) (top 25% of PRS, OR: 1.58 [95% CI 1.15 to 2.16], p = 0.0044). The unfavorable sexual and reproductive behavior score we developed was linked to a 151% increased risk (OR: 2.51 [95% CI 1.79 to 3.52], p < 0.0001) after adjusting for PRS. Women with both unfavorable behavior and high genetic risk had a 5.5-fold increased cervical carcinoma risk (OR: 5.45 [95% CI 2.72 to 10.95], p < 0.0001) compared to individuals with favorable behavior and low genetic risk. Conclusions: Unfavorable sexual and reproductive behavior increases the risk of cervical carcinoma, especially in those with a high genetic risk. These findings encourage us to adhere to a healthy sexual and reproductive pattern. Full article
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12 pages, 559 KiB  
Systematic Review
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Girls and the Risk of Unplanned Pregnancies
by Florina Rad, Alexandra Mariana Buică and Nicolae Gică
Children 2025, 12(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010062 - 7 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1564
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Although ADHD in adults has become visible and inclusive in recent years in diagnostic manuals, research is still limited regarding the long-term outcomes of patients with this disorder. The main objective of this research was to address the many facets of predictor [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Although ADHD in adults has become visible and inclusive in recent years in diagnostic manuals, research is still limited regarding the long-term outcomes of patients with this disorder. The main objective of this research was to address the many facets of predictor variables in girls with ADHD facing unplanned pregnancies at young ages in order to improve the management of pre-, peri-, and postnatal complications that may occur, as well as for early psychiatric diagnosis and effective intervention. Methods: PubMed and Web of Science Databases were used to perform literature research, and a total of 27 records were selected and used for data extraction. Results: Related articles have included the persistence of ADHD symptoms comorbid with other disorders among girls with ADHD as a risk factor for teenage pregnancies. Conduct disorders and substance use disorders are the main co-occurrent diagnoses that increase the likelihood for teenage childbirth. Unplanned pregnancies at young ages are associated with unfavorable psychosocial trajectories both for the mother and the child. Conclusions: In this review, we emphasize the importance of predisposing factors for risky sexual behaviors and unplanned pregnancies in cases of girls with ADHD. The topic of the article draws attention to the need for uniform national individualized care of girls with ADHD, the implementation of programs to prevent academic failure and early parenthood as well as addressing comorbid obstetrical and psychiatric conditions, especially in regions where the rate of adolescent births continues to be high. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Pediatric Mental Healthcare)
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17 pages, 3039 KiB  
Article
Findings from the Mighty Girls Efficacy Trial: Changes in Acceptance of Dating Violence
by Michael L. Hecht, Anne E. Norris, Daniel Max Crowley, Jeff R. Temple and Hye Jeong Choi
Children 2024, 11(11), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111331 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1071
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Test efficacy of the social emotional learning (SEL)-based Mighty Girls program, a program culturally tailored for English-speaking Hispanic/Latino girls in seventh grade comprised of classroom sessions and a virtual reality computer game. We hypothesized that the curriculum would decrease risky sexual behaviors [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Test efficacy of the social emotional learning (SEL)-based Mighty Girls program, a program culturally tailored for English-speaking Hispanic/Latino girls in seventh grade comprised of classroom sessions and a virtual reality computer game. We hypothesized that the curriculum would decrease risky sexual behaviors in a program that can be used as part of a comprehensive sex education curriculum or as a stand-alone program. Methods: A randomized group trial was conducted in which 22 low-income, predominately Hispanic schools within the Miami-Dade County Public School System were randomly assigned to intervention (consented n = 335) and control (consented n = 217) conditions. All study activities occurred after school. Primary outcome measures were resistance self-efficacy, acceptance of dating violence, sexual intentions, and sexual behavior. Assessments occurred at baseline, immediately post-intervention, 3-, 12-, and 24-months post-intervention. Changes in outcomes from baseline to 24 months were modeled using multi-level models to account for nesting of students within schools with full information maximum likelihood to account for missing data and baseline school attendance and enrollment in free and reduced lunch as covariates. Analyses are also controlled for multiple testing. Results: The program had a significant effect on reducing acceptance of dating violence at 24 months post-intervention (estimate = −0.083, p ≤ 0.05), but no effect on resistance self-efficacy, sexual intentions, or sexual behavior (p ≥ 0.58). Conclusion: Study findings demonstrate that a social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum can impact sexual behaviors such as susceptibility to dating violence. Low baseline levels for sexual intentions and behaviors as well as a high baseline of efficacy may have impacted findings for the other outcomes. Full article
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23 pages, 3828 KiB  
Article
Risky Sexual Behaviors in Women and Their Relationship with Alcohol Consumption, Tobacco, and Academic Stress: A Multiple Correspondence Analysis Approach
by David Luna, Ivette Vargas de la Cruz, Laura Fernanda Barrera Hernández, Rosa Paola Figuerola Escoto, Amalia Guadalupe Gómez Cotero and Filiberto Toledano-Toledano
Sexes 2024, 5(4), 498-520; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5040035 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1870
Abstract
University women are vulnerable to engaging in risky sexual behaviors (RSBs), which are related to academic stress, alcohol, and tobacco consumption. The aim of this study was to identify profiles of university women who associate RSBs with alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption level, and [...] Read more.
University women are vulnerable to engaging in risky sexual behaviors (RSBs), which are related to academic stress, alcohol, and tobacco consumption. The aim of this study was to identify profiles of university women who associate RSBs with alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption level, and frequency of academic stress. A total of 534 female university students from Mexican universities answered an online questionnaire with five instruments related to their sexual behavior, alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption, and academic stress. They were studying to become professionals in health sciences, administration and social sciences, engineering, and “others” with grade point averages ranging from 5.7 to 10/10. They had to sign an informed consent and acknowledge having had at least one sexual relationship with anal or vaginal penetration before participating. A multiple correspondence analysis yielded a parsimonious solution with the following three dimensions that explained 38.60% of the variance: 1 “pregnancy”; 2 “number of sexual partners”; 3 “substance use”. Using a point cloud clustering strategy based on the Euclidean distance between categories in a two-dimensional space, five profiles were identified: Conservative and Prudent, Active Promiscuous, Vulnerable Reproductive Health, STI Risk, and Moderate Risk Behaviors. The estimation of ellipses with 95% confidence from the calculation of centroids allowed for the integration of two profiles: Lower probability of RSB and Higher probability of RSB. The contribution of academic stress was null with respect to the model solution, so this variable was discarded. The results identified particular risk profiles in female university students. These findings are useful for the development of differentiated intervention strategies to reduce RSB in this vulnerable group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sexual Behavior and Attitudes)
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9 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Cannabis Use and Associated Risk Behavior Factors among High School Students in Mississippi: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2021
by Amal K. Mitra, Zhen Zhang and Julie A. Schroeder
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081109 - 22 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1994
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used illicit drug among youths in the United States. The objectives of this study were to identify the association between cannabis use and other risk behaviors, including suicidality, among high school students. This is a cross-sectional study using the [...] Read more.
Cannabis is the most used illicit drug among youths in the United States. The objectives of this study were to identify the association between cannabis use and other risk behaviors, including suicidality, among high school students. This is a cross-sectional study using the 2021 Mississippi Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS). The 2021 YRBS data sets were combined for this study. The crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval were generated using the survey packages in R to account for weights and the complex sampling design of the YRBS data. Univariate analysis identified seven risky behaviors that were significantly associated with current cannabis use, including carrying weapons on school campuses, suicidal attempts, electronic vapor use, current smoking, current drinking, sexual behaviors, and unsupervised children. In multivariable analysis, after adjusting for gender, race, students’ grades, and other risky behaviors, statistically significant variables for cannabis use included current use of electronic vapor, current smoking, current drinking, and sexual behaviors. Cannabis use is evenly burdened between males and females and between all race categories among Mississippi high school students. The identified associations seem to indicate that electronic vapor, tobacco products, and alcohol use could be the forerunners for drug use and should be treated accordingly in drug use prevention programs. Full article
13 pages, 547 KiB  
Article
The Roles of Affective Lability, Boredom, and Mindfulness in Predicting Number of Sex Partners within Women
by Carolyn A. Lorenzi, David C. de Jong and Rachel S. Faulkenberry
Sexes 2024, 5(3), 262-274; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5030020 - 5 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1718
Abstract
Affective lability, a trait related to borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is associated with a higher number of lifetime sex partners. Among individuals who are affectively labile, boredom proneness, which has been linked to impulsive and risky [...] Read more.
Affective lability, a trait related to borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is associated with a higher number of lifetime sex partners. Among individuals who are affectively labile, boredom proneness, which has been linked to impulsive and risky sexual behaviors, might increase the likelihood of having more sex partners. Conversely, mindfulness has been found to be associated with healthy emotion regulation and lower impulsivity, and may enable a greater tolerance of affective lability and boredom, and, in turn, lower the sense of urgency to engage in sex to cope. Thus, the present study investigated the links between affective lability, boredom proneness, mindfulness, and number of sex partners in the last year. We predicted that affective lability would be positively associated with number of sex partners, and that this association would be moderated by boredom proneness and mindfulness in a three-way interaction. Adult women (N = 469, Mage = 25.15 years) were recruited from online communities and completed measures of affective lability, boredom proneness, trait mindfulness, and number of sex partners in the last year. None of the preregistered three-way interactions were supported; however, exploratory analyses revealed that, among women who reported rapid changes between depression and elation, those who were less likely to observe thoughts and sensations had more sex partners in the last year. Clinicians and researchers should further investigate which facets of mindfulness may protect against a higher number of sex partners in affectively labile individuals. Full article
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12 pages, 251 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Adolescent Dating Violence and Risky Health Behavioral Outcomes
by Neha Saini, Shamya N. Smith, Manasicha Wongpaiboon, Vanessa B. Crowther, Sarah Buxbaum and Rima Tawk
Healthcare 2024, 12(15), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12151464 - 23 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2008
Abstract
Dating violence is a serious public health issue among adolescents due to the detrimental short- and long-term consequences. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between adolescent dating violence (ADV) and adverse health behavioral outcomes related to substance abuse, mental [...] Read more.
Dating violence is a serious public health issue among adolescents due to the detrimental short- and long-term consequences. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between adolescent dating violence (ADV) and adverse health behavioral outcomes related to substance abuse, mental health, and select risky health behaviors such as feeling unsafe, school performance, and inadequate sleep within the state of Florida. This study used data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The high school students represented a weighted total of 542,818 (n = 4301). Logistic regression analyses, stratified by gender, examined the relationship between ADV and health risk behaviors after adjusting for race and grade. Proportions of ADV were as follows: 3.1% of students reported being abused both physically and sexually; 3.4% reported being abused only physically; 3.9% reported being abused only sexually; and 89.6% were uninvolved. ADV was associated with almost all the health risk behavior outcomes studied, with a few exceptions. Experiencing both kinds of abuse held the highest odds ratio among the four mutually exclusive categories of ADV. The findings from this study could be helpful in identifying youths who demonstrate warning signs of ADV abuse and thus could provide opportunities for targeted preventive interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interpersonal Violence Among Adolescents)
21 pages, 320 KiB  
Article
“I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”—Psychosocial Aspects and Awareness of Negative Impacts in Chemsex Users: Results from an Anonymous Online Survey
by Marcus Gertzen, Sinan Karcher, Johanna Schwarz, Cornelia Rosenberger, Moritz Strasburger, Andrea Rabenstein, Anna-Martina Strasser, Ulrich Palm and Tobias Rüther
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(7), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14070666 - 29 Jun 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1493
Abstract
Chemsex is the interplay of substance use by men who have sex with men (MSM) in sexual contexts. The minority stress model and the identity process theory are explanatory models. In this study, we investigated whether (i) differences in certain psychosocial aspects (i.e., [...] Read more.
Chemsex is the interplay of substance use by men who have sex with men (MSM) in sexual contexts. The minority stress model and the identity process theory are explanatory models. In this study, we investigated whether (i) differences in certain psychosocial aspects (i.e., shame, aspects of queer identity, and sexual self-concepts) exist between chemsex users and non-users, and (ii) which factors influence an awareness of negative impacts in chemsex users. We conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional, online survey, including sociodemography, sexual history, history of substance use, validated scales for shame-proneness, aspects of queer identity, and sexual self-concepts. Our analysis comprised descriptive statistics, t-tests, Spearman’s correlations, and a multiple linear regression model. We recorded a total of 3257 datasets with 107 chemsex users. Chemsex users showed higher rates for risky sexual behavior. Values for shame proneness, more negative aspects of queer identity, and sexual self-concepts were elevated in chemsex users with an awareness of negative impacts. Sexual anxiety, intravenous substance use, and having had a difficult process coming out were significant predictors of feeling negative impacts. Aspects of shame, queer identity aspects, and sexual self-concepts play an important role in the field of chemsex. Different explanatory models seem to be relevant for different subgroups of chemsex users. Chemsex users with an awareness of a problem were particularly vulnerable and distressed but had the highest motivation for change. Prevention, counseling, and care might profit from the inclusion of these aspects. Further anti-stigma campaigns and a specialization of the healthcare system are needed. Registration: DRKS00022336, date: 29th of October, 2020. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychiatry and Addiction: A Multi-Faceted Issue)
14 pages, 1082 KiB  
Article
Differences in Children and Adolescents with Depression before and after a Remediation Program: An Event-Related Potential Study
by Nikolaos C. Zygouris
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(7), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14070660 - 28 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2224
Abstract
Depression is clinically diagnosed when a defined constellation of symptoms manifests over a specific duration with notable severity. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by the presence of five or [...] Read more.
Depression is clinically diagnosed when a defined constellation of symptoms manifests over a specific duration with notable severity. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by the presence of five or more symptoms persisting for at least two weeks. As a profound mental health condition affecting millions globally, depression presents a considerable challenge for researchers and clinicians alike. In pediatric and adolescent populations, depression can precipitate adverse outcomes, including substance abuse, academic difficulties, risky sexual behaviors, physical health problems, impaired social relationships, and a markedly elevated risk of suicide—up to thirty times higher than the general population. This paper details a study that evaluated the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alone vs. CBT combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in a treatment program. The study cohort comprised sixteen (16) children and adolescents diagnosed with depression (eight males and eight females) and sixteen (16) typically developing peers (eight males and eight females) aged from 9 to 15 years (Mean age = 11.94, standard deviation = 2.02). Initial assessments employed Event-Related Potentials (ERPs), the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and reaction time measurements. The results reveal that participants with depression exhibit cognitive deficits in attention and memory, as evidenced by prolonged P300 latencies. Following intervention with either CBT alone or CBT combined with medication, the depressed participants demonstrated significant improvements, evidenced by lower CDI scores, reduced P300 latencies, and faster reaction times, both compared to their pre-treatment status and relative to the control group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue EEG and Event-Related Potentials)
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