Search Results (56)

This study addresses the persistence of gender inequalities among university students by analysing the acceptance of modern myths about sexual assault and ambivalent sexism in the academic context. These beliefs, although subtle or socially accepted, contribute to the normalisation of sexual violence and hinder progress towards real equality. The aim of this research was to analyse the presence of these attitudes among students at the University of Granada and to examine their relationship according to gender. A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 210 students. Data were collected using the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) and the Acceptance of Modern Myths about Sexual Aggression Scale (AMMSA-21) and analysed using descriptive statistics, correlations and non-parametric tests. The results show greater acceptance of myths and sexist attitudes among men, as well as a positive correlation between ambivalent sexism (hostile and benevolent) and acceptance of myths. These findings confirm the persistence of symbolic justifications for sexual violence in the university setting. The study concludes by highlighting the need for preventive educational interventions and institutional strategies that promote equality and consent. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women of reproductive age, with 80% of the cases occurring in developing countries. Cervical cancer is largely preventable by effective screening programs. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, cultural beliefs, and screening practices related to cervical cancer among women in the rural community of Lutubeni, Eastern Cape Province. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 95 women aged 25 years or older attending Lutubeni Clinic. Data was collected using a structured, validated questionnaire covering demographics, reproductive health, knowledge of cervical cancer, attitudes, cultural perceptions, and screening practices. Statistical analysis involved descriptive summaries, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Results: Most participants exhibited poor knowledge of cervical cancer symptoms (47.4%) and risk factors (61.1%), with only 3.2% demonstrating good overall knowledge. Vaginal bleeding (60.0%) and foul-smelling discharge (50.5%) were the most recognized symptoms. Only 40.0% were aware of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. While 87.4% knew about cervical cancer screening, only 55.8% had ever been screened. Of these, 43.2% had screened only once, primarily at the clinic (33.7%), mostly initiated by health professionals (41.1%). Positive attitudes toward screening were observed in 52.6%, while 88.4% held cultural beliefs that hindered open discussion about sexual health. Statistically significant factors associated with screening uptake included educational level (p = 0.047), knowledge of symptoms (p = 0.04), risk factors (p < 0.0001), prevention (p < 0.0001), treatment (p = 0.001), and attitudes (p < 0.0001). Independent predictors of poor screening practice were holding an associate degree (OR = 0.04, p = 0.042), having good preventive knowledge (OR = 0.02, p = 0.012), and having negative attitudes (OR = 36.22, p = 0.005). Conclusions: High awareness alone does not guarantee participation in cervical cancer screening in rural South Africa. Interventions must address cultural barriers, stigma, and negative perceptions while strengthening health education that links HPV vaccination with screening awareness. The unexpected association between associate degree attainment and poor screening underscores the complexity of behavioral determinants and warrants further investigation in larger cohorts. Full article

Sexual consent, although more extensively studied in recent decades, remains a complex and nuanced concept that is often difficult to define and investigate. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual consent, and the ability to interpret complex sexual scenarios with varying characteristics. A voluntary sample of 738 individuals over 18 years of age was recruited, mainly through social networks. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and mean comparison tests. Participants with higher scores for continuous consent, communicative sexuality, and positive attitudes toward consent, as well as lower scores for subtle coercion and (lack of) perceived control, showed more accurate interpretations of sexual assault situations. These findings may contribute to the development and implementation of programs aimed at reducing the use of coercive and violent strategies in sexual relationships. Full article

The aim of this study was to fill in the gap in the existing literature when it comes to investigating stigma towards naturism and the individuals who engage in it by creating a psychometric instrument that considers both the experiences of naturists and the beliefs of non-naturists. This quantitative study was cross-sectional in its nature. For the first part of the study, a total of 151 participants participated. After data cleaning, the final sample size was 126. The participants were aged between 18 and 69. The participants were asked to report their gender, sexual orientation, and previous engagement in naturist activities. For the second part of the study, 347 participants completed the survey. The participants in this section were aged between 20 and 76 years old. An explorative principal axis factor analysis was conducted on the 34 items of the developed beliefs about naturists scale (BANS). The analysis indicated that the items loaded onto three factors, with a total of 46.686% of the variance explained, which broadly related to the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour components of stigma. The first validation indicated that the BANS should be reduced to 29 items. The attitudes factor consisted of 13 items; the beliefs factor consisted of 10 items; and the behaviours factor consisted of six items. A further quantitative study was then carried out to re-evaluate the construct validity of the improved scale and to explore its concurrent validity. The revalidation of the BANS aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity, construct validity, and reliability of the scale. The correlation analysis indicated that the BANS has a high concurrent validity, as it was highly correlated with similar theoretical concepts and empirical predictors of stigma. Although more research is necessary to further evaluate the predictive validity, as well as the validity and reliability across different populations, this preliminary validation suggests a good concurrent and convergent validity, making this the most valid scale in existence to date when it comes to exploring the relationship between stigma and naturism. Full article

Adolescents’ perception and recognition of sexual harassment (SH) are shaped by several psychosocial variables, including gender norms, emotional responses, and ideological beliefs (such as sexism). This study specifically aimed to investigate the mediating roles of moral disengagement and emotional responses in the relationship between tolerance of SH and recognition of harassment scenarios, while considering gender as a moderator. The sample included 380 high-school students (55.3% female, 44.7% male), aged between 14 and 18 years (M_age = 15.71, SD_age = 0.87). No significant direct association was found between attitudes toward sexually harassing behaviour (TSHI) and recognition of potential harassing scenario (assessed by the Sexual Harassment Definitions Questionnaire—SHDO). However, TSHI was indirectly associated with SHDO through two distinct mediational pathways. On the one hand, higher tolerance of sexual harassment was associated with increased moral disengagement, which in turn was related to lower recognition of SH. On the other hand, it was associated with reduced negative emotional reactions, which were in turn associated with greater recognition of harassment. Additionally, gender differences emerged: females demonstrated greater ability to identify harassment scenarios and reported stronger negative emotional reactions. Overall, these findings highlight the role of psychosocial mechanisms in shaping adolescents’ recognition of harassment situations. Full article

Society has long held negative beliefs and attitudes, in the form of sexual stigma, towards sexual minorities (e.g., lesbian, gay, and bisexual; LGB). Sexual stigma can be adopted and internalized by LGB individuals as their own beliefs and attitudes. In LGB individuals, internalized sexual stigma can result in psychological distress such as low self-esteem, depression, shame, and feelings of rejection. However, an instrument to assess internalized sexual stigma specifically developed for LGB individuals is lacking. The present study focuses on the development of a new instrument, the Perceived Internalized Sexual Stigma Measure (PrISSM), that is inclusive of LGB individuals who are 18 years and older. Exploratory and Bayesian confirmatory factor analyses indicate that internalized sexual stigma, as measured by the PrISSM, consists of two factors: internal conflict and disclosure conflict. The two-factor structure is also invariant to LGB individuals. As such, items of the PrISSM do not need to be separately reworded for lesbian, gay, or bisexual individuals. In addition, the PrISSM is a brief instrument composed of 4 items per factor (8 items total). Convergent and discriminant validity evidence is also provided. Full article

Background: Gender-based violence has serious health impacts on survivors and is perpetuated by cultural norms, patriarchy, and traditional values. This study explored women’s (survivors) views, attitudes and the impact of gender-based violence on their health in a selected rural village within the Collins Chabane Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used, involving 20 women aged 18 to 59. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, and data were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti 8, based on Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework. Ethical considerations were prioritised due to the sensitive nature of the research. Results: The results revealed that women in the Collins Chabane Municipality experience multiple forms of GBV, including physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, which severely impacts their mental and physical health. Additionally, socioeconomic factors like unemployment and financial dependence exacerbate their vulnerability, making it difficult to escape abusive relationships. Conclusions: Cultural norms, patriarchal beliefs, and limited community support intersect to shape women’s experiences and responses to abuse. Full article

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

Sexual violence among school-aged girls is a global health problem. Research has shown that school-aged girls experience high rates of sexual violence that often go unreported. In Kenya, one in three girls experiences sexual violence before the age of 18. Sexual violence against girls can prevent them from safely attending school and cause health issues that affect school performance. This qualitative study explored community and environmental factors associated with sexual violence against school-aged girls in Kitui County, Kenya. A total of 25 in-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders from Kitui South Sub County. The stakeholders were from six sectors, including the police, health, education, community, religious, and criminal justice sectors. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis to gain an understanding of the stakeholder’s perspectives and knowledge relating to sexual violence against school-aged girls. Stakeholders frequently identified the criminal justice system, culture and traditional beliefs, and threats to well-being as barriers to reporting sexual violence offenses. Girls who experience sexual violence often contend with shame from the community, and the effects of stigma include loss of resources, additional violence, poorer marriage prospects, unplanned pregnancies, school dropouts, or abandonment. Perpetrators often threatened or bribed the families of girls who experienced sexual violence with gifts or monetary incentives to prevent them from reporting the crime to local authorities, while the criminal justice system itself presents numerous challenges for victims. The reporting of sexual violence could be increased by focusing on intervention strategies that challenge attitudes, norms, and behaviors rooted in gender inequality. By addressing the underlying causes of stigma and inequality, we can create a safer environment for school-aged girls to report sexual violence and seek justice. Full article

Background: The sexual double standard (SDS) governs behaviors related to sexual activity and abstinence, promoting negative evaluations of sexually assertive women. Conversely, the sexual agency norm encourages young women to express their sexuality freely. This study explores how this complex normative context, combining SDS and sexual agency norms, impacts young women’s self-concept and attitudes toward sexual consent. Methods: A total of 154 Spanish university women (M_age = 19.69 years; SD = 2.23) participated in a 2 × 2 quasi-experimental design [Personal Reputation Threat: Sexual Activity vs. Sexual Abstinence × Agency Belief Affirmation: High vs. Low]. Participants completed a self-perception measure and the Spanish Adaptation of the Sexual Consent Scale-Revised. Results: Personal Reputation Threat influenced positive self-evaluation, with higher scores in the Sexual Activity (vs. Abstinence) condition. Agency Belief Affirmation also affected self-evaluation, with higher scores in the low-agency (vs. high-agency) condition. An interaction effect emerged on attitudes favoring sexual consent: participants showed greater support for sexual consent when devalued for sexual assertiveness rather than abstinence, but only under low-agency belief affirmation. These findings highlight identity conflicts and inconsistent sexual attitudes that young women may experience within the complex normative frameworks of contemporary Western societies. Full article

Understanding the dynamics of sexually violent behavior is essential for developing effective interventions and policies that promote safe and respectful sexual relationships. An important area of research in this context is examining the influence of pornography on sexual behavior, which can inform these efforts. This study explores how sexually permissive attitudes and acceptance of the sexual double standard mediate the relationship between pornography consumption and engagement in violent sexual practices among a sample of the general population in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain (N = 1003; 50.7% men). The sexual double standard refers to the societal belief that men and women should be judged differently for the same sexual behaviors, with men often praised or excused for promiscuity, while women face stigma and shame. The findings reveal gender differences in engagement in sexually violent practices during sexual relationships. Men are more likely to perpetrate these behaviors, while women are more likely to experience them. Importantly, both lifetime and last year pornography consumption are associated with an increased involvement in such practices. This relationship is partially mediated by sexually permissive attitudes, with a stronger mediation effect observed in men. Practitioners can leverage these insights to develop comprehensive strategies that mitigate the risks associated with pornography consumption. Full article

Many individuals will dismiss the seriousness of ex-partner stalking offences, often as a result of inaccurate and problematic beliefs about the offence (stalking myths). However, to date, stalking myth acceptance measurements have only considered attitudes about stereotypical stalking (male stalking a female). The current research considered whether inaccurate and problematic perceptions of stalking were dependent on the gender and sexuality of the perpetrator, victim, and participant. Additionally, it examined whether existing stalking myth acceptance scales measuring stereotypical stalking attitudes would predict perceptions of stalking incidents that involved female stalkers and/or male victims. Participants (N = 336) completed the stalking myth acceptance scale and then responded to a series of questions measuring their perceptions towards a stalking vignette. An independent groups design was used to manipulate the gender of the stalker and victim. The need for police intervention was greatest for incidents involving a male stalker and a female victim. Female victims of male stalking were predicted as being the most fearful, whilst male victims of female stalking were rated as least likely to be fearful. Heterosexual males and participants with minority sexual orientations were also more likely to identify the perpetrator’s actions as stalking. Finally, the SMA scales predicted participants’ attitudes for stereotypical stalking cases but not for the other scenarios. The findings demonstrate that gender plays a significant role in stalking perceptions and highlights the need for more inclusive SMA measurements to consider problematic attitudes towards non-stereotypical stalking. Full article

High-quality health education in schools plays a critical role in the formation of young people by developing the attitudes, beliefs, and skills needed to adopt and maintain healthy behaviours throughout their lives. Curriculum reform processes ensure that health education is adequately preparing adolescents for the world today and in the future. However, there is little consideration given to the teachers implementing these curriculum reforms, and their ability to integrate changes as they shape their learning and teaching. In this paper, we discuss the worldviews and beliefs of the teachers delivering health education in Western Australia. We present findings from a doctoral grounded theory study within secondary schools to explain the process teachers use as they approach curriculum, particularly after a reform. We investigate how teachers struggle to decide how to present themselves and the new curriculum content in class. Our findings evidence that teachers have determined gender and sexuality content to be controversial, uncomfortable, difficult to teach but also a favourite to teach. Teachers have expressed uncertainty as to what to say in class and have called for further guidance to teach these important life lessons. Curriculums need to constantly change to keep pace with a changing world, so how do we do this in a way that supports teachers and ultimately produces the best education for young people? Full article

This study aims to address the gap in understanding condom use (CU) behavior in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking community in Belgium) by applying a mixed methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data. Utilizing a large-scale survey of over 14,000 participants and 11 in-depth interviews, the study explores key factors influencing CU, including (amongst others) relationship status, attitudes toward condoms, and STI testing. Quantitative findings highlight significant predictors such as the type of partner (casual vs. steady), STI testing behaviors, and negative attitudes toward condoms. Qualitative insights further reveal personal experiences that complicate CU decisions, such as the disruption of sexual flow and emotional dynamics within relationships. These findings underscore the complexity of CU behavior, showing that practical barriers (e.g., discomfort, fit) and personal beliefs play pivotal roles. The study concludes that targeted public health interventions could focus on improving condom accessibility and addressing both practical and emotional factors. Recommendations for sexual health education include promoting communication around CU and enhancing condom experimentation and fit. These findings contribute valuable insights into enhancing sexual health outcomes through more nuanced, contextualized approaches to condom use. Full article

The health of road transport workers is affected by working conditions and life. However, there is a lack of studies on the level of stress and health of the families of these workers. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived stress level and family effectiveness of family members of road transport workers. A quantitative study was carried out with the family members of road transport workers in the southern region of Brazil. For data collection, a sociodemographic form, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Evaluation of Family Effectiveness Strategies were used. The data were analyzed by simple frequency, Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) (p < 0.05), and descriptive analysis from the perspective of Systemic Organization. The sample was composed of 49 family members of road transport workers. Perceived stress was higher in family members who had more than nine years of education (p = 0.0403). Family members who scored higher in Family Effectiveness scored high on the targets of Control (p = 0.0353) (Control aims to reduce anxiety and prevent and eliminate events that threaten family stability) and Growth (p = 0.0360) (represented by attitudes that promote new roles in response to critical situations experienced by families, which require re-adaptation processes and adjustments). The Control target was significant (p = 0.0353) in families that had more than three people. The Coherence dimension (concerning self-esteem, body image, personal identity, self-confidence, and sexual identity) presented positive significance (p = 0.0244) in families with health problems and whose income was less than USD 792.00 per month (p = 0.0072). The Individuation dimension (including functions and responsibilities, where talents are reinforced, as well as initiatives that allow for the incorporation of knowledge to assume behaviors against personal/family and environmental pressures), was significant (p = 0.0138) in families with incomes over USD 792.00. The Maintenance System (strategies for decision-making, problem negotiation, ritual and traditional roles, communication patterns, standards, financial management, and approaches to maintaining family harmony) presented positive significance (p = 0.0151) in families where drivers worked as intercity drivers, as did the Stability target (p = 0.0196) (concerning the continuity of routines, structure, organization, traditions, and values assumed by the family and transmitted from generation to generation, which promote unity and the development of values, attitudes, and beliefs). In conclusion, social factors, such as education, income, diseases, type of worker activity in road transport, and number of people in the family, influenced perceived stress and family effectiveness, which demonstrates the need to increase the promotion of health care for the families of road transport workers. Full article