In human faces, sexual dimorphism manifests itself in both morphological traits and skin color differences between males and females. Existing research has focused mainly on facial shape, but less is known about the interplay between dimorphism in facial structure and skin color, particularly in African populations. We investigated the degree of sexual dimorphism in facial shape and skin color in four sub-Saharan African populations (Cameroon, Mauritania, Senegal, and Sudan) using geometric morphometric analyses. We examined whether masculinization of facial morphology was consistently associated with darker skin tones, as would be expected given the influence of sex hormones on pigmentation, or whether this relationship varied across populations. Sexual dimorphism varied significantly in both shape and color across populations. The Sudan sample exhibited the strongest shape dimorphism in facial structure, while the Cameroonian and Mauritanian samples showed less pronounced differences. In contrast, the Senegal sample demonstrated the highest dimorphism in skin color, with men being notably darker than women. An unexpected pattern emerged in the Cameroonian and Mauritanian samples, where the most morphologically masculine men had a lighter skin than their less facially masculine peers. This challenges the expectation of skin darkening with increased masculinization. Given the drawbacks of highly masculine appearance, we discuss a possible compensatory mechanism where highly masculinized men have a lighter skin to offset the social or reproductive costs associated with morphological hypermasculinity. Our findings highlight the complexity of sexual dimorphism in African populations, emphasizing the need for further research into the impact of evolutionary, genetic, and sociocultural factors on facial diversity.
Public communication about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) relies on both text and images. A recent development is the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) image generators, which enable rapid, cost-effective, and highly customizable images with appealing aesthetics based on textual requests (prompts). To examine the opportunities and challenges of AI-generated images in SRHR communication, we used the topic of menstruation and developed six research questions (RQs) anchored in the current state of research on AI-supported visual health communication. These questions addressed key areas of concern, such as unsuccessful image creation (RQ1), objective image flaws (RQ2), lack of diversity of human representation (RQ3), stereotypical portrayals of women (RQ4), use of visual symbols (RQ5), and image valence (RQ6). Our study applied 15 AI image generators, 2 user accounts per generator, 5 menstruation-related prompts, 2 prompt languages, and 2 images per prompt, resulting in a sample of N = 600 AI outputs generated in Autumn 2025. All outputs were manually coded using a reliability-tested codebook developed through both deductive and inductive approaches. In 20.0
Research on BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance/submission, and sadomasochism) often relies on different criteria to identify practitioners, such as self-identification with BDSM or reporting the frequency of BDSM-related practices. These approaches can produce very different prevalence estimates, making comparisons across studies difficult. Therefore, this study examined how these two criteria, self-identification versus practice frequency, differ in describing BDSM engagement, other sexual behaviors, and their sexual function, using a sample of self-identified BDSM practitioners and the general population. We analyzed data from 3904 Chilean adults who completed measures of sexual behaviors and sexual function, using the International Index of Erectile Function and Female Sexual Function Index. Results showed that practice frequency identified nearly twice as many BDSM practitioners as self-identification. Although the two criteria were positively correlated, the overlap was small. Compared with non-self-identified BDSM participants, individuals classified by practice frequency reported more frequent engagement in BDSM-specific activities, greater sexual pleasure from these practices, and, especially among high-frequency practitioners, better sexual function. In contrast, self-identification captured fewer practitioners and was less sensitive to differences in sexual behaviors and function, though it was associated with reduced reports of sexual pain among women. Overall, practice frequency provided a broader picture of BDSM engagement, while self-identification reflected a smaller, possibly more community-oriented group. These findings highlight the importance of considering both criteria when studying BDSM, as each captures distinct aspects of sexual identity and behavior. Using both approaches can improve the accuracy of prevalence estimates and deepen understanding of BDSM’s relationship to sexual health.
Onanism; or the Heinous Sin of Self Pollution, and All its Frightful Consequences in Both Sexes, Consider’d has largely been historically seen in archival studies as the reason for the overwhelming censure on masturbation, as well as its object proliferation. This, however, is a limited view. This article will contend that masturbation was widely practiced and implicitly celebrated in the Renaissance. Four parts ground the argument: social and medical understandings of “solitary sex” borrowed from Antiquarian theology and Cynic philosophy; user-centered pornographic theory that is shared between tortured Medieval saints and Charles Estienne’s anatomical figures; a growth in erotic art, particularly in depiction of self-excitement; and Giulio Romano’s I modi or, The Positions, along with Pietro Aretino’s accompanying sonnets, as an expression of licentiousness that was not only blossoming, but prized individually.
Sexual harassment in university settings is a global problem associated with poor mental health and school dropout. In the Arab region, gaps persist in understanding of the prevalence and appropriate measures of sexual harassment in university settings by gender. Using a survey of students (565 women, 220 men) at a university in Jordan, this study tested measurement invariance of a sexual harassment scale through multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis. We assessed model fit with multiple indices and construct validity by examining the association between sexual harassment and depressive symptoms. Measurement invariance testing indicated configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance. Overall, 70
