Many individuals in the United States will experience some form of abuse or neglect before the age of 18. Exposure to such adversities earlier in life can predict greater sexual risk engagement such as high sexual partner number. While the research examining the influence of early adversity on sexual behaviour is vast, we have yet to fully understand why this association exists. In the present manuscript we attempt to shed light on potential predictors and moderators of this association and offer suggestions for future research. Specifically, we begin with a brief review of the existing research pertaining to early adversity and sexual risk taking. Then, we outline potentially important moderators to consider such as impulsivity, sensation seeking, and reward sensitivity.
This study is part of a wider research project into non-exclusive sexuality categories and identities of women. This project furthers our understanding of cisgender women who identify as ‘mostly straight’ or ‘mostly lesbian’ by exploring the pornography, literary and film preferences of 32 participants. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed that media preferences did not map onto sexual identity categories i.e. ‘mostly straight’ women enjoyed gay male porn. Thematic analysis indicated that sociocultural factors interact with or supersede sexuality and sexual identity in influencing media preferences. Themes emerging included the impact of feminism, the intersection of sexuality and faith, the overt politicisation of LGBT+ media, heteronormative socialisation, and the preferences of straight male partners.
There are an increasing number of people identifying as part of the LGBT community, with over 165,000 same-sex couples in the US having children in 2019. Research on parenting during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic has been disseminated. However, there is limited research that examines the experiences of same-sex parents. Therefore, a structured qualitative review of online blogs published during the Covid-19 pandemic, authored by same-sex parents, was conducted. Following thematic analysis, three main themes (and 13 subthemes) emerged: 1) Connection; 2) Contrasting experiences of home schooling; and 3) Pride in family. Similarities between same-sex and different-sex parents were highlighted. However, it is notable that same-sex parents continue to feel stigma and exclusion from the wider parenting community.
A group was developed to support trans women attending a GIC (Gender Identity Clinic) to improve their self-esteem, and confidence in using their target feminine voice. Psychology and SLT (speech and language therapy) teams collaborated utilising Fennell’s (1997) Cognitive Model of Low Self-Esteem and SLT interventions. The RSES (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: Rosenberg, 1965) was used to measure self-esteem pre and post group. Participants’ scores on the RSES were significantly higher after the group (p < .01), indicating an improvement in self-esteem. A specifically designed feedback form indicated improved confidence with using feminine voice post group. It was concluded that participants made effective use of the psychological and SLT strategies to improve self-esteem, and confidence with their voice.
