{"title":"Safeguarding Gaps in the PATHWAYS Trial: Insights from GnRH Analogue Use in Gynecology.","authors":"Sarah C J Jorgensen","doi":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2641107","DOIUrl":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2641107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The PATHWAYS trial offers an important opportunity to evaluate the benefits and harms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) treatment in adolescents with gender incongruence. Drawing on evidence from GnRHa use for gynecological indications, this commentary argues that the trial omits evidence-based risk-mitigation practices relevant to late pubertal female participants, who represent a substantial proportion of those prescribed GnRHas for gender incongruence in the United Kingdom and other countries. This omission exposes participants to foreseeable and preventable harm. Additionally, the use of a waitlist control may amplify expectancy and nocebo effects among adolescents who begin GnRHa therapy in late puberty when commonly proposed mechanisms of psychological benefit, such as preventing distress from developing secondary sex characteristics, are less biologically plausible. Closer alignment of the PATHWAYS protocol with established risk-mitigation practices would enhance its scientific credibility and help ensure participants are adequately safeguarded.</p>","PeriodicalId":17171,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147433687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
David C de Jong, Maximiliane Uhlich, Nantje Fischer, Christopher Ginn, Andrew Baker, Ryan Rahm-Knigge, Madison L Moore, Jessie V Ford, Heather Hoffmann, Eli Coleman, Neil Gleason
{"title":"The Varieties of Masturbatory Experience: Prevalences in a U.S. National Sample and Recommendations for Future Investigations.","authors":"David C de Jong, Maximiliane Uhlich, Nantje Fischer, Christopher Ginn, Andrew Baker, Ryan Rahm-Knigge, Madison L Moore, Jessie V Ford, Heather Hoffmann, Eli Coleman, Neil Gleason","doi":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2628649","DOIUrl":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2628649","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Masturbation is prevalent across age groups. Yet, for how common it is, the literature on masturbation is very underdeveloped. A fundamental problem in past studies is a lack of careful operationalization of masturbation, and in turn, surveys that provide participants vague, confounded, or no definition of masturbation at all. To illustrate the wide range of different behaviors likely captured by past studies, we identified and precisely defined nine distinct masturbatory behaviors occurring in various contexts (solo, partnered, and group; with others in person or via remote connection). Using a large U.S. national dataset weighted to reflect key demographics (<i>N</i> = 3,423 adults), we found that, in terms of last-month engagement, some of these behaviors were very common, e.g., solo masturbation (59.4% of women, 76.7% of men), others were somewhat common, e.g., masturbation during partnered sex (24.3% of women, 26.5% of men), and some were rare, e.g., group masturbation (2.3% of women, 3.6% of men). Our goal is to highlight the importance of carefully operationalizing and defining masturbation in research designs and to strengthen the rigor of masturbation research more generally. Implications for understanding masturbation in terms models of sexual response, relationships, clinical practice, and education are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":17171,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-20"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Balancing Sexual Health, Social Morality, and Public Order: Policy Challenges in China's Identification of Obscene and Pornographic Content.","authors":"Ziyi Xie, Rui Zheng, Zhizhuang Duan","doi":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2628665","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2026.2628665","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A reasonable approach to the identification and regulation of pornographic content is a vital prerequisite for balancing sexual health, social morality, and public order. However, many countries continue to face challenges in both the formulation and implementation of policies regarding the identification and regulation of such content. This commentary examines the relevant policy provisions and practical enforcement mechanisms concerning the identification of obscene and pornographic content in China. It highlights several key challenges in the current approach, including the lack of evaluation from the perspective of the content's intended audience, the absence of a classification system, and the limited involvement of professionals and social resources with relevant expertise in the identification process. Based on these insights, the commentary suggests corresponding policy recommendations. The aim is to contribute to the improvement of identification mechanisms for obscene and pornographic content in China and in other countries facing similar challenges, thereby promoting the development of policies that can effectively balance the protection of individual sexual health with the maintenance of social and public order.</p>","PeriodicalId":17171,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146194827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pornography Consumption, Body Image, and Sexual Schemas Among Incel and Non-Incel Men.","authors":"Brandon Sparks, Robyn Mooney","doi":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2628651","DOIUrl":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2628651","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pornography functions as a sexual outlet and source of sexual knowledge for men. However, previous work has found it can have detrimental impacts on body image and self-esteem. Although involuntary celibates (incels) place great importance on physical appearance and lack avenues for real-world sexual contact, pornography use among incel men remains unexplored. This exploratory study therefore examined the relationships between pornography, masturbatory behaviors, sexual schemas, and body and genital image issues among incel (<i>n</i> = 45) and non-incel (<i>n</i> = 76) men. Participants completed questionnaires measuring pornography consumption, perceived realism, sexual expectations, masturbatory coping, body and genital image satisfaction, and loneliness. Results indicated that, as expected, incels consumed more pornography, viewed it as more realistic, engaged in more masturbatory coping, and believed that future partners would expect them to look and perform like male pornographic actors. This belief was associated with higher levels of body and genital image dissatisfaction among incels. These findings emphasize the contexts and mechanisms by which pornography can have a deleterious effect on the well-being of men and hold important implications for the development of targeted educational interventions, particularly for incels.</p>","PeriodicalId":17171,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146165628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multi-Factor Authentication: <i>Young Men's Intuited Approach to Consensual Sex</i>.","authors":"Jossy Forrest, Jessie V Ford","doi":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2618492","DOIUrl":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2618492","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored how young heterosexual men understand and apply sexual consent, especially when it is ambiguous. Through qualitative interviews, we examined their definitions of consent, views on verbal consent-seeking, and decision-making processes. Three findings emerged. First, participants consistently cited a conventional definition-free, ongoing, and explicit-but struggled to apply it in practice. Second, most found verbal requests for consent awkward, unnecessary, or disruptive. Third, all described using a process we term <i>multi-factor authentication:</i> an intuitive system in which consent is inferred from <i>mutuality</i> (reciprocated, escalating cues) combined with contextual indicators such as trust, timing, location, and occasional verbal check-ins. Alcohol use and clothing were rarely considered relevant. Instead, men emphasized emotional intimacy-trust, empathy, connection, and vulnerability-as central to consensual sex. These findings suggest that while consent education has successfully conveyed the principle that sex must be consensual, it offers few practical strategies for implementation. Recognizing multi-factor authentication as a key framework can inform education that addresses both normative definitions of consent and the complex realities of sexual encounters.</p>","PeriodicalId":17171,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"189-207"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146064413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Between Harm and Desire: A Cross-Lagged Study of Psychological Intimate Partner Violence, Coercive and Controlling Behaviors and Sexual Satisfaction.","authors":"Caroline Dugal, Noémie Bigras, Émilie Fontaine, Natacha Godbout","doi":"10.1080/0092623X.2025.2605072","DOIUrl":"10.1080/0092623X.2025.2605072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Psychological intimate partner violence (PIPV) and coercive and controlling behaviors (CCB) are highly prevalent in the general population. Considering couples' sexual and relational wellbeing are closely intertwined, it is surprising that no study has examined the temporal associations between PIPV and CCB, and couples' sexual satisfaction. This study examined the dyadic associations between PIPV, CCB and sexual satisfaction over time, and explored gender differences. A community sample of 406 mixed-sex couples completed measures of PIPV, CCB and sexual satisfaction at two time-points, one year apart. An autoregressive cross-lagged model following the actor-partner interdependence framework was tested. Results revealed small actor effects, indicating that higher PIPV perpetration in women and higher CCB perpetration in men at T1 were related to their own higher sexual satisfaction at T2. A medium partner effect showed that men's PIPV perpetration at T1 was linked to lower sexual satisfaction in their partner at T2. Large autoregressive effects indicated that PIPV, CCB, and sexual satisfaction were stable over time. Small partner effects revealed that higher sexual satisfaction in participants at T1 was related to higher sexual satisfaction in their partner at T2. Findings underscore the complex associations linking PIPV, CCB, and sexual satisfaction in couples.</p>","PeriodicalId":17171,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"86-98"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145819808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Don't Break My Heart: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study Examining Autonomy Support During Romantic Relationship Dissolution.","authors":"Erin McClung, Ryan Pecore, Elisa Stragapede, Paola Michelle Garcia Mairena, Serena Corsini-Munt","doi":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2628652","DOIUrl":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2628652","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breakups are often accompanied by significant emotional distress. Using autonomy-supportive techniques has been shown to reduce defensiveness and foster better understanding during difficult interactions. It is unknown if using these same techniques are associated with better emotional and psychological outcomes for those who end their relationship. The current study employed a retrospective, cross-sectional design to examine whether greater autonomy support during romantic relationship dissolution is associated with better psychological well-being (e.g., subjective vitality and positive mood) and lower psychological distress (e.g., negative mood, anxiety, and depression) post-breakup, whether the modality and initiation of the breakup contribute to psychological well-being post-breakup, and whether the effects of time (since the breakup) impact psychological well-being. In a sample of four hundred and thirty-eight individuals, predominantly young, cisgender, heterosexual undergraduates, who recently experienced a breakup, results indicated that i) autonomy support during the breakup was linked to more positive mood and higher subjective vitality, ii) ongoing contact with an ex-partner was associated with increased anxiety and depression, and iii) men reported higher positive mood and lower negative mood and anxiety compared to women. These results highlight important considerations regarding the impacts of breakup experiences, specifically in providing autonomy support when initiating a breakup.</p>","PeriodicalId":17171,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"273-286"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147271381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Letter to the Editor.","authors":"Michael A Perelman","doi":"10.1080/0092623X.2025.2608663","DOIUrl":"10.1080/0092623X.2025.2608663","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17171,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"118-119"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145819842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Robin Engelhardt, Bailey M Way, Nicholas C Borgogna, Duckhyun Jo, Beáta Bőthe, Jürgen Maes, Shane W Kraus
{"title":"The Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale (CSBD-19): A Scoping Review of Validation Evidence from 22 Studies.","authors":"Robin Engelhardt, Bailey M Way, Nicholas C Borgogna, Duckhyun Jo, Beáta Bőthe, Jürgen Maes, Shane W Kraus","doi":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2624384","DOIUrl":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2624384","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale (CSBD-19) was developed in response to the inclusion of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in the eleventh edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Four years after the publication of the CSBD-19, we aimed to map the existing body of validation research on the CSBD-19. We systematically searched PubMed, EBSCO, and Scopus and identified 22 studies, including 69 samples (<i>N</i><sub>(Total)</sub>=129,049) from 35 countries, which provided empirical evidence for the scale's reliability and validity. The CSBD-19 appears to be a reliable five-factor scale developed to assess compulsive sexual behavior according to ICD-11 criteria across multiple countries, languages, and genders. More research evaluating evidence of criterion validity, as well as thresholding the proposed cutoff score, is needed in clinical populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17171,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"208-233"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Impact of Menopausal Symptoms on Sexual Life and Coping Strategies: A Phenomenological Study.","authors":"Handan Özcan, Sümeyye Köse, Tuğba Kaan, Ayça Kübra Bayraktar","doi":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2640043","DOIUrl":"10.1080/0092623X.2026.2640043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to explore, within a phenomenological framework, the effects of menopausal symptoms on women's sexual lives and coping strategies developed during this period. This qualitative study was conducted between March and July 2025 with 15 literate and married postmenopausal women recruited through snowball sampling. Data were collected via face-to-face, in-depth interviews using a Personal Information Form and a Semi-Structured Interview Form. Content analysis of the interview data identified four main categories, 13 themes, and 20 subthemes. Participant narratives were organized under the following categories: views and experiences regarding menopause, perceptions of sexual life and intimacy, the relationship between menopause and sexual life, and experiences of coping with sexual problems during menopause. The findings revealed that most participants experienced adverse changes in their sexual lives during menopause, including decreased sexual desire and physical discomfort. Women who reported negative experiences predominantly relied on individual coping strategies, such as seeking information independently, modifying behaviors, and adopting psychological acceptance. These findings highlight the importance of developing personalized and holistic healthcare approaches that acknowledge the subjective and multifaceted nature of menopausal experiences and sexual life. Healthcare professionals should consider women's individual perceptions, needs, and coping mechanisms when providing care during the menopausal transition.</p>","PeriodicalId":17171,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy","volume":" ","pages":"304-316"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147355430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}