International Journal of Sexual Health最新文献

{"title":"The Effect of Sexual Health Education Program Based on the Health Belief Model on Sexual Function and Sexual Health Literacy of Women.","authors":"Mahdieh Hardani Naeimzadeh, Zahra Khazir, Zahra Keshtkaran, Parvin Yadollahi, Farzaneh Ghaleh Golab, Andishe Hamedi, Ali Khani Jeihooni","doi":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2601627","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2601627","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Sexual health is a key factor in the stability of marital life and is considered one of the most important determinants of couples' well-being, contributing to a satisfactory quality of life. By enhancing sexual satisfaction, sexual health literacy plays a significant role in sexual functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a sexual health education program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) on sexual health literacy and sexual function among Iranian women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This experimental study involved 160 married women, with 80 participants in the intervention group and 80 in the control group, who attended urban comprehensive health service centers in Fasa city, Iran, during 2023-2024. The educational intervention was designed based on the constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and was implemented over eight sessions, each lasting 50 minutes. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, a knowledge questionnaire, an HBM constructs questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Iranian Adult Sexual Health Literacy Questionnaire. Both groups completed the questionnaires before the intervention and again three months after.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean scores of knowledge and HBM constructs between the two groups. However, post-intervention, a significant increase was observed in knowledge and all HBM constructs except for perceived barriers. Moreover, sexual health literacy and sexual function scores significantly improved in the intervention group (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The comprehensive sexual health education program based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) effectively improved women's sexual function and enhanced their sexual health literacy in the short term. Therefore, it is recommended to integrate sexual counseling and education into the services offered by comprehensive health centers as part of women's health care. Additionally, empowering women through counseling and training in relationship and life skills is essential for promoting their sexual health.</p>","PeriodicalId":46855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sexual Health","volume":"38 2","pages":"468-481"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13203032/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Empowering Women's Choices: A Comparative Study on Sexual Autonomy and Modern Contraceptive Utilization in Pakistan and Bangladesh.","authors":"Javeria Khan, Sarwat Mumtaz, Sidra Abid","doi":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2594184","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2594184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The low contraceptive rates in countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh require that more concepts be explored which are specially relevant or unique to this region. This article explores sexual autonomy along with socio-demographic and cultural factors that greatly influence women's autonomy and contraceptive behavior.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to examine the relationship between modern contraceptive use and sexual autonomy among currently married women in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and to identify key demographic factors influencing this relationship.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Pakistan (2017-2018) and Bangladesh (2017-2018) were used. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used to examine variation in sexual autonomy and contraceptive use across countries, as well as association with major socio-demographic variables including education and place of residence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The difference in reported sexual autonomy was highly significant, with 78.2% of the Bangladeshi women reporting sexual autonomy and only 38.6% among Pakistani women. Increasing sexual autonomy is associated with higher odds of modern contraception use. Multivariable and mediation analyses estimated regional, educational disparities, and the justification of abuse.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is substantial variation in the prevalence of sexual autonomy between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Interventions to improve contraceptive use could give precedence to increasing women's autonomy, including their education and empowerment, while also responding to the sociocultural barriers of country specificity.</p>","PeriodicalId":46855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sexual Health","volume":"38 2","pages":"380-389"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13203008/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Selling Clean Vaginas: An Examination of Feminine Hygiene Products' Health and Cultural Messaging and Its Implications for Black Women's Sexual Health.","authors":"Wendasha Jenkins Hall, Ibriana Garvey","doi":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2595248","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2595248","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Feminine hygiene products (FHPs), including washes, deodorants, suppositories, and wipes, are widely marketed in the United States as essential to vaginal cleanliness, pH balance, and odor control. However, these products may contribute to adverse outcomes such as microbiome disruption, irritation, and infection. Black women disproportionately use FHPs and experience higher rates of reproductive health issues, yet the content and marketing of these products remain underexamined. This study investigates the health claims, ingredients, and marketing strategies of FHPs, with a focus on products explicitly marketed to Black women in the US.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A conventional content analysis was conducted on 83 FHPs identified through US-based retail and e-commerce platforms between July 2022 and November 2024. Products were categorized by name, brand, claims, ingredients, point-of-sale (retail vs. e-commerce), and Black-owned. Products were also labeled \"Black consumer focused\" if they were produced by self-identified Black-owned brands and (1) marketed using culturally specific terms, language, or practices (e.g., \"<i>yoni</i>\", vaginal steaming), and/or (2) marketed claims related to health concerns disproportionately affecting Black women (e.g., fibroids, endometriosis).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the products analyzed, 63.8% claimed to balance vaginal pH, 33.7% targeted odor elimination, and 15.6% claimed to treat BV or yeast infections. Products often contained acidic ingredients (56.6%) and fragrances (28%), despite limited safety data. Products marketed to Black women disproportionately used spiritual or empowerment language such as \"yoni,\" promoted herbal or botanical formulations (90%), and made unsubstantiated claims to treat reproductive conditions such as fibroids, infertility, and menstrual irregularities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Marketing of FHPs reinforces myths about vaginal cleanliness and targets Black women with racially coded and scientifically unsupported claims. These practices may contribute to reproductive health disparities and warrant increased regulatory oversight, provider education, and culturally grounded health communication.</p>","PeriodicalId":46855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sexual Health","volume":"38 2","pages":"390-403"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13203031/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148043858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk-Taking Propensity, Impulsivity and Risky Sexual Behaviors in Arab-Muslim Adults: The Moderating Effect of Religiosity.","authors":"Feten Fekih-Romdhane, Bouthaina Abbassi, Emna Maalej, Majda Cheour, Souheil Hallit","doi":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2597856","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2597856","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Multiple personality dispositions can be involved in engagement in risky sexual activities. However, our comprehension of the unique mechanisms through which facets of personality place people at risk for risky sexual behaviors (RSB) remains very limited. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that religiosity can serve as a significant moderator between impulsivity and risk-taking propensity personality traits and RSB.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study had a cross-sectional design, which took place between January 1st and March 1^st 2024. A total of 466 Arab-Muslim adults from the general population of Tunisia was included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After adjusting for potential confounders, the interaction impulsivity by religiosity was significantly associated with RSB scores (Beta= -.002; t= -3.22; p= .001; 95% CI -.004; -.001). Specifically, religiosity weakened the association between impulsivity/risk-taking propensity and RSB. At low (Beta= .02; p < .001) and moderate (Beta= .01; p <i><</i> .001) levels of religiosity, higher impulsivity was significantly associated with higher RSB. In addition, the interaction risk-taking propensity by religiosity was significantly associated with RSB scores (Beta= -.005; t= -2.26; p= .024; 95% CI -.01; -.001). At low (Beta= .04; p < .001) and moderate (Beta= .02; p= .006) levels of religiosity, higher risk-taking propensity was significantly associated with higher RSB.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings suggests that, in individuals who may exhibit impulsivity and risk-taking propensity traits, when religiosity levels are low or moderate, this could pose a risk for engaging in risky sexual activities in Arab-Muslim adults. These findings enhance our understanding of adults' involvement in RSB, and offer insights that can inform targeted prevention and management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":46855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sexual Health","volume":"38 2","pages":"515-529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13203036/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148043843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From Interpersonal Experiences to Proximal Minority Processes and Mental Health: A Characterization of Latent Socio-Evolutionary Profiles in Portuguese Sexual Minoritized Individuals.","authors":"Daniel Seabra, Diana Ribeiro da Silva, Jorge Gato, Nicola Petrocchi, Maria do Céu Salvador","doi":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2583150","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2583150","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Objective:</i> Sexual minorities (SMs) include monosexual, bi + individuals, and a spectrum of asexual sexual orientations. They encounter challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. Integrative models incorporate several different factors to provide an explanation for mental health issues. These factors include stigma, evolutionary dimensions, distal and proximal processes, and inter- and intrapersonal experiences over time. This study aimed to identify profiles among Portuguese SM individuals by examining stigma and evolutionary interpersonal distal processes and characterizing these profiles through analyzing proximal processes, mental health indicators, and sociodemographic variables. <i>Methods:</i> The sample consisted of 409 Portuguese SM adults. The identification of profiles was conducted through a latent profile analysis, which employed self-report measures of early memories of warmth and safeness, early traumatic shame experiences, social support, and homophobic discrimination. The following variables were assessed for the characterization of each profile: age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, residence area, employment, religiosity, stigma anticipation, internalized stigma, rejection sensitivity, self-criticism, shame, concealment of sexual orientation, life satisfaction, depression, anxiety, and social anxiety symptoms. <i>Results:</i> The four-profile model demonstrated the optimal fit, designated as \"traumatized,\" \"marginalized,\" \"resilient,\" and \"secure.\" The characterization of these profiles illuminated the non-straightforward and nuanced influence of interpersonal experiences on mental health. The paper concludes with a discussion of the clinical implications and limitations of the findings. <i>Conclusions:</i> The findings underscore the importance of addressing stigma, social, and evolutionary dimensions across inter- and intrapersonal experiences in the assessment and case formulation with SM individuals. The interventions should adopt an affirmative and contextual approach considering general and SM-specific cognitions, emotions, behaviors, and processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":46855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sexual Health","volume":"38 2","pages":"686-712"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13203018/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adverse Adolescent Experiences and Condomless Sex Among Heterosexual and Sexually Minoritized African American Adolescents: Religious Participation as a Buffer.","authors":"Jun Sung Hong, Jinwon Kim, Dexter R Voisin, Lois M Takahashi","doi":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2583153","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2583153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Objective:</i> The present study examines whether religious participation buffers the association between adverse adolescent experiences and condom use and whether findings might differ by sexual identity. <i>Method:</i> In this exploratory study, a cross-sectional survey, which was administered between August 2013 and January 2014 to 230 adolescents identifying as heterosexual and 56 identifying as sexual minorities in Chicago, is analyzed. The moderating role of religious participation is assessed to clarify how religious participation might buffer the association between adverse adolescent experiences (i.e., neighborhood violence exposure, bullying victimization, and witnessing adverse parental experiences) and condomless sex. <i>Results:</i> The results suggest that religious participation is significant in moderating condomless sex, but only for sexually minoritized respondents. Religious participation is significant in lower reported condomless sex for heterosexual respondents, but only when they also report neighborhood violence exposure. <i>Conclusion:</i> Implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":46855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sexual Health","volume":"38 2","pages":"580-594"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13203026/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Problematic Pornography Use Among Indian Adults: Patterns, Preferences, Motives, Psychosocial Impacts, and Support Strategies.","authors":"M Rajashekar, Manoj Kumar Sharma, Senthil Amudhan","doi":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2584545","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2584545","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Problematic pornography use (PPU) is an emerging behavioral concern in the technological era with significant biopsychosocial impacts. While research on PPU has expanded globally, evidence from the Indian context remains scarce, particularly regarding comparisons between individuals with and without PPU and their motives, preferences, and psychosocial outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored patterns, preferences, motives, psychosocial impacts, and support strategies to provide a better understanding of PPU and intervention planning in the Indian context.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study employed an online cross-sectional survey with 112 participants (ages 18-46; mean = 25.5, <i>SD</i> = 5.44; gender: 81.3% male, 16.1% female, 2.7% nonbinary) who had experienced pornography-related difficulties in the past six months. Data were collected using a sociodemographic datasheet, details of pornography use, the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS), the Pornography Use Motivation Scale (PUMS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Descriptive data analysis was used to explore participants patterns, preferences, motives, psychosocial impacts, and support strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results indicate most participants began viewing pornography in early adolescence (mean age = 14.1, <i>SD</i> = 4.01). Majority viewed pornography 0-2 times per week, usually for less than 30 minutes per session, primarily via smartphones (79.5%). About 69% had specific preferences, with Mother/Mature I'd Like to Fuck (MILF), threesome, Bondage, Discipline / Dominance, Sadism / Submission, Masochism (BDSM), lesbian, and gangbang being common. Negative effects were reported by 75.89% participants in at least one domain, including family, social life, or work/occupation. Also, 41.07% reported positive effects, such as gaining sexual knowledge and experiencing sexual relief. Feelings of guilt or shame were reported by 63.39%, and 48.21% indicated self-esteem issues related to their pornography use. A majority (86%) perceived no to low support from friends/family and 68.75% avoided sharing pornography habits with partners. Individuals with PPU (76 or above score in PPCS), compared to non-PPU individuals, show stronger motives for using pornography for stress reduction, fantasy, emotional distraction/suppression, and boredom avoidance, along with elevated depression, anxiety, and stress levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the complex nature of problematic pornography use (PPU) in Indian adults, shaped by various factors, including early exposure, psychological distress, and sociocultural stigma. The findings also imply integrating these factors into planning culturally sensitive research and tailored clinical interventions to address PPU.</p>","PeriodicalId":46855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sexual Health","volume":"38 2","pages":"625-634"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13203050/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148043862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex Positivity, Resilience, Social Support, and PrEP and HIV Stigmas: Associations with Current and Lifetime Use of PrEP.","authors":"Nikole Babcock, Ryan J Watson, Raymond L Moody, Chenglin Hong, Seth C Kalichman, Moira Kalichman, Lisa A Eaton","doi":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2587107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2587107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV among all individuals. The success of PrEP has led to the development of targeted health campaigns for encouraging the uptake of PrEP among sexual and gender diverse communities, who account for some of the highest HIV transmission rates in the U.S. PrEP uptake among Black sexual and gender-diverse populations (BSGD) remains low, which is worrisome given that BSGD populations have an elevated risk of HIV seroconversion. Scholars have investigated psychosocial barriers to PrEP uptake in BSGD populations, but little is known about positive and promotive factors associated with PrEP use.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Leveraging baseline data from an ongoing longitudinal PrEP study (N = 380), the current study investigated what factors may be associated with lifetime use and current use of PrEP in BSGD populations. We used a cross-sectional design to examine the associations between psychosocial barriers (i.e., HIV microaggression, PrEP stereotypes, and PrEP stigma) and positive promotive factors (i.e., resiliency, sex positivity, and social support) among two outcome variables, current and lifetime use of PrEP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Using binary logistic regression models, we found that sex positivity was strongly positively associated with both lifetime and current PrEP use, and HIV microaggressions were negatively associated with current PrEP use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings indicate that sex positivity may be an important strengths-based factor related to PrEP use. HIV prevention strategies should consider including sex-positive messaging to increase PrEP usage and bolster sexual empowerment in BSGD populations in order to dismantle HIV and PrEP stigmas.</p>","PeriodicalId":46855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sexual Health","volume":"38 2","pages":"595-605"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13203049/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148043999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"I Should Not Be Doing This Thing\": A Qualitative Exploration of Masturbation Experiences Among Young Indian Women.","authors":"Sanchita Singh, Shreeya Menon, Tanvi Reddy Pachika, Uttara Kaura, Namratha Guna Kaleru","doi":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2587108","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2587108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Masturbation in India is a sexual behavior enveloped in taboo, a manifestation of cultural norms that have been deeply ingrained through generations.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to address the paucity of contemporary research on women's experiences of masturbation, particularly in the Indian context, using phenomenology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In-depth interviews were conducted with twelve heterosexual women aged 18-30, and the technique of reflexive thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The three themes that we identified: Theme 1: Influence on Young Women's Masturbation Experiences (Societal Norms and Cultural Biases, Impact of Media), Theme 2: Barriers to Masturbation Practices (Inadequate Sexual Literacy and Resource Scarcity), Theme 3: Impacts of Masturbation (Positive Experiences and Emotional Vulnerabilities).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study addresses a significant gap in the literature on women's experiences with masturbation in India, providing a foundation for future research. The themes identified can serve as a basis for developing culturally relevant programs to enhance sexual well-being among Indian women.</p>","PeriodicalId":46855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sexual Health","volume":"38 2","pages":"363-379"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13203068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Social Media Intensity and Chinese Female Undergraduates' Attitudes Toward Marriage: The Roles of Benevolent Sexism and the Need to Belong.","authors":"Diya Yang, Zhenyong Lyu, Qingqing Xie, Panpan Zheng","doi":"10.1080/19317611.2025.2583154","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2583154","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>In contemporary China's digital age, marked by declining marriage and fertility rates, it is crucial to explore the factors that shape individuals' attitudes toward marriage. Female undergraduates, who face significant tensions between traditional gender roles and the demands of the modern market economy, may play a key role in shaping future marriage and family patterns of Chinese society. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between social media intensity and attitudes toward marriage among Chinese female undergraduates, with a focus on exploring the potential roles of benevolent sexism and the need to belong in this relationship, using ambivalent sexism theory, belongingness theory, and cultivation theory as frameworks.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 529 female undergraduates completed the questionnaires assessing their social media intensity, attitudes toward marriage, benevolent sexism, and the need to belong.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results indicated a positive relationship between social media intensity and Chinese female undergraduates' traditional attitudes toward marriage. Moreover, this relationship was mediated by benevolent sexism, with greater social media intensity linked to higher endorsement of benevolent sexism and in turn associated with more traditional attitudes toward marriage. Notably, the relationship between social media intensity and benevolent sexism was moderated by the need to belong. For female undergraduates with a high need to belong, social media intensity was significantly positively associated with benevolent sexism, whereas no significant relationship was observed for those with a low need to belong.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings underscore the roles of benevolent sexism and the need to belong in shaping the impact of social media intensity on female undergraduates' attitudes toward marriage. These results suggest the importance of promoting gender equality and fostering a sense of belonging to cultivate modern attitudes toward marriage in the digital age.</p>","PeriodicalId":46855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Sexual Health","volume":"38 2","pages":"409-423"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13203020/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}