{"title":"Sexual Dimorphism in the Facial Morphology and Skin Color in Sub-Saharan Africa","authors":"Karel Kleisner, Šimon Pokorný, Viktor Černý","doi":"10.1007/s10508-026-03552-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-026-03552-9","url":null,"abstract":"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.","PeriodicalId":8327,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Sexual Behavior","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149360084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gonzalo R. Quintana, Elías Aguilera, J. Francisco Santibáñez-Palma, Javier Escudero-Pastén, Chilean Sex and Sexuality Study Research Consortium, Jaime Barrientos
{"title":"Variations in Sexual Function and Behaviors by BDSM Self-Identification versus BDSM Practice Frequency in the General Population","authors":"Gonzalo R. Quintana, Elías Aguilera, J. Francisco Santibáñez-Palma, Javier Escudero-Pastén, Chilean Sex and Sexuality Study Research Consortium, Jaime Barrientos","doi":"10.1007/s10508-026-03553-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10508-026-03553-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>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.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8327,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Sexual Behavior","volume":"55 7","pages":"3237 - 3256"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149317373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Visual Sexual Health Communication Assisted by AI: The Case of Synthetic Menstruation Images.","authors":"Nicola Döring, Anastasiia Shevtsova","doi":"10.1007/s10508-026-03518-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-026-03518-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>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% of cases, menstruation prompts did not produce the requested image but only text output (RQ1). When images were generated, they often (78.1%) exhibited visual and/or textual flaws (RQ2). The images showed a lack of diversity in some human attributes (e.g., body type) but not in others (e.g., skin tone; RQ3). Stereotypical depictions of women were observed but not predominant (RQ4). Common menstruation-related visual symbols (e.g., blood, pain) were identified (RQ5), but most images did not convey a negative portrayal and instead a neutral or positive portrayal of menstruation (RQ6). While results show that initial outputs from AI image generators are often not directly suitable for visual sexual health communication, they might work with targeted refinement. Further research is required to examine the production, characteristics, consumption, and effects of AI-generated images in SRHR communication.</p>","PeriodicalId":8327,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Sexual Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149332169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rachael A. Lennon, Kathryn M. Yount, Alexandria Ree Hadd, Aida Essaid, Rand Abu Taleb, Jude Sajdi, Brian Batayeh, Irina Bergenfeld, Cari Jo Clark
{"title":"Measurement Invariance and Prevalence of Sexual Harassment Among University Students in Jordan","authors":"Rachael A. Lennon, Kathryn M. Yount, Alexandria Ree Hadd, Aida Essaid, Rand Abu Taleb, Jude Sajdi, Brian Batayeh, Irina Bergenfeld, Cari Jo Clark","doi":"10.1007/s10508-026-03541-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10508-026-03541-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>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% (<i>n</i> = 396) and 47% (<i>n</i> = 103) of women and men, respectively, reported experiencing sexual harassment in the current school year. Sexual harassment showed a significant, weak-to-moderate association with depressive symptoms. Sexual harassment is prevalent among Jordanian university students. Tracking sexual harassment can help monitor trends and improve survivor services.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8327,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Sexual Behavior","volume":"55 7","pages":"3123 - 3135"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149317371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Art of Masturbation: An Analysis on the History and Theory of Self-Pleasure in the Renaissance.","authors":"Kacper Niburski","doi":"10.1007/s10508-026-03573-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-026-03573-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":8327,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Sexual Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149317372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Can LLMs Take Psychological Surveys? A Case Study Using DeepSeek Models on Studies of Jealousy and Consent","authors":"Randal Cox, Brad J. Sagarin","doi":"10.1007/s10508-026-03580-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-026-03580-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8327,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Sexual Behavior","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149292833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saramarén García-Acosta, Mostafa Sadr-Bazzaz, Francisco R. Gómez Jiménez, Paul L. Vasey
{"title":"Facial Morphology Predicts Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Presentation in Androphilic Males Among the Istmo Zapotec","authors":"Saramarén García-Acosta, Mostafa Sadr-Bazzaz, Francisco R. Gómez Jiménez, Paul L. Vasey","doi":"10.1007/s10508-026-03550-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10508-026-03550-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study examined facial morphology in relation to sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity/presentation among the Istmo Zapotec of Oaxaca, Mexico. We examined 62 facial metrics extracted from face photos of 100 androphilic (i.e., sexually attracted to adult males) women, 100 gynephilic (i.e., sexually attracted to adult females) men, 100 <i>muxe nguiiu</i> (masculine-presenting androphilic males), and 100 <i>muxe gunaa</i> (feminine-presenting androphilic males). Multivariate analyses confirmed facial morphology differences across groups. Binary logistic regression models accurately predicted sex (81.5%), male sexual orientation (77.7%), and androphilic male gender identity/presentation (69.5%). In addition, a discriminant function analysis (DFA) successfully classified 69.8% of participants on the basis of their facial metrics. DFA revealed a masculinity–femininity continuum (Function 1: gynephilic men > <i>muxe nguiiu</i> > <i>muxe gunaa</i> ≈ androphilic women) alongside unexpected hyper-masculinization continuum (Function 2: <i>muxes</i> > gynephilic men; <i>muxe gunaa</i> > <i>muxe nguiiu</i>). Univariate partial correlations revealed significant associations between facial metrics and sex (29/62), male sexual orientation (26/62), and androphilic male gender identity/presentation (12/62), partially replicating Skorska et al.’s (2015) findings in relation to sex but not male sexual orientation. Integrating the univariate differences in facial metrics using multivariate analyses resulted in improved predictive accuracy for distinguishing among the four groups by sex, sexual orientation, and androphilic male gender identity/presentation. We discuss plausible biological mechanisms associated with the development of these traits. Our findings provide further evidence suggesting that associations between facial morphology, sex, and sexual orientation are present cross-culturally.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8327,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Sexual Behavior","volume":"55 7","pages":"2929 - 2946"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149261076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Correction: The Prevalence of Aggressive Content in Online Sexually Explicit Fanfiction.","authors":"Ezelbahar Metin, Eran Shor","doi":"10.1007/s10508-026-03709-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-026-03709-6","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8327,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Sexual Behavior","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149261079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Practice for Parturition and Breastfeeding: Shared Neuroendocrine Circuits? Response to Costa (2026)","authors":"Natalie L. Dinsdale, Bernard J. Crespi","doi":"10.1007/s10508-026-03711-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-026-03711-y","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8327,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Sexual Behavior","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149241238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"On the Presumption of Linearity in Behavioral Media Effects Research","authors":"Priscilla Aboagyewaa Boateng, Paul J. Wright","doi":"10.1007/s10508-026-03699-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-026-03699-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8327,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Sexual Behavior","volume":"79 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149241239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}