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Individuals with intellectual disabilities need an affective and sexual education adapted to their characteristics. There are few interventions that meet these objectives and offer empirical evidence of their efficacy. To respond to the limitations of existing interventions, an evidence-based affective-sexual educational intervention for adults with a mild degree of intellectual disability is proposed: SALUDIVERSEX. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group that will receive the SALUDIVERSEX program or to a waiting list group. The intervention will be implemented by educators of occupational centers after a thorough training phase. Our main hypothesis is that the SALUDIVERSEX program will improve the sexual health and quality of life, through the joint action built into three components: the acquisition of basic information, the development of skills and strategies and the achievement of healthy attitudes towards the experience and expression of sexuality. The results of this approach could have important implications for optimizing the quality of life and self-determination of individuals with Intellectual disability by contributing to the development of healthy sexuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the recognition of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) as a diagnostic entity in the ICD-11, few works have reported on its natural course. The aim of this study was to explore the natural course of CSB over a 1-year period, as well as to analyze the predictive power of different risk factors. A convenience sample of 154 young adults were assessed at baseline and after 1 year. Dimensionally, we found that scores on most CSB symptoms significantly decreased at 1 year (d between.20 and.35). On the contrary, severity of problematic use of online sexual activities increased (d = 0.22). Regression analyses revealed that sexual orientation (being bisexual) and religious beliefs (atheist) were significant predictors of the trajectory of CSB. However, after controlling for baseline levels of CSB, only openness to experience (β between −.167 and −.199), sexual sensation seeking (β between.169 and.252), anxiety (β =.363), and depression (β between.163 and.297) predicted an increased risk of CSB over time. Categorically, diagnostic consistency of CSB at 1 year was modest. These findings suggest that the natural course of CSB tends to be highly transient and inconsistent, and that classic risk factors for its occurrence have a limited predictive power over its natural course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study examines the relationship between stereotypical beliefs about people with intellectual disabilities, desire for social distance, and general knowledge about human sexuality with attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with mild intellectual disabilities. Method: Two hundred fifty participants from staff, family and community samples completed an online set of questionnaires. Results: Higher agreement with stereotypical beliefs and lower sexual knowledge were associated with less normalising and more paternalistic attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with mild intellectual disabilities. Higher agreement with stereotypical beliefs was also associated with more negative attitudes. On the other hand, willingness to interact with these adults was associated with more normalising and less paternalistic attitudes. Conclusions: Interventions that aim to support adults with intellectual disabilities in relation to their sexuality should also address the perceptions of their support network towards them as individuals with disabilities, as well as their knowledge about sexuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A positive conception of sexuality among people with intellectual disabilities is crucial and relies on several social and interpersonal contexts. The goal of this study is to analyse the interaction and impact of three different contextual groups: individuals with intellectual disabilities, their parents, and professionals working with them. Methods: Survey data were collected from 330 people with intellectual disabilities attending occupational centres in eastern Spain, 330 parents, and 100 professionals. Results: Correlation and variance analyses of dyad‐level data show significant differences among the three groups in all variables. Professionals perceived people with intellectual disabilities to have higher knowledge of socio‐sexual norms than people with intellectual disabilities actually appear to be, but they are also more concerned about aspects related to this area of people with intellectual disabilities. Compared to people with intellectual disabilities and professionals, parents perceived people with intellectual disabilities to have lower sexual knowledge. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates inconsistent perceived knowledge of people with intellectual disabilities' socio‐sexual norms and sexual knowledge among the three groups, leading to disparate levels of concern regarding people with intellectual disabilities sexuality. Thus, the need to collect information from different perspectives for more accurate reporting and the critical need for sex education programs that involve the target population, but also parents and professionals who frequently interact with people with intellectual disabilities are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The link between Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CSB) and atypical sexual interests is elusive. This study aimed to provide preliminary insights into the relationship between both aspects. The study sample comprised 61 self-identified straight men. CSB was measured through a composite self-report index assessing symptoms of CSB, whereas sexual interests –atypical and normophilic– were assessed objectively through penile plethysmography. The CSB index had small, non-significant correlation with greater sexual response to different sexual stimuli (r general sexual responsiveness=.127 [95% CI: −.137,.384]). In terms of overall sexual interest, increased scores on the CSB index had small, non-significant correlation with a higher preference for younger sexual stimuli (r = −.098 [95% CI: −.499,.215]) and persuasive sex (r =.10 [95% CI: −.168,.316]). Finally, CSB had a moderate correlation with sexual response when presented with stimuli depicting "female toddler coercive" (r =.27 [95% CI: −.083,.544]). We conclude that our findings do not support the hypotheses that CSB is significantly related to an increased arousability across sexual stimuli. The study findings also suggest that CSB may be, to a small degree, predisposed to experience sexual attraction toward children. Given the preliminary nature of the study, these conclusions warrant further research. Alternative explanations for the study findings related to the particular components of CSB that may be related to typical and atypical sexual interests are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexuality has been censored by Spanish culture, where legal progress in the form of new policies about sexual diversity rights has not been followed by lower levels of social discrimination. This has affected sexual development across the lifespan for both sexual minorities and heterosexual people who experience their sexuality outside of heteronormativity. However, the literature has regularly excluded the possible consequences of the experience of sexuality within prescriptive categories, particularly in heterosexual people. This study delves deeper into the same-sex experiences of heterosexual women and men and the discomfort they may feel toward such experiences in Spain. A total of 2900 young Spanish people who self-identified as heterosexual completed a questionnaire on sexual diversity and experiences related to sexual orientation. The mean age was 24.22 years (SD = 5.71), 71.1% were women, and 28.9% were men. More heterosexual women than heterosexual men reported having had same-sex attraction, fantasies, desires, and behavioral intentions. However, these men and women reported having similar levels of same-sex sexual intercourse. The discomfort level experienced was higher among heterosexual men and younger people, suggesting the possibility that traditional norms restrict behavioral expression of sexuality among these individuals. At least in the Spanish context, these gender differences should be taken into account to adjust all psychological and educational interventions in the future to improve inclusive sexual attitudes and the treatment of discomfort with sexual orientation. Following these results, research on sexual diversity should focus on young heterosexual people who have different same-sex experiences according to gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper presents psychometric properties of an instrument for the Assessment of Sexual Behaviour and Knowledge of people with Intellectual Disability (ASBKID), other‐reported by professionals who are in daily contact with them. Methods and procedures: Assessments of 236 individuals with intellectual disability were obtained from 100 professionals. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a four‐factor structure: concern about the user's inappropriate or uninhibited sexual behaviour; perception of the user's knowledge about privacy and social norms; perception of the user's knowledge about sexuality; and concerns about the user's sexuality. A multi‐group CFA was also conducted in men and women, confirming the adequacy of this four‐factor structure by gender. The reliability of the factors ranged from 0.74 to 0.92. Conclusions: The psychometric results obtained support the use of the ASBKID as a valid and reliable measure for the assessment of sexual behaviour and knowledge in both men and women with intellectual disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: This paper presents a description of the development and psychometric properties of a self‐report instrument for the assessment of sexual behaviour and concerns of people with mild intellectual disabilities (SEBECOMID‐S). Methods and procedures: The study included 281 people with mild intellectual disabilities. The psychometric properties were examined through exploratory factorial analysis, descriptive statistics, and reliability indices. Results: The exploratory factor analyses offered a structure with three factors: concern about the appropriateness of their sexual behaviour, sexual practices performed, and safe sex practices. The model presents an excellent fit (χ2/df = 1.10, RMSEA = 0.019, CFI = 0.997, TLI = 0.995, and SRMR = 0.065). General test reliability was good (α = 0.77, Ω = 0.76). Conclusions: SEBECOMID‐S is a valid and reliable tool to obtain objective information about the sexual behaviour and concerns of people with mild intellectual disabilities. The use of this instrument will make it possible to adjust their training to their real experiences, making it more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is becoming a major hazard to public health worldwide. This is causing a significant impact on life and physical health, as well as on the psychological well-being of the general population. Since the emotional distress and the social restrictions caused by this epidemic, it must be expected that its impact will also extend to sexual health. The purpose of this study, the first including a large sample of the Spanish general population, was to analyze sexual behavior during the 99 days of confinement in Spain (INSIDE Project). Method: One thousand four hundred forty-eight Spanish people, between 18 and 60 years old, were evaluated through an online survey during April 2020. The variables analyzed were the physical and social environment during confinement, sexual desire, type of sexual activity, masturbation, sexual intercourse, online sexual activity, general sexual frequency, sexual fantasies, degree of self-control over sexual drive, sexual abuse, general impact of confinement on sexuality, and emotional mood. Results: Confinement has affected the sexual life of half of the Spanish population (47.7%), especially women. Those who reported a worsening of their sexual life are almost three times more (37.9%) than those who reported an improvement (14.4%). Conclusions: Different factors have been significant predictors of the positive or negative evaluation about the impact of this confinement on sexual life, such as gender, couple life, privacy, stress level, and the perception of confinement as unbearable. Policy Implications: These results have important implications for the public health and more especially sexual health of the Spanish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 50% of Spanish youth does not use of condoms correctly and consistently. University students are a particular population at high risk of the HIV infection, other STIs and unwanted pregnancies. The influence of psychological variables in using of condom is analyzed by gender and type of sexual relationship. A total of 256 females and 168 males were assessed (Mage= 20.62; SD = 2.16). A regression logistic analysis showed that sexual sensation seeking appears as an explanatory variable of inconsistently condom use in both females and males in vaginal intercourse, steady relationship intercourse and sex under the alcohol and other drugs effects (adjusted odds ratio between 1.095 and 1.124). Moreover, self-esteem appears as a risk factor and extraversion as a protective factor of use of condom in females. On the other hand, neuroticism reveals itself as a protective factor and fear of negative evaluation as a risk factor of use of condom in males. It is necessary to know the psychological mechanisms that underlie sexual risk behaviors for adapting interventions to individual and contextual characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the role of sociocultural and dispositional factors in the sexual expressions of young Argentinian and Spanish women. Three hundred young women self-evaluated their sexual practices, sexual orientation, and relationships. Results reveal differences in women's sexuality based on societal and dispositional variables. The latter seem to play a more important role in those sexual behaviors that are normative in Hispanic traditions, whereas gender dissimilarity is more relevant when these behaviors are socially censured. Therefore, women's sexuality in Hispanic traditions, such as in Argentina and Spain, seems to be more complex than past studies reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual Sensation Seeking has been identified as a main predictor of unsafe sex that particularly affects LGB people. This study adapts and validates the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale to Spanish LGB people. For this purpose, we tested the factor structure in 1237 people, ranged from 17 to 60 years old, 880 self-defined as homosexuals and 357 as bisexuals. The results support the appropriateness of this scale for Spanish LGB people and determine two factors, explaining the 49.91% of variance: “physical sensations attraction” and “sexual experiences”. Our findings reveal optimal levels of internal consistency in the total scale (α = 0.81) and each factor (α = 0.84 and α = 0.71). Additional analyses have demonstrated convergent validity for this scale. Important implications of the validated Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale in Spanish LGB people are discussed, in order to early detection and preventive interventions for HIV and other sexual health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV new infections still affect young people around the world. In this context, behavioral interventions seem to be effective in promoting safe sex although some conditions are still inconclusive in different regions. For example, there is insufficient evidence about who may be the best facilitator. For this reason, this study evaluates the effectiveness of peer and expert facilitators for HIV prevention aimed at Spanish young people. For this purpose 225 Spanish college students, aged between 18 and 25 (74.20% women and 25.80% men), were involved in an experimental design to evaluate the facilitators’ effect in a brief intervention for HIV prevention. Participants’ results were measured by three HIV preventive variables (knowledge, beliefs, and protective sex behavior in vaginal sex, anal sex, and sex after drugs consumption). Our findings reveal that both facilitators, experts and peers, have improved the HIV-associated factors and safe sex behaviors. Therefore, facilitators’ status would not be so relevant for effectiveness in HIV prevention aimed at Spanish young people. To facilitate decision making in HIV prevention, we should study in depth what other variables make more effective facilitators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cybersex is an important manifestation of sexuality among adolescents and young people. However, there is not enough information about this sexual expression, in particular, in cultures such as Latino culture, which has a traditional perception of human sexuality. This study evaluates online sexual activity among Hispanic adolescent and young people. For this purpose, 2,227 participants from Mexico and Spain (between 15 and 25 years old) completed the Internet Sex Screening Test. Our findings reveal that the most common use of cybersex is recreational, although men and women show risk for cybersex abuse. This is associated with pornography consumption, anal sex, sexual orientation, and gender for adolescent and young people. The more conservative and gendered tradition seems to modulate some aspects of cybersex in both groups, who have revealed some differences in their behaviors. Therefore, cybersex is also an expression of sexuality among Hispanic adolescent and young people and should be considered in sexual health promotion programs and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study analyzes the relation of sexual orientation and gender to sexual sensation seeking. Participants were 382 individuals (200 men, 182 women) between 17 and 29 years old who completed the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale. Of the 382 participants, 52.46% self-reported heterosexual orientation, and 47.64% self-reported homosexual orientation. The results showed differences with Sexual Sensation Seeking being more frequent among heterosexuals and men. There were no differences between heterosexual and homosexual men. Heterosexual women had higher sexual sensation seeking scores than did homosexual women. These results and their possible implications for the effective development of prevention and intervention programs in affective-sexual education are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The prevention of HIV or other STIs in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) is a rarely studied subject even though this population group is at the same risk of infection as the general population.Aims: The present study aims to conduct a descriptive analysis of sexual behaviours and condom use frequency in Spanish men and women with intellectual disabilities and identify the combination of variables that best explain condom use in vaginal intercourse.Methods and Procedures: The sample consisted of 253 people (56.1 % male and 43.9 % female) aged between 20 and 64 years (M = 38.52; SD = 10.48). Participants completed the Sexuality Questionnaire for People with Intellectual Disabilities and the Sexual Abuse Risk Screening Scale.Outcomes and Results: The percentage of consistent condom use is 27.7 % for vaginal intercourse. Lack of knowledge about body boundaries constitutes a risk factor contributing to risky sexual behaviour. Knowledge of HIV-transmitting fluids and perceived self-efficacy are protective factors. The proposed model explains between 35.5 % and 46.6 % of the variance.Conclusions and Implications: The results highlight the importance of considering the judgements people make about their ability to perform preventive behaviour and the provision of information on sexuality adapted to cognitive abilities to minimise the engagement in risky behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pandemic affected the psychological well-being and sexuality of the population, especially among vulnerable groups such as men from sexual minorities. Method: In Spain, a total of 320 heterosexual men and 151 sexual minority men, aged between 18 and 60, answered an ad hoc online questionnaire about sexual behavior during the lockdown. Results: Compared to heterosexual men, during the lockdown, sexual minority men masturbated more, engaged in more sexual activities online, and had more sex with non-cohabitants. Heterosexual men had more sexual relations with their partners. Living with a partner during the lockdown predicted an improvement in sex life, especially for heterosexual men. Furthermore, the emotional impact of lockdown was a predictor of a worsening sex life regardless of sexual orientation. Conclusions: Future interventions should take into account that men's sex lives are mediated by the emotional impact of the moment, especially among sexual minority men, since the quality of their sex life shows a weaker relationship with some of the protective variables studied (living with a partner). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internet offers several opportunities to explore sexuality among adolescents. However, some studies have also revealed problematic effects of cybersex in earlier stages. Despite this, few studies analyze the online sexual behavior among adolescents, even less in Spain where there is very little data. For this reason, our aim is to examine the use of internet for sexual purposes among Spanish adolescents, including gender differences. Three hundred and twenty-two adolescents completed an ad-hoc questionnaire and the Spanish version of the Internet Sex Screening Test. In general, boys report more cybersex than girls do, for example, in masturbating while the Internet (60.6% of boys and 7.3% of girls). In addition, internet sex interferes with lifestyles more frequently in boys (12.7% of them) than in girls (4.7% of them). Moreover, according to linear regression, variables such as general pornography use or oral sex seem to be connected to cybersex for both groups, while same-sex behaviors are more associated with cybersex for boys and masturbation for girls. Therefore, these findings support the existence of cybersex among Spanish adolescents (ranging from 3.1% to 60.6% in boys and 0%–11.5% in girls for some online sexual activities), including certain problematic behaviors (8.6% of boys show a risk profile), and the relevance of gender in its analysis. These results should be considered in prevention and support strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the sexual health differences that already existed among women based on their sexual orientation. Therefore, a total of 971 Spanish women aged 18–60 years (84 % heterosexual and 16 % with a minority sexual orientation) answered an ad hoc online questionnaire about sexual behavior during April 2020. Compared to heterosexual women, sexual minority women showed a greater increase in sexual frequency, masturbated more, had more sex with a housemate, and engaged in more online sexual activities during lockdown. The emotional impact of the pandemic, having privacy, and age showed a relationship with the quality of sexual life, but not sexual orientation. Based on these results, women's sexual lives are not as closely related to their sexual orientation as they are to other variables. Therefore, it seems more necessary to address issues affecting women in general during lockdown than to focus on their specific sexual orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]