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Human service practitioners face challenges in communicating how their programs lead to desired outcomes. One framework for representation that is now widely used in the field of program evaluation is the program logic model. This article presents an example of how qualitative data were used to refine a logic model for the Cornell Family Development Training and Credentialing (FDC) Program. This interagency training program teaches a strengths-based, family support, empowerment-oriented approach to the helping relationship. Analysis of the qualitative data gathered from interviews and focus groups with stakeholders led to revisions and further development of the program's initial logic model. The logic model format was then used to organize the representation of findings relative to program activities and outcomes. (Contains 4 tables and 6 footnotes.)

Within the field of sexuality in the United States, the use of hands-on work is controversial, although it is practiced internationally and has been researched in other countries. This mixed methods study explored effects of sexological bodywork within the context of Back to the BodyTM retreats for people who identify as women. Quantitative data were gathered from a survey of participants at past retreats (n = 48) and from pre and posttest surveys of participants before and after a retreat (n = 35). The survey of past participants found moderate to very positive changes across all constructs: 75% for arousal, sexual self-image, and sisterhood; 72% for body image; 71% for feelings about genitals and sexual assertiveness; and 66% for sexual satisfaction. Pre and posttest surveys revealed statistically significant increases in genital self-image, body image, sexual self-image, and sexual satisfaction; however, sexual assertiveness decreased. Qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses and from 21 in-depth interviews revealed five major themes: feeling safe, connecting to self and others, feeling acceptance and permission, exploring arousal and pleasure, and transformative life changes. Sex and relationship therapists can use these findings to add to their own knowledge and to assist clients who may be interested in these modalities. Surveys and interviews were used to explore sexological bodywork at sensual retreats for women. Changes were reported for genital self-image, body image, sexual self-image, and sexual satisfaction. In interviews participants discussed feeling safe, connecting to self and others, feeling acceptance and permission, exploring arousal and pleasure, and transformative life changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite patient demand for sexual health discussions with their physicians, sexuality instruction in residency is often lacking. This exploratory quantitative study assessed the amount and usefulness of sexuality instruction received by a sample of medical residents, as well as the residents' self-perceived readiness regarding addressing sexuality issues. Data were obtained through a self-administered survey with 130 resident respondents. The majority reported receiving little/no formal sexuality instruction. Many indicated that additional sexuality instruction would be useful in their practice. Although the majority reported comfort discussing sexuality, they reported rarely/never initiating these discussions. Recommendations for changes in graduate medical education programming are provided.

Why might intelligent, assertive females overlook sweet, caring guys, choosing instead to date males whose traditional masculinity makes them popular with other powerful males but who treat females and "weaker" males poorly? This lesson provides a structure for, reflection on, and critique of contemporary gender stereotypes. Students explore the history and effects of gendered sexuality, which begin at birth and continue until death. Gendered sexuality refers to the ways in which we experience our sexuality based on the interaction of our biological sex and gender socialization. The story told in this lesson illuminates how expectations for males and females are based on an historical and cultural legacy that all too often goes unexamined. We describe this legacy as an historically constructed pair of binaries, called the "Four Boxes of Gendered Sexuality: Good Girl vs. Bad Girl and Tough Guy vs. Sweet Guy." Educators may use this lesson to assist a range of populations in understanding where these expectations come from, what enforces them, and their effects on sexual attitudes and behavior.

With midlife career transitions becoming more common, and colleges and universities needing to replace retiring faculty members, more professionals who have attained doctoral degrees may be transitioning to a second career in the academy. While their practitioner-based knowledge and leadership skills might be welcomed, especially in applied degree programs, they could face unanticipated challenges, as may their new colleagues. Themes that arose from reflective sessions between two such new faculty members and a mentoring colleague are shared, along with recommendations for those considering such a transition, their new campus colleagues and for faculty developers and administrators.

This essay emerges from an ongoing mother-son dialogue about contemporary gender relations and their genesis in the history of patriarchy. In order to reframe patriarchy as a relational construct, rather than a simple group-based oppression, a performative notion of identities grounds the paper. It offers a critique of the body of literature that has developed under the broad heading of 'evolutionary psychology,' insisting that gendered relations are not outcomes of genetic selection, divine mandate, or historical inevitability. An antidotal, millennia-spanning history of gender is offered as an epistemically and politically preferable explanation for patriarchal relations. Keywords: evolutionary psychology, feminist science, gender equality, patriarchy, antidotal narrative, prehistory, relational constructivism, performativity, Why do empowered females often choose to date, have sex with, and marry jerks, males whose performance of traditional masculinity brings them positive attention from other powerful males, but who [...]

Study explored correlates and predictors of sexual satisfaction among older adults in same-sex relationships by examining internalized homophobia, resilience, sexual communication, and relationship satisfaction. Online survey elicited 265 participants (54% female, 46% male), aged 60–75, in same-sex relationships from 1 to 47 years. Participants reported high levels of relationship satisfaction and resilience, moderate levels of sexual communication and sexual satisfaction, and low levels of internalized homophobia. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated relationship satisfaction contributed uniquely to the prediction of sexual satisfaction. Relationship satisfaction was positively correlated with sexual satisfaction and resilience and negatively correlated with internalized homophobia. Internalized homophobia was also negatively correlated with resilience. Recent estimates indicate there are over three million U.S. citizens over 65 who consider themselves LGBTQ, many of whom are in same-sex relationships. Therefore, given the paucity of research and misconceptions about this population, findings, and recommendations are of value to educators, clinicians, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Foundation for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (FSSS). FSSS was established in 1985 to create a perpetual pool of funds to facilitate the scholarly study of sexuality. It aims to provide dependable funding of scholarly research. Donations can be given to endowment funds or as unrestricted gifts. Its leadership has shifted from the presidency of Clive Davis to his having an important role as past president sharing information with president Betsy Crane and treasurer Robert Friar.

The article offers updates about the Eastern Region (ER) chapter of The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS). Its outgoing treasurer Julie Wilgen reported at the Council meeting in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that the balance of funds in the ER account is 12,185.3 U.S. dollars. A poster session/reception will be sponsored by ER and MR chapters on the 2010 annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada to provide a venue for networking. Local meetings are advised to recruit new members and keep current members connected and involved.