Card Image

Psychology of Sexualities Review

Edited by: Anthony Gifford
  • Online ISSN: 2047-1475
  • Print ISSN: 2047-1467

The Psychology of Sexualities Review is a peer-reviewed publication that aims to advance understanding of sexuality issues with respect to psychological theory, knowledge and practice and to facilitate the development of the psychology of sexualities in the UK and internationally.

As the publication of the British Psychological Society’s Psychology of Sexualities Section, it also aims to disseminate information about Section activities.

  • Article
    ‘I prefer to look at women,’ but, ‘watching… male on male relations… I enjoy that’: The pornography, literary and film preferences of mostly straight and mostly lesbian women
    Show abstract View article

    This study is part of a wider research project into non-exclusive sexuality categories and identities of women. This project furthers our understanding of cisgender women who identify as ‘mostly straight’ or ‘mostly lesbian’ by exploring the pornography, literary and film preferences of 32 participants. A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed that media preferences did not map onto sexual identity categories i.e. ‘mostly straight’ women enjoyed gay male porn. Thematic analysis indicated that sociocultural factors interact with or supersede sexuality and sexual identity in influencing media preferences. Themes emerging included the impact of feminism, the intersection of sexuality and faith, the overt politicisation of LGBT+ media, heteronormative socialisation, and the preferences of straight male partners.

  • Article
    Experiences of same-sex parents during the first year of Covid-19: A qualitative review and analysis of online blogs
    Show abstract View article

    There are an increasing number of people identifying as part of the LGBT community, with over 165,000 same-sex couples in the US having children in 2019. Research on parenting during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic has been disseminated. However, there is limited research that examines the experiences of same-sex parents. Therefore, a structured qualitative review of online blogs published during the Covid-19 pandemic, authored by same-sex parents, was conducted. Following thematic analysis, three main themes (and 13 subthemes) emerged: 1) Connection; 2) Contrasting experiences of home schooling; and 3) Pride in family. Similarities between same-sex and different-sex parents were highlighted. However, it is notable that same-sex parents continue to feel stigma and exclusion from the wider parenting community.

  • Article
    A service evaluation of an improving confidence group for trans women using cognitive behavioural therapy and speech and language therapy interventions
    Show abstract View article

    A group was developed to support trans women attending a GIC (Gender Identity Clinic) to improve their self-esteem, and confidence in using their target feminine voice. Psychology and SLT (speech and language therapy) teams collaborated utilising Fennell’s (1997) Cognitive Model of Low Self-Esteem and SLT interventions. The RSES (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: Rosenberg, 1965) was used to measure self-esteem pre and post group. Participants’ scores on the RSES were significantly higher after the group (p < .01), indicating an improvement in self-esteem. A specifically designed feedback form indicated improved confidence with using feminine voice post group. It was concluded that participants made effective use of the psychological and SLT strategies to improve self-esteem, and confidence with their voice.

  • Article
    Considering the role of reward sensitivity in the relationship between early adversity and sexual behaviour
    Show abstract View article

    Many individuals in the United States will experience some form of abuse or neglect before the age of 18. Exposure to such adversities earlier in life can predict greater sexual risk engagement such as high sexual partner number. While the research examining the influence of early adversity on sexual behaviour is vast, we have yet to fully understand why this association exists. In the present manuscript we attempt to shed light on potential predictors and moderators of this association and offer suggestions for future research. Specifically, we begin with a brief review of the existing research pertaining to early adversity and sexual risk taking. Then, we outline potentially important moderators to consider such as impulsivity, sensation seeking, and reward sensitivity.

  • Article
    What can teachers do to challenge heteronormativity? A systematic literature review
    Show abstract View article

    Research indicates there is a gap between teachers’ positive beliefs about LGBTQ+ inclusive education and how they demonstrate this in practice. Teachers often feel limited in their capacity to implement inclusive practices, constrained by dominant heteronormative narratives in schools. Through a three-stage thematic synthesis approach, a review was conducted to explore: what can teachers do to challenge heteronormativity? The developed themes indicate that teachers can work strategically within their community context, integrate non-normative representations throughout the curriculum, role model inclusivity and acts of social justice, and facilitate a co-constructive. learning environment. These themes are discussed in the context of facilitators and barriers around LGBTQ+ inclusive education, leading to a discussion of implications relevant to educators across a range of settings. This review was conducted by a doctoral student, referred to henceforth as the researcher, under the supervision of two tutors from the same University. This review was conducted by a doctoral student, referred to henceforth as the researcher, under the supervision of two tutors from the same University.

  • Article
    From laughter to action: An investigation into the effects of affiliative comedy
    Show abstract View article

    Research on humour and prejudice has predominantly focused on the use of negative, or disparaging humour and its prejudice enhancing effects. This study investigated whether a positive ‘affiliative’ humour, could elicit a reduction in prejudice as measured by attitudes, system justification beliefs and engagement in collective action in favour of transgender individuals. Participants (N=85) were randomly assigned to the humour or control condition before and after which data were collected measuring their levels of prejudice and beliefs. In the humour condition participants were exposed to stand-up comedy performed by transgender comedians. Results showed that brief exposure to humour had no significant effect on prejudice and system justification beliefs. However, participants who reported finding the humour funny and those who reported less discomfort were significantly more willing to engage in collective action to support the transgender community compared to those in the control condition.

  • Article
    ‘Why should they get to do that and we can’t?’; Gay Women’s Experiences of Casual Sex
    Show abstract View article

    Research on the sexual behaviour of gay women is sparse. Gay women are said to emphasise continuity and stability, rather than sex, so much so, that the term ‘lesbian bed death’ was coined to describe the lack of sexual activity. Subsequently, only three studies have explored gay women’s interest in casual sex. I interviewed twelve gay women about their experiences with casual sex. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the data found a variety of casual sex behaviour. Gay women both desire, and have experience with casual sex, and have casual sex encounters with both male and female partners. Constructions of gay women as emotional rather than sexual, were identified as a barrier in the pursuit of casual sex.

  • Article
    Young people’s experiences of non-binary genders
    Show abstract View article

    Young people often feel social pressure to conform to binary masculine/feminine roles, which are assumed to be ‘normal’, and may adopt binary gender identities without exploring other gender expressions (Richards, et al., 2016). This can be challenging for young people who do not clearly identify with a binary gender identity to navigate (Vincent, 2020). The aim of this research was to explore how young people make sense of and experience their non-binary gender identities. A focus group was conducted with four 16- to 18-year-old people who identified as non-binary. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), to focus on their lived experiences (Smith et al., 2009). The analysis highlighted the difficulties that ‘everyday’ cisnormative experiences presented for the young people, as well as the young people’s ‘gender journeys’ of (re)negotiating expectations of linear gender development.

Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading