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PsyCh Journal Apr 2023Emotion processing and beliefs about pleasure can influence the development and severity of depressive symptoms. This cluster analysis study aimed to profile a large...
Emotion processing and beliefs about pleasure can influence the development and severity of depressive symptoms. This cluster analysis study aimed to profile a large sample of college students using pleasure experience, emotion expression and regulation as well as beliefs about pleasure. We also aimed to validate the resultant clusters in terms of depressive symptoms. A set of checklists capturing beliefs about pleasure and the three facets of emotion processing was administered to 1028 college students. A two-stage cluster analysis was used to analyze the profile of these emotional aspects in these college students. Our results showed that a three-cluster solution best fit the data. Cluster 1 (n = 536) was characterized by moderate levels of beliefs about pleasure, pleasure experience, emotion expression, and regulation; Cluster 2 (n = 402) was characterized by generally high levels of beliefs about pleasure, pleasure experience, emotion expression, and regulation; Cluster 3 (n = 90) was characterized by relatively low levels of beliefs about pleasure, pleasure experience, emotion expression, and regulation. The three clusters differed significantly in the severity of depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest the existence of three emotional subtypes, which may be useful in early detection of youth at risk of developing depression.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Emotions; Pleasure; Students; Cluster Analysis
PubMed: 36428096
DOI: 10.1002/pchj.620 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Jan 2023The role of the cervix in sexual response has been poorly studied, despite previous research indicating that some women experience pleasurable sexual sensations from...
BACKGROUND
The role of the cervix in sexual response has been poorly studied, despite previous research indicating that some women experience pleasurable sexual sensations from cervical stimulation; given previous reports of sexual issues after cervix electrocautery, it is possible that cervical injury may compromise the role of the cervix in sexual functioning.
AIM
The aims of this study were to examine locations of pleasurable sexual sensations, to identify sexual communication barriers, and to investigate if cervical procedures are associated with negative impacts on sexual function.
METHODS
Women with (n = 72) and without (n = 235) a history of a gynecological procedure completed an online survey assessing demographics, medical history, sexual function (including locations of sexual pleasure and pain on diagrams), and barriers. The procedure group was divided into subgroups of those who had experienced a cervical (n = 47) or noncervical (n = 25) procedure. Chi-square analyses and t tests were conducted.
OUTCOMES
Outcomes included locations and ratings of pleasurable and painful sexual stimulation, as well as sexual function.
RESULTS
Over 16% of participants reported experiencing some pleasurable sexual sensations from the cervix. The gynecological procedure group (n = 72) reported significantly higher pain in the vagina and lower rates of pleasure in their external genitals, vagina, deep vagina, anterior and posterior vaginal walls, and clitoris vs the non-gynecological procedure (n = 235) group. The gynecological procedure group and the cervical procedure subgroup (n = 47) reported significant decreases in desire, arousal, and lubrication and increased avoidance of sexual activity due to vaginal dryness. The gynecological procedure group reported significant pain with vaginal stimulation, whereas the cervical subgroup identified significant pain with cervical and clitoral stimulation.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Cervical stimulation elicits some pleasurable sexual sensations for many women, and gynecological procedures that affect the cervix are associated with pain and sexual issues; thus, health care providers should counsel patients about the possibility of related sexual concerns.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This study is the first to examine locations of pleasure and pain and experiences of sexual pleasure and function in participants who underwent a gynecological procedure. A hybrid measure was used to assess sexual issues, including symptoms of dysfunction.
CONCLUSION
Results indicate an association between cervical procedures and sexual issues, supporting the need to inform patients of this possibility following cervical procedures.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cervix Uteri; Sexual Behavior; Pain; Pleasure; Sensation; Vagina
PubMed: 36897237
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac010 -
Psychiatry Research Mar 2021Anticipation of pleasure - a key aspect of hedonic experience - is a motivating factor for engaging in activities. Low levels of anticipatory pleasure and activity are...
Anticipation of pleasure - a key aspect of hedonic experience - is a motivating factor for engaging in activities. Low levels of anticipatory pleasure and activity are found in individuals with psychosis. Cognitive factors (e.g., working memory and IQ) have been a focus of explanation for anticipation of pleasure in psychosis. However, cognitive factors do not fully account for such difficulties. It is plausible that emotional factors (e.g., depression, self-beliefs) also contribute. We examined anticipatory pleasure in relation to cognitive and emotional processes in patients with current psychosis. 128 patients with persecutory delusions in the context of non-affective psychosis completed assessments of anticipatory pleasure, cognitive functioning, emotional processes, and activity. Lower anticipatory pleasure was significantly associated with depression, insomnia, negative-self beliefs, suicidal ideation, poorer psychological wellbeing, and paranoia-related avoidance. There were no significant associations with working memory, physical activity, or meaningful activity. Emotional factors may play a more significant role than cognitive difficulties in the experience of anhedonia in psychosis. However, the cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences. Future research should examine whether, for example, improving self-concept or reducing paranoia-related avoidance leads to improvement in anticipatory pleasure in patients with psychosis.
Topics: Adult; Anhedonia; Anticipation, Psychological; Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Emotions; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Paranoid Disorders; Pleasure; Psychotic Disorders
PubMed: 33465523
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113697 -
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of... Jan 2017This paper examines similarities in the works of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher, and B. F. Skinner, a behavioral psychologist. They both were empiricists who... (Review)
Review
This paper examines similarities in the works of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher, and B. F. Skinner, a behavioral psychologist. They both were empiricists who argued in favor of the lawfulness of behavior while maintaining that random events were included within those laws. They both devoted much effort to describing how individuals could live effective, rewarding and pleasurable lives. They both emphasized simple and natural pleasures (or reinforcers) and the importance of combining personal pleasures with actions that benefit friends and community. They both opposed punishment and all aversive measures used by governments and religions to control behaviors. And both created utopias: a real community, The Garden, where Epicurus lived with his followers, and a fictional one, Walden Two, by Skinner. We consider how a combination of the ideas of Epicurus and Skinner can contribute to their common goal of helping people to live better lives.
Topics: Greek World; History, 20th Century; History, Ancient; Philosophy; Pleasure; Psychology; Reinforcement, Psychology; Reward; Utopias
PubMed: 27887034
DOI: 10.1002/jeab.230 -
Revista Da Escola de Enfermagem Da U S P 2020To evaluate the impact of work on nursing professionals' health.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of work on nursing professionals' health.
METHOD
This is a cross-sectional and quantitative study conducted with nurses from a university hospital in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Data were collected through interviews using an instrument to obtain sociodemographic data and health conditions and the Pleasure and Suffering Indicators at Work Scale (PSIWS).
RESULTS
There were 152 nurses who participated. The Experience of Pleasure and its domains were rated as satisfactory, while Suffering Factors and their domains were critically evaluated. Statistically significant associations were observed (p≤0.05) between the indicators of pleasure and suffering and some health conditions, health problems and medication use.
CONCLUSION
Satisfactory levels of pleasure were associated with better health conditions and critical levels of suffering were associated with worse health conditions.
Topics: Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Nurses; Occupational Health; Pleasure
PubMed: 32813822
DOI: 10.1590/s1980-220x2018046103584 -
The International Journal on Drug Policy Jul 2022GHB is used among some sexuality and gender diverse populations at elevated rates, however little qualitative research has explored GHB use among these populations with...
BACKGROUND
GHB is used among some sexuality and gender diverse populations at elevated rates, however little qualitative research has explored GHB use among these populations with regards to diverse contexts, settings, practices, and experiences of use. Internationally, harms relating to GHB overdose appear to be increasing. Research outlining consumers' experiences of GHB-related pleasures and their strategies to reduce harms may inform GHB education and intervention responses.
METHODS
N = 31 participants reporting three or more occasions of GHB use within the previous 12 months were recruited via digital advertising and snowball methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, data were transcribed and analysed in NVivo using a thematic framework analysis. Emergent themes were charted, and divergences and convergences were considered with regards to the sexuality and gender identities of participants.
RESULTS
Pleasures associated with GHB were described in relation to the sensation of the GHB high and experiences of intimacy, and connection. GHB was used to enhance socialising and sex in domestic, private, and commercial venues. Participants prioritised terminology of 'control' when describing their practices associated with GHB dosing, measuring, timing and peer moderation. Most participants reported personal experience of GHB overdose with loss of consciousness.
CONCLUSION
Participants' near-ubiquitous experience of GHB overdose highlights ongoing education needs around overdose prevention. Efforts must target people new to GHB use who appeared particularly susceptible to overdose. Inconsistencies in understandings around GHB overdose, the perceived severity of overdose and the differences between GHB and its precursors GBL and 1,4-BD, highlight potential focus areas of future education responses. Further research is required to better understand consumers' experiences of sexual violence in the context of GHB use.
Topics: Drug Overdose; Gender Identity; Humans; Pleasure; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality; Sodium Oxybate
PubMed: 35643047
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103747 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2022The aim of this paper is to capture older adult women's experience of dance. To this purpose, a qualitative research study was carried out with members of the 'Gracje'...
The aim of this paper is to capture older adult women's experience of dance. To this purpose, a qualitative research study was carried out with members of the 'Gracje' dance group. The study used Jürgen Habermas's theory of communicative action as its theoretical underpinnings. The focus was on the models of action and validity claims expressed in language (narrative). In this theoretical framework, dancing activity has been shown as promoting not only physical health and mental wellbeing but also social involvement. Our study has found that, in and through dance, the older adults primarily realised their claims to pleasure, attractiveness, health and emancipation. This has considerably improved their bodily capacity and increased their self-esteem. However, what the older adults themselves find most important is that the realisation of these claims beneficially affects their interactions in family and neighbourly communities and facilitates their engagement in volunteer activities, helping people at risk of exclusion due to age and/or disability.
Topics: Aged; Dancing; Female; Humans; Pleasure; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 35627862
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106318 -
Global Public Health May 2021Pleasure is a key motivator for sex globally, while unsafe sex is the largest risk factor for young women's mortality and the second for young men. However, framing of... (Review)
Review
Pleasure is a key motivator for sex globally, while unsafe sex is the largest risk factor for young women's mortality and the second for young men. However, framing of sex education and sexual health programmes continues to be around avoiding danger, death and disease, rather than striving for pleasurable, satisfying, and safe sexual experiences. Omission of pleasure and sex-positivity goes against growing evidence that shows that people with more positive views of sexuality are more likely to practice safer sex, use contraception consistently, have higher sexual self-esteem and be more assertive.The Pleasure Project and Rutgers, with GH SRHR Alliance (Ghana) and SRHR Alliance (Kenya), conducted a qualitative pilot study of sexuality education under the Get Up Speak Out programme, analysing the extent to which they included sex-positive content, with recommendations to enhance sex-positivity. Data were collected through interviews with facilitators, focus group discussions with learners, observation of sessions, and curricula content analysis. Findings reveal possibilities of sex-positivity in restrictive contexts, illustrating ways for sexuality education to become more sex-positive and pleasure inclusive. This study enables the development of a new tool for a 'pleasure audit', with markers of high-quality, sex-positive and pleasure-inclusive sexuality education or sexual health programmes.
Topics: Female; Ghana; Humans; Kenya; Male; Pilot Projects; Pleasure; Sex Education; Sexual Behavior; Sexuality
PubMed: 32816645
DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1809691 -
Emotion (Washington, D.C.) Jun 2022Episodic future thinking for positive future events is known to evoke positive affect. We aimed to assess whether it specifically evokes anticipated and anticipatory...
Episodic future thinking for positive future events is known to evoke positive affect. We aimed to assess whether it specifically evokes anticipated and anticipatory pleasure for future events, and behavioral intention. As a secondary aim, we examined if this differed compared to a condition of thinking of positive past events. In two studies, participants nominated 5 upcoming positive events and 5 positive past events. They then completed guided episodic thinking of past events and guided episodic thinking of future events. After guided episodic thinking, they rated the nominated future events on detail/vividness, mental imagery, anticipated and anticipatory pleasure, and behavioral intention. In Study 1 ( = 32, age = 37.0, = 19.7), increases on all variables were found relative to baseline, although expected pleasure was at trend level. There were no significant differences between future and past conditions. In Study 2 ( = 29, age = 38.4, = 16.3), participants were asked to nominate future events that were not already planned, and perceived control was also assessed. Again, increases in detail/vividness, mental imagery, and anticipated and anticipatory pleasure were found, this time with stronger effects for the future condition. No change was found for perceived control or intention. In both studies, increases in detail/vividness, mental imagery, and anticipated and anticipatory pleasure were generally positively correlated with increases in behavioral intention. This study provides evidence that guided episodic thinking increases anticipated and anticipatory pleasure for positive future events. Clinical implications, particularly in depression and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Adult; Forecasting; Humans; Imagery, Psychotherapy; Memory, Episodic; Pleasure
PubMed: 32551746
DOI: 10.1037/emo0000765 -
The International Journal on Drug Policy Nov 2017
Topics: Humans; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Philosophy; Pleasure; Politics
PubMed: 29030081
DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.09.003