IASR 2001 Conference Abstracts

CHANGES IN PERCEPTUAL CONGRUENCE AND HYPOACTIVE SEXUAL DESIRE SYMPTOMS IN COUPLES: SELECTED ANALYSIS FROM A COGNITIVE‑ BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT PROGRAM

Aubin, S., Trudel, G., Marchand, A., Ravart, M., and Heiman, J. R., Department of Psychology, Universit du Qubec Montral, C.P. 8888, succursale Centre-Ville, Montral, Qubec H3C 3P8, Canada (saubin@canada.com)

Hypoactive sexual desire (HSD) has been recognized by both clinicians and researchers as not only the most prevalent sexual difficulty in women but also, due to its highly variable presentation, as the most challenging sexual dysfunction to treat. Despite numerous treatment models that have, over the years, been offered to treat HSD, few have been empirically tested through sound clinical outcome studies. Our critical analysis of these studies points to various methodological weaknesses. In particular, research has typically lacked control comparison groups and standardization in treatment definition or application. Other difficulties reside in the evaluation design used for assessing treatment gains, such as the absence of validated measures or follow‑up evaluations.

The results of the present study are part of a larger controlled treatment study where other personal and marital variables linked to HSD were assessed in determining the impact of the treatment program. The purpose of this study is to present results on the effectiveness of a cognitive‑behavioral treatment program for couples with HSD diagnosis in women. Specific improvements are examined for their relevance in clarifying our understanding of HSD development in women. These variables are defined as the degree of perceptual congruence on dimensions such as sexual pleasure, satisfaction, frequency of sexual activities, and sexual experimentation. HSD symptoms serving as diagnostic criteria for the study are also highlighted for their contribution in operationalizing HSD definition and offering complementary measures of change.

The sample consisted of 74 couples with HSD diagnosed in women. Couples were randomly assigned to either the experimental treatment group (N = 38) or the control waiting‑list group (N = 36). The control group was defined as a three‑month waiting period after which couples received the same treatment program as the experimental group. All subjects completed validated questionnaires and non‑validated clinical instruments at pre- and post‑treatment and at a 3‑month and 1‑year follow‑up. The treatment program consisted of 12 two‑hour weekly therapy sessions of 4 to 6 couples per group and included homework assignments, such as reading of treatment manuals summarizing each session. A variety of cognitive‑behavioral strategies were selected for their known effectiveness in improving a couple's quality of sexual and marital life. Cognitive restructuring techniques were also included for targeting the dysfunctional cognitive processes associated with HSD.

Treatment outcome results generally show significant changes in both partners on the sexual variables, measured, that is, by an increase in the degree of perceptual congruence linked to sexual pleasure, satisfaction, frequency of sexual activities, and sexual experimentation. Repeated measurements across time indicated that treatment gains were maintained at both the 3‑month and 1‑year follow‑up evaluations. Concerning HSD diagnosis following treatment, at the end of treatment, 74% of women were no longer diagnosed with HSD. At the 3‑month follow‑up, 64% of them no longer met HSD diagnosis and the number stabilized at the 1‑year follow‑up. The study's research and clinical implications are discussed as part of an integrated analysis of the various outcome results.

A RANDOMIZED COMPARISON OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY, BIOFEEDBACK, AND VESTIBULECTOMY FOR VULVAR VESTIBULITIS: A LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

Bergeron, S., Binik, Y. M., Khalif, S., Pagidas, K., and Glazer, H. I., Department of Sexology, Universit du Qubec Montral, C.P. 8888, succursale Centre-Ville, Montral, Qubec H3C 3P8, Canada (bergeron.sophie@uqam.ca)

The present study is a long-term treatment follow-up of women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. A total of 78 participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions: group cognitive-behavioral therapy (GCBT), surface electromyographic biofeedback, and vestibulectomy. They were initially assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up; a 2.5-year follow-up was recently completed. Measures included gynecological examinations, structured interviews, and standard questionnaires pertaining to pain (Pain Rating Index and Sensory scale of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, vestibular pain index, pain during intercourse), and sexual function (Sexual History Form, frequency of intercourse, Information subscale of the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory).

Study completers of all treatment groups reported significant reductions on pain measures at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up although the vestibulectomy group was significantly more successful than the two other groups. All three groups improved significantly on measures of sexual function from pre-treatment to 6-month follow-up; however, frequency of intercourse remained markedly below community sample norms for this age group. Results of the 2.5-year follow-up showed significant reductions on most pain measures in comparison to the 6-month follow-up, suggesting that participants continued to improve over time. Findings of the long-term follow-up generally continued to support the superiority of vestibulectomy, although in terms of self-reported pain during intercourse, vestibulectomy was not superior to GCBT. As for sexual function, participants remained unchanged between the 6 month and 2.5-year follow-up.

The general pattern of findings suggests that current surgical and behavioral interventions are effective in reducing pain due to vulvar vestibulitis, but not in significantly altering the associated sexual impairment.

OLDER BROTHERS PREDICT SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN MEN: NEW EVIDENCE AND A TEST OF AN EXPLANATION IN A BRITISH NATIONAL PROBABILITY SAMPLE

Bogaert, A. F., Department of Community Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada (tbogaert@spartan.ac.brocku.ca)

Research using non‑representative samples indicates that older brothers predict sexual orientation in men but not in women. To date, explanations of the "older brother effect" have been tested in only limited ways. In this study, the relation between older brothers (and other birth order characteristics) and sexual orientation was examined in a British national probability sample. Also, the role of (early) same‑sex behavior was examined as a possible explanation of the older brother effect.

Logistic regressions revealed that older brothers predicted same‑sex attraction in men, with each older brother increasing the odds of homosexual attraction by 66%. No sibling characteristics significantly predicted sexual orientation in women. In addition, the older brother-sexual orientation relation was found to be independent of (early) same‑sex behavior. The results support recent research using non‑representative samples and challenge experienced‑based theories of the older brother effect, including the possibility that later born men are more likely to be gay because they have a propensity to engage in (exploratory) same‑sex behavior.

GENITAL AND SUBJECTIVE SEXUAL AROUSAL IN POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN: INFLUENCE OF LABORATORY-INDUCED HYPERVENTILATION

Brotto, L. A., and Gorzalka, B. B., Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada (brotto@pop. interchange.ubc.ca)

The current study was aimed at comparing genital and subjective sexual arousal in pre- and post-menopausal women and at exploring the effects of heightened sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity on these parameters. A total of 71 women (25 young, pre-menopausal; 25 post-menopausal; and 21 age-matched pre-menopausal women) participated in two counterbalanced sessions consisting of genital arousal assessment with vaginal photoplethysmography and subjective arousal assessment with self-report questionnaires. SNS activity was enhanced using laboratory-induced hyperventilation, a technique frequently used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It involves paced-rate breathing to an audiotape at the rate of 30 breaths/min.

Results demonstrated no significant differences between pre- and post-menopausal women on genital and subjective measures of arousal in response to neutral and erotic films. SNS manipulation increased genital excitement but only in young, premenopausal women. These data suggest that prior SNS enhancement can differentiate pre- from post-menopausal genital arousal. In addition, genital-subjective correlations of sexual arousal were compared between groups in an effort to address the well-known desynchrony between these measures. Data revealed that while genital and subjective arousal in young, pre-menopausal women were not correlated, significant correlations were found both in older pre- and post-menopausal women. These data are the first to directly compare genital-subjective correlations between pre- and post-menopausal women. It is possible that older women are more attuned to the physiological correlates of sexual arousal, thus contributing to their subjective experience of sexual arousal.

THE INTERPERSONAL EXCHANGE MODEL OF SEXUAL SATISFACTION

Byers, E. S., Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 6E4, Canada (byers@unb.ca)

Although much has been written about the treatment of sexual dysfunction and sexual dissatisfaction, the enhancement of sexual satisfaction has received little attention in either the empirical or clinical literature. Most of the research on sexual satisfaction that has been done has proceeded atheoretically. Further, sexual satisfaction research has suffered from a number of methodological problems, including poor conceptual and operational definitions.

The current paper describes the Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction (IEMSS) (Lawrance & Byers, 1995). The IEMSS proposes that sexual satisfaction is greater to the extent that, over time in the sexual relationship, relationship satisfaction is higher, levels of rewards exceed levels of costs, relative reward levels exceed relative costs levels, and interpersonal rewards and costs are perceived to be more equal. In addition, the IEMSS predicts that sexual satisfaction is influenced by the history of these four aspects of the relationship more than by the levels of these components at any single point in time. Evidence supporting the validity of the IEMSS for individuals in heterosexual long‑term and dating relationships in Canada and for married individuals in China is reviewed (Byers, Demmons, & Lawrance, 1998; Lawrance & Byers, 1995; Renaud, Byers, & Pan, 1997). In addition, the results of an 18 month follow‑up study indicate that, as predicted, the history of the relationship is a better predictor of sexual satisfaction than is assessment of the IEMSS components at a point in time. Finally, data from a study of couples indicate that, for both men and women, perception of partner satisfaction also contributes to sexual satisfaction, although the partner's actual sexual satisfaction does not.

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING IN PEDOPHILES

Cantor, J. M., Christensen, B. K., Klassen, P. E., Dickey, R., and Blanchard, R., Clinical Sexology Service, Law and Mental Heath Programme, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health--Clarke Division, 4th Floor, 250 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada (James_Cantor@camh.net)

Neurological impairment has long been suspected to exist in sexual offenders and to contribute to their behavior (e.g., Krafft‑Ebing, 1886). However, researchers attempting to relate neuropsychological functioning to pedophilia have found inconsistent and even opposing conclusions. Such contradictions may have been caused by the use of small sample sizes and heterogeneous groups of offenders. This present investigation sought to identify the differences in brain functioning of sex offenders using larger samples and an analysis of homogeneous offense characteristics.

The Kurt Freud Phallometric Laboratory routinely assesses men who have been convicted of a sexual offense. A small number of additional men are self‑referred for evaluation of other problematic sexual behavior. The patients undergo an assessment procedure that includes medical and legal file review, direct patient interview, psychophysiological (phallometric) assessment of erotic preference for age and gender, and a brief cognitive neuropsychological battery to ensure they have the capacity to perceive and process the stimuli used in the phallometric protocol and to profit from group psychotherapy. The accumulated data from these tests provide the opportunity to examine the cognitive functioning of that population.

Data analyses have been performed on the first 229 consecutive patients providing valid data. These analyses revealed: (1) that the intellectual and memory functioning of offenders against children are below those of offenders against adults, (2) that the association with intellectual capacity is strongest for the most age‑inappropriate categories, (3) that there is a greater prevalence of non‑right‑handedness among men with pedophilic interest, both before and after controlling for IQ, and (4) that there is no difference in the relation between intellectual functioning and erotic attraction to female vs. to male children.

The cognitive test results confirm that intellectual functioning is negatively correlated with sexual interest in children. Because handedness, controlling for IQ, is also related to pedophilic interest, these are unlikely to be the result of less intelligent pedophiles being captured and incarcerated. It is more likely that a perturbation in brain development caused the decreased intellectual capacity, increased left‑handedness, and pedophilia.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AFFECTIVE AND SEXUAL AROUSAL RESPONSES OF LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, AND HETEROSEXUAL WOMEN TO LESBIAN, HETEROSEXUAL, AND GAY STIMULI

Chivers, M. L., and Bailey, J. M., Department of Psychology, 2029 Sheridan Rd., Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208-2710 (m-chivers@nwu.edu)

Subjective sexual arousal to stimuli depicting preferred sexual partners is associated with positive emotions in women, correlating positively with positive affect and correlating

negatively with negative affect (Heiman, 1977, 1980). In men, exposure to sexual stimuli depicting non‑preferred sexual partners (e.g., male stimuli for heterosexual men and female stimuli for gay men) is associated with negative affect (Freund, 1974; Sakheim, 1985). Do women also report increased negative affect to stimuli depicting non‑preferred sexual partners (and likewise positive affect responses to stimuli depicting preferred sexual partners)? We predicted that affective responses to stimuli depicting preferred and non‑preferred sexual partners would be related to sexual orientation in women. A total of 27 heterosexual, 20 bisexual, and 23 lesbian women, recruited from the community, gave ratings of positive and negative affect to films depicting lesbian, heterosexual, and gay sex after the film was shown. Contrary to our prediction, there was no significant difference between the groups in negative affect to any of the sexual stimuli. Sexual orientation was related only to positive affect to the lesbian stimuli, with lesbian and bisexual women reporting more positive affect than heterosexual women.

Previous studies of male sexual arousal have suggested that negative affect in response to stimuli depicting stimuli depicting sexual partners is related to both subjective and genital sexual arousal (Freund, 1974; Sakheim et al. 1985). Are genital and subjective sexual arousal significant predictors of affective responses to sexual stimuli in women? We used a series of

regression analyses to predict positive and negative affective responses to each of the stimulus categories. Sexual orientation (Kinsey score), affective response to a neutral stimulus, and the

opposite affect (negative affect for the analyses of positive affect and positive affect for the analyses of negative affect) were entered first to control for these variables. Genital and subjective sexual arousal to the same stimulus was then entered in a second step. Subjective and genital sexual arousal were unrelated to negative affect for any of the sexual stimulus categories. Sexual orientation was not a significant predictor of negative affect; in fact, only negative affect to neutral stimuli was a significant predictor of negative affect to sexual stimuli. Only positive affect to neutral stimuli and subjective sexual arousal were significant predictors of positive affect to heterosexual and gay films. This pattern was not seen for positive responses to lesbian films: sexual orientation, positive affect to neutral stimuli, and genital sexual arousal were

significant predictors.

These results are discussed in terms of the relation between self‑appraisal of sexual arousal and affective response to sexual stimuli, the role of genital and sexual arousal in determining the affective responses to stimuli depicting preferred and non‑preferred sexual partners, and our understanding of sexual orientation in females.

SEX IN LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS: A SYSTEMIC APPROACH TO SEXUAL DESIRE PROBLEMS

Clement, U., Heidelberg Institute of Systemic Research, Kussmaulstr. 10, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany (UlClement@aol.com)

Most evolutionary and psychological concepts of sexual desire predominantly refer to early phases of attraction and partner bonding. Thus, desire is conceptualized within a paradigm of youthful living systems. This paradigm explains decreasing sexual interest in long-term relationships in a linear deficit-oriented way (age, diseases, habituation) and does not consider the couple dynamics of decreasing sexual desire.

For a different conceptual approach of decreasing sexual desire in long-term relationships, three points are addressed, which influence the definition and theorizing on decreasing sexual interest: (1) passive vs. active negation of desire (low vs. inhibited desire); (2) desire as part of sexual function vs. desire as passion in its own right; (3) desire as an individual trait vs. emergent function of structural coupling of the partners.

Decreasing sexual desire in long-term relationships is a normal (frequent) but not natural (unescapable) phenomenon. Instead of analyzing it in terms of an individual-oriented model, it is proposed to consider the phenomenon within a systemic approach. Following this paradigm, the development of low sexual desire is analyzed as the result of a self-organization process of the couple. Three mechanisms are interacting: (1) the construction of desire discrepancy in a couple by developing a sexual collusion; (2) a territorial splitting of definition power and behavior power between the partners; (3) the down regulation of individual differences in the sexual profile of the partners.

THE IMPACT OF HYSTERECTOMY ON SEXUAL LIFE OF WOMEN

Cutler, W. B., McCoy, N. L., Zacher, M., Genovese, E., and Friedmann, E., Athena Institute for Women's Wellness Research, 1211 Braefield Rd., Chester Springs, Pennsylvania 19425 (cutler@AthenaInstitute.com)

Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) is an elective procedure in > 90% of the > 500,000 annual U.S. hysterectomies. Several recent studies of coital frequency and orgasmic experience have concluded that sexual life is improved two years after hysterectomy compared to baseline experience (e.g., Rhodes, 1999). Unfortunately, because baseline data reflect behavior 30 days prior to surgery at a time when pain, bleeding, and/or fear may all combine to inhibit sexual activity, analyses showing improved outcomes are likely to be misleading.

To analyze the impact of hysterectomy on frequency and quality of sexual life, comparable medical records from two patient groups were studied: 155 Women's Wellness patients of Elizabeth Genovese, M.D. (132 intact; 23 post-hysterectomy) and 37 myomata uteri patients of Gayle Smith, M.D. Mean ages for 132 intact women (M = 47.0 yrs, SD = 7.1), 37 myomata uteri women (M = 48.3 yrs, SD = 6.4), and 23 women who had had a hysterectomy (M = 48.7 yrs, SD = 7.2) were not significantly different (F < 1). Data from these groups were analyzed and compared with recently published Rhodes' data from 1101 elective hysterectomy patients (aged 35‑49 yrs) studied immediately pre- and 2 years post-surgery.

In our patient groups, the impact of clitoral stimulation on sexual arousal and orgasm was not compromised by hysterectomy while vaginal stimulation and deep (cervical) sources were significantly compromised.

Frequent Contribution to Orgasm by Stimulation at Specified Genital Sites

	Clitoral		Vaginal		Cervical
Intact Patients		82%		39%		17%
Myomata Patients		74%		48%		33%
Post-hyst Patients		86%		19%		10%

Using the Rhodes' data, women scheduled for hysterectomy showed the lowest incidence of regular sexual activity (31%) and the lowest incidence of frequent orgasms during coitus (46%) compared to our patient groups as well as themselves post-hysterectomy.

In conclusion: (1) Sexual life is suppressed in women scheduled for hysterectomy. The current medical research practice of reporting sex life just prior to surgery as a baseline is invalid. Because the immediate presurgical 30‑day period does not represent a "normal" baseline, the conclusion of the outcome studies that hysterectomy improves sexual life of women is unwarranted; (2) Compared with intact women, post-hysterectomy patients reported a lower incidence of genital sensations vaginally and at the cervical region as a frequent source of orgasm; (3) Women with myomata uteri reported enhanced sexual activity, orgasm, and genital sensations both vaginally and cervically compared with other groups.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN ABOUT SEXUAL CHOICE FROM COLLEGE STUDENTS AND HOW CAN WE USE THAT KNOWLEDGE IN BROADENING THEIR SEXUAL EXPERIENCES?

De Cecco, J. P., CERES, Psychology Building, #502, 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California 94132 (aquinas@sfsu.edu)

The college students were those enrolled during the spring semester in a large course (N = 550) that dealt broadly with particular sexual variations from historical, psychological, cultural, and political contexts. Their major assignment was (1) to tell a story of a sexual or gender conflict in which they were involved from both their own and the other parties' perspectives and (2) to analyze their conflict using the information and concepts presented in the course materials. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered that asked about their preferences for various forms of relationships either at the time of the conflict or subsequent to it. The results suggest that although students view sexual experience primarily as a pleasurable pursuit their choice of relationships within which it is experienced is traditional. The inherent contradictions of their positions will be explored as well as the implications for changes in sexuality education.

CAUSAL ATTRIBUTIONS AND FEMALE SEXUAL AROUSAL: THE IMPACT OF ATTRIBUTIONS FOR A BOGUS AROUSAL DIFFICULTY ON SEXUAL AROUSAL, COGNITIONS, AND AFFECT

Delizonna, L. L., Wiegel, M., Scepkowski, L., Ramsawh, H. J., Jensen, J. M., Brown, T. A, Wincze, J. P., and Barlow, D. H., Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University, 648 Beacon Street, 6th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 (ldelizon@bu.edu)

The present investigation was conducted to examine the effect of attributions for a perceived sexual failure on future sexual "performance," or sexual arousal, as well as on affect, perceptions of control, and expectancies. Bogus feedback was used to create an occasion of perceived sexual arousal difficulty in 55 young women who reported no sexual dysfunction. Participants viewed three sexually explicit films while using the female Geer gauge. After the films, the participants in the experimental condition were told that they did not become as aroused as the typical study participant. The women were next given either an external, fluctuating attribution (i.e., poor films) or an internal, constant attribution (i.e., problematic thoughts about sex) for the cause of the poor arousal. In the control condition, the experimenter entered the assessment room after the second film and gave a bogus reason for the intrusion (i.e., an adjustment had to be made to the television monitor). Participants then viewed a third film. It was hypothesized that participants in the external, fluctuating attribution group would evidence greater physiological and subjective sexual arousal during the third film than would participants given the internal, constant attribution. Negative affect and perceived control were also hypothesized to influence arousal. An ANCOVA was utilized to statistically compare differences between groups on the effect of the false feedback and attribution manipulation.

The results showed that there were no significant between-groups differences on mean vaginal pulse amplitude wave arousal during the third film, after the experimental manipulation (F(2,49) = 1.049, p = 0.358). Similarly, the subjective ratings showed a similar pattern of findings, with no significant differences between the internal, external, or control groups (F < 1). These findings raise question about potential factors that may have protected the participants from experiencing decreased sexual arousal, despite the finding that they apparently did engage in the internal attribution and expectancies for lower sexual arousal after the experimental manipulation. When considered in the context of the previous findings from an identical study conducted with men, these findings highlight the possibility of gender differences in factors relating to causal attributions and sexual arousal. Further research is needed to delineate the factors that are operative in producing and maintaining female sexual dysfunction.

BETTER DEAD THAN A "FAG:" THE HIDDEN FACE OF SUICIDE AMONG YOUNG GAY MEN

Dorais, M., and Lajeunesse, S. L., cole de service social, Facult des sciences sociales, Pavillon de Koninck, 5 e tage, Universit Laval, Qubec City, Quebec G1K 7P4 (simon. lajeunesse@residences.ulaval.ca)

This paper presents the results of research on the motives for suicide attempts among young men who are homosexual or who identify as such. It is not sexual orientation in itself but rather the conditions of life related to homosexuality, especially the breakdown of mechanisms these young men develop to deal with the stigma attached to homosexuality, that lead to suicide.

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 subjects aged 18 to 35 years; 24 were self‑defined as homosexual, 8 as heterosexual. Age of first suicide attempt was between the ages of 14 and 29. We identified four scenarios or roles for managing stigma which in particular cases may be combined: (1) the perfect boy; (2) the token fag; (3) the chameleon; and (4) the rebel. Aspects of these scenarios are played out in particular life contexts: (1) the outsider in the family/at home; (2) apprenticeship in contempt at school; (3) permanent threat in public spaces; and (4) silence, contempt, and insults in social representations.

Among the self-defined heterosexuals, the motives for and immediate causes of suicide attempts tended to be momentary specific events or particular difficult situations. They did not live in constant shame or permanent fear and had ways to talk about their distress. On the other hand, the young homosexuals live with a sense of continuous stress, feeling pursued, exhausted, without support, as if they are cheats and/or intruders. The young heterosexuals are not ashamed of problems in their love lives whereas the young gays were and could not speak about their pain.

One of the most important factors in preventing actual suicide is resilience. In conclusion, recommendations for measures to help prevent suicide among gays will be presented.

ACADEMIC TRAINING IN SEXUAL EDUCATION : STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS

Dupras, A., and Lafond, J. S., Department of Sexology, Universite du Quebec a Montreal, POB 8888, Station Centreville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3P8, Canada (dupras.andre@uqam.ca)

The purpose of this study was to assess characteristics of freshmen students in a sexuality education program at the Department of Sexology of the Universite du Quebec a Montreal. The most essential element in becoming an effective sexuality educator is to examine one's personal sexual attitudes and values. Do freshmen sexology students have a positive attitude toward sex role egalitarianism, toward one's sexuality, and toward condom use?

A sample of 107 female students in sexology with a mean age of 21.7 years was compared to a control group of 107 female students with a mean age of 20.2 years selected from a study on the sex life of college students. Both groups answered a questionnaire that measured attitudes toward sex roles, sexuality, and condom use.

Freshmen in sexology were more egalitarianism toward the role of men and women in their interpersonal and love relationships, more affirmative in their own sexuality, and had a more positive attitude toward condom use than the control group. Freshmen in sexology had less contact with their parents and less church attendance than the control group.

Future sexuality educators' own personal development enables them to explore and assess values and beliefs that promote healthful sexuality. Personal and school experiences before beginning university training had raised their openness and comfort toward their own sexuality. Their positive attitude toward sexuality has surely contributed to their choosing the profession of sexuality educator.

VARIABLES RELATED TO SEXUAL AGGRESSION IN MALE COLLEGE STUDENTS

Estupinan‑Kane, L. A., and Geer, J. H., Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 (EstupinanKane@msn.com)

Using the Pathfinder computer algorithm that generates cognitive networks, comparisons were made of participants' knowledge organization of sexual, sexually aggressive, and aggressive concepts. A total of 280 heterosexual males (81 admitting a past history and future likelihood of sexual aggressive/coercive behavior; 111 admitting a past history of engaging in sexual aggression; 88 admitting no past history of or future likelihood of engaging in sexual aggression) rated all possible pair-wise combinations of 18 words relevant to sex, aggression, sexual aggression, and emotion. Analyses of the dependent variable, number of associative links, failed to support predicted differences as a function of level of sexual aggression in the number of links between word categories, within word categories, or on specific words. Measures of network similarity and link strength also failed to reveal significant differences as a function of level of sexual aggression. Results generally do not support a network theory of sexual aggression that is predicated upon an overlap of sexual and aggressive elements. However, further results supported Malamuth et al.'s (1991) confluence model of sexual aggression in that levels of hypermasculinity and sexual promiscuity/preoccupation varied as a function of level of sexual aggression. In addition, using regression analysis, attraction to sexual aggression and hypermasculinity were significant predictors of responses to an analogue measure of sexual aggression. Results suggest that sexual drive, disinhibition, and distortion all play a role in sexual aggression.

ASSESSMENT OF VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL OFFENSE RISK USING THE "VRAG" AND "SORAG" IN A SAMPLE OF MEN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY AND PARAPHILIC DISORDERS: A CASE-CONTROLLED STUDY

Fedoroff, J. P., Selhi, Z., Smolewska, K., Ng, E., and Bradford, J. M. W., Forensic Program, Royal Ottawa Hospital, 1145 Carling Ave., Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 7K4, Canada (pfedorof@rohcg.on.ca)

In North America, the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG) and Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide (SORAG) are rapidly gaining acceptance as the best predictors of risk for future violence (VRAG) or sexual offenses (SORAG). These instruments are derived from an analysis of 685 men convicted of violent and/or sexual crimes who were part of a program of studies on risk assessment at Oak Ridge (a maximum secure treatment facility). While a thorough review of the development of these instruments has been published (Quinsey et al., 1998), there are no data available on how these instruments should be used in men with developmental delay. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the utility of these instruments in the assessment of dangerousness in men with developmental delay (mental retardation).

As part of an ethically approved research project, information about men referred to an outpatient forensic psychiatry unit serving the needs of men with paraphilic disorders was reviewed. A group consisting of 18 consecutive referrals of men with developmental delay and at least one paraphilic disorder was identified (Developmental Delay Group). This group was matched on the basis of number of victims, to a group of 18 men with paraphilic disorders but without developmental delay (Non-Developmentally Delayed Group). VRAG and SORAG scores for the two groups were compared to test the hypothesis that the Developmentally Delayed Group would have higher (worse) scores on these instruments. Parametric data were analyzed using non‑paired t‑tests (two-tailed). Non‑parametric data were analyzed using chi-square tests.

As hypothesized, in spite of being matched for numbers of victims (M, 1.4), the Developmentally Delayed group scored significantly higher than the Non‑Developmentally Delayed group on the VRAG (M = ‑ 0.11 vs. ‑5.5; p = .01) and on the SORAG (M = ‑0.11 vs. ‑5.3; p = .04).

These data suggest that men with developmental delay score higher than men without developmental delay on both the VRAG and SORAG. Given that the two groups in this study had the same number of victims, it would appear that the current published predictive values for the VRAG and SORAG are falsely elevated for men with developmental delay. Limitations and further implications of this study will be discussed.

VICTIMLESS PEDOPHILES

Fedoroff, J. P., Smolewska, K., Selhi, Z., Ng, E., and Bradford, J. M. W., Forensic Program, Royal Ottawa Hospital, 1145 Carling Ave., Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 7K4, Canada (pfedorof@rohcg.on.ca)

While the DSM‑IV criteria for pedophilia does not require actual sexual activity with children, virtually the entire world literature on pedophilia is based upon studies of men with known (or presumed) victims. Since most child molesters do not have a primary or exclusive sexual interest in children, reliance on studies of men selected solely on the basis of having under‑aged sexual partners may introduce "variance" that obscures the true nature of pedophiles. The purpose of this study is to provide a preliminary description of a consecutive series of men meeting the DSM‑IV criteria for pedophilia who have no known victims.

As part of an ethically approved research project, 316 consecutive men referred to an outpatient clinic for men with paraphilic sexual disorders who met DSM‑IV criteria for pedophilia were examined. All study participants completed a standardized 30 page questionnaire that included elements of a routine full psychiatric assessment, routine sexological examination, and mental status examination. Responses on the study questionnaire were all reviewed with the participants to ensure that they understood the questions and that the responses were accurate. A board certified psychiatrist (JPF) also conducted a full psychiatric examination of each participant and assigned diagnoses according to DSM‑IV criteria. Parametric data were analyzed using non-paired t‑tests (two-tailed). Non‑parametric data were analyzed using chi-square tests.

Of the study sample, 26 (8%) were self‑referred with no known victims (Victimless group); the remaining 290 (92%) had victims (Victim group). The major findings were as follows: the Victimless group was better educated (p = .01), more likely to be virgins (p = .03), more likely to have inhibited orgasm (p = .0001), use pornography (p = .0001), and meet criteria for ephebo- or hebephilia (sexual attraction to minors age 10 and up) (p = .0001). The Victim group was significantly more likely to be heterosexual (p = .03).

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the characteristics of pedophiles who have not acted on their paraphilic interests with children. The limitations and implications of the study findings will be discussed.

THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONIST PROGRAM IN SEX RESEARCH

Gagnon, J. H., Department of Sociology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794 (jgagnon@bigplanet.com)

The labels "social constructionism" and "social constructionist" have come to cover a multitude of positions and persons in contemporary conflicts on how to do and think about social life in general and in the practice of science in particular. The doing of sexuality and sex research has not been exempt from these conflicts. But these are not new conflicts, since many of the elements of contemporary social constructionism have roots in various late 18th and 19th century ideas (from Vico, Herder, and Hegel to Marx, Freud, and the American pragmatists), but these conflicts have become intensified by the extension of these ideas to other areas of social life (including science) after the Second World War. Thus, the areas of gender, sexuality, and reproduction have all become arenas of both intellectual and political struggle in which differing social movements and scientific disciplines have contended. Social constructionism has been at the center of this contention since it argues, in its strong form, that not only are our everyday practices about sex, gender, and reproduction shaped by society, history, and culture, but society, history, and culture shape how we think when we do science about sex, gender, and reproduction.

PREDICTION OF TREATMENT EFFICIENCY WITH A POPULATION OF CONVICTED SEXUAL AGGRESSORS

Genrux, M‑A., and Rouleau, J‑L., Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, POB 6128, Succarsale "A," Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; Correctional Service of Canada, Montreal, Quebec (roulej@psy.umontreal.ca)

Research on the efficacy of psychological techniques aiming at reducing deviant arousal have generally shown good results. Most of these studies report data from incarcerated populations of offenders. The present study examined the efficacy of a community treatment program in reducing deviant sexual arousal. The sample consisted of 118 sexual offenders, of which 64 received treatment and 44 were part of a control group. Results indicate that the treatment was effective in reducing sexual interests amongst homosexual pedophiles and rapists of female adults. In addition, the quality of the participation was associated with treatment efficacy. Thus, it is proposed that this type of specific treatment strategy be maintained within specialized treatments for sexual offenders.

PEDOPHILIA IS NOT A MENTAL DISORDER

Green, R., Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, 7 West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DT, England; Gender Identity Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Charing Cross Hospital, London, England (richard.green@ic.ac.uk)

Whatever one's view on (1) the effects on children of sexual interaction with adults, (2) what the age of consent should be for various types of sexual interaction, and (3) what, if any, punishment should be meted out to those adults who defy the laws, none of the three answers the question, Is pedophilia a mental illness?

I will argue, (1) applying the criteria for a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (4^th ed., text rev.) (DSM); (2) from what is known about the psychiatric and psychological status of pedophiles, separate from their sexuality; (3) from what is known about the frequency of sexual interest in children in non-pedophiles; and (4) from historical and cross-cultural records documenting adult-child sexuality, that pedophilia does not belong in the DSM.

AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LOW 2^ND TO 4^TH FINGER DIGIT RATIO AND LESBIAN SEXUAL ORIENTATION: A MONOZYGOTIC TWIN STUDY

Hall, L. S., Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Medicine, Box G-BH, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 (Lynn_Hall_PhD@brown.edu)

The 2^nd to 4^th finger digit ratio is sexually dimorphic in humans and relates to first trimester exposure to prenatal sex hormones. Low finger digit ratio is associated with high levels of testosterone and low levels of estrogen. High ratio is associated with low levels of testosterone and high levels of estrogens. It has been hypothesized that lesbian sexual orientation is associated with high levels of prenatal exposure to androgens.

To test the hypothesis that first trimester testosterone exposure was related to lesbian sexual orientation, 2^nd to 4^th finger digit ratio was assessed in a sample of 12 pairs of female monozygotic twins. Seven of the twin pairs were discordant for sexual orientation (study group) and five of the twin pairs were concordant for sexual orientation (control group). A one-tailed Wilcoxon rank sum (matched pairs) analysis was performed for the right hands, left hands, and average of both hands (R+L/2) for both the control group and the study group.

For the control group, there were no statistically significant differences. Despite generally high correlation for finger digit ratio between the lesbian and straight co-twins (r = .86; p = .01), there were significant differences for all measures. For the right hand (which averaged .978 for the lesbian twins and 1.0 for the straight twins), the Wilcoxon T = 0; n = 5; p < .05. For the left hand (which averaged .988 for the lesbian twins and 1.01 for the straight twins), the Wilcoxon T = 3; n = 7; p < .05. For the average of both hands (which averaged .983 for the lesbian twins and 1.007 for the straight twins), the Wilcoxon T = 1; n = 7; p < .01.

These results suggest that 2^nd to 4^th finger digit ratio is under some prenatal environmental control related to sex hormone levels. The association between low finger digit ratio and lesbian sexual orientation in both the study and control group (for the control group, averages were .97 for right hand and .99 for left hand) suggest that lesbian sexual orientation is associated with high levels of testosterone and low levels of estrogen. These results may partially explain previous dermatoglyphic results in this sample of twins, which suggested that lesbian twins were smaller than their straight siblings during the second trimester of development, as testosterone may negatively influence fetal size.

ESTROGEN AND COGNITION

Hampson, E., and Duff-Canning, S. J., Department of Psychology and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C2, Canada (ehampson@julian.uwo.ca)

Activational effects of sex steroids have been amply demonstrated in the central nervous system in other species, but remain controversial in humans. Particularly controversial is the possibility that sex steroids might influence cognition or other higher-order functions. In support of this possibility are data from several labs demonstrating changes in spatial abilities across the menstrual cycle in association with changes in levels of circulating estradiol. Support for an activating role for estrogen also comes from the study of oral contraceptive users and from studies of surgically or naturally menopausal women receiving estrogen replacement therapy. Menopause studies have tended to focus on memory, as a representative cognitive function. Empirical support for an activating role of estrogen is not universal, however. There have also been several studies that produced null results, for spatial abilities or other cognitive functions. In this presentation, I will discuss some methodological factors that may help to explain the variability in study outcomes. I will also describe recent work from our lab based on a community-dwelling sample of postmenopausal women that supports a role for estrogens in the active maintenance of cognitive functions after menopause. Frontal lobe systems may be among the cognitive systems modulated by estrogens in women.

VAGINAL PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPY AND PELVIC IMAGING: A COMPARISON OF MEASURES

Heiman, J. R., Maravilla, K. R., Hackbert, L., Delinganis, A. V., Heard, A., Garland, P., Carter, W., Weisskoff, R. M., and Peterson, B., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 4225 Roosevelt Way, NE, Suite 306, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105 (jheiman@u.washington.edu)

Although the sexual arousal and response of women has been empirically studied over the past four decades, measurement methods have been minimally available. This is particularly the case in understanding the physiology and psychophysiology of female sexual dysfunction. Recently, our group presented a new method for objectively monitoring female sexual arousal response using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MS-325 (EPIX Medical, Inc.), a new intravascular contrast agent. Imaging of the genitals was performed in 12 healthy pre- and postmenopausal women. Clitoral anatomic volume (CAV) and clitoral blood volume (CBV) were measured. Subjects viewed a 15-min neutral documentary and 15-min erotic video. On a separate day, subjects also came to a psychophysiology laboratory and, using the same design, their genital responses were measured with a vaginal photophethysmograph (VPP). VPP measures relative changes in vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) and vaginal blood volume (VBV). A self-report questionnaire measured subjective sexual arousal and affect. Subjects reported sexual arousal during both the MRI and VPP. During the erotic condition, subjects demonstrated significant increases in MRI-measured clitoral blood volume and overall clitoral size as well as VPP-measured vaginal responses. Baseline VPA was correlated (r = .86-.89) with maximum and mean VPA erotic response; baseline VBV was correlated (r = . 97-.98) with maximum and mean VBV erotic response. Baseline CAV was correlated (r = .82) with mean CAV erotic response, and baseline CBV was correlated (r = .72) with mean CBV erotic response. Moderate, statistically significant correlations were found between the VPP measures and selected self- reported questions on sexual arousal. Weaker correlations were found between these same questions and the MRI measures. Change in VPA was most closely correlated with subjective response, with physical sexual arousal and any genital feelings showing the strongest associations (r =. 65, r =. 73, respectively). The lowest correlations occurred for mentally sexually aroused and genital wetness or lubrication. Positive affect scores during the erotic condition showed a significant correlation with change in VPA (r = .60); negative affect was significantly correlated with change in CAV (r = .74). These data are discussed with respect to the importance of physiological and psychological measurement options for female sexual arousal.

CLASSICAL CONDITIONING OF SEXUAL AROUSAL IN WOMEN AND MEN: EFFECTS OF VARYING BIOLOGICAL RELEVANCE AND CONSCIOUS AWARENESS OF THE CONDITIONED STIMULUS

Hoffmann, H. L., Department of Psychology, Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois 61401 (hhoffman@knox.edu)

Despite theoretical speculation and practical application, there are only a small number of studies, none of which used women as subjects, providing empirical support for the role of classical conditioning in human sexual arousal. The present study was modeled on experiments by hman and associates showing nonconscious associative learning in the context of fear (skin conductance) conditioning. It employed a between-subjects design to examine the effects of varying the type of conditioned stimulus (CS) and the awareness of CS presentation on conditioning of genital sexual arousal in women and men, as measured by Geer and Barlow instruments, respectively. CSs were photographs of an abdomen of the opposite gender (biologically relevant) or of a gun (biologically irrelevant) which were presented either subliminally (masked) or within the subject's conscious awareness (nonmasked). The same 11 erotic film clips were used as unconditioned stimuli (USs) for women and men. Conditioning consisted of CS+ presentation followed by a film clip. A CS‑ (the stimulus not used as the CS+) was also presented during conditioning but was not followed by a US. Prior to and after the conditioning session, genital responses to a series of stimuli including the CS+ and the CS‑ were recorded. Standardized test responses were subtracted from standardized baseline responses to determine the change in arousal associated with each stimulus. Conditioned subjects scores were compared to those from a control group which received CS+, CS‑, and USs in an explicitly unpaired fashion.

Preliminary findings were as follows: Men showed near significant learning (they showed greater arousal to the CS+ compared with unpaired controls) for both the masked and nonmasked presentation when the female abdomen was the CS+. Conditioning did not occur when the gun was the CS+. For women, results for subjects who received masked presentations were similar to those for the men; they showed near significant conditioning with the male abdomen but not with the gun as the CS+. However, for nonmasked presentations, women showed significant conditioned arousal to the gun but not to the male abdomen. The latter learning was the strongest conditioning observed in the study. In most cases, subjects more readily learned about a biologically relevant versus irrelevant stimulus which is consistent with results from hman et al. (1995; using fear conditioning) and De Gagne (1998; using sexual arousal conditioning). However, it appears that the nonmasked presentation of a gun was a particularly effective CS for women.

OLFACTORY CUES ARE NECESSARY FOR HETEROSEXUAL PARTNER SELECTION BUT NOT FOR CONSUMMATORY ASPECTS OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN FERRETS OF BOTH SEXES

Kelliher, K. R., and Baum, M. J., Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington St., Boston, Massachusetts 02215 (baum@biology.bu.edu)

Using an air‑tight Y‑maze and a new method to induce peripheral anosmia in ferrets, we assessed the contribution of conspecifics' odors, either alone or in combination with visual and auditory signals, to heterosexual partner preference. Sexually naive ferrets were gonadectomized and treated with sex steroids whereupon their nares were either bilaterally occluded using dental impression material or were sham‑occluded.

Behavioral and histological evidence suggested that nares' occlusion blocked access of odors to the main olfactory epithelium for the duration of the study. Sham‑occluded females and males preferred to approach odor only or odor + visual + auditory cues from opposite‑sex conspecifics whereas nares‑occluded ferrets approached opposite‑ and same‑sex cues equally. All ferrets subsequently mated successfully in tests conducted in a small chamber. When re‑tested in the Y‑maze, sham‑occluded females and males again preferred to approach odor only or odor + visual + auditory cues from opposite‑sex ferrets whereas nares‑occluded subjects showed no such preference even in tests when a brief physical interaction with tethered stimulus ferrets was allowed after each trial.

Our results show that in the ferret, a carnivore, the detection and processing of volatile odors from conspecifics by the main olfactory system is required for heterosexual mate choice. Once ferrets are in close proximity, however, olfactory inputs are not needed in order for coitus to occur.

"I DON'T LIKE YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE DIFFERENT": GENDER ASSOCIATED BELIEFS AND ANTI-GAY PREJUDICE

Kite, M. E., Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306 (mkite@bsu.edu)

Two of the most consistent findings in attitude research have been that heterosexuals' attitudes toward lesbians and gay men are negative and that American society finds this negativity to be acceptable. Whether this research is conducting using convenience samples of college students or national survey samples, it reveals widespread anti‑gay prejudice. This line of research has also uncovered a number of factors associated with anti‑gay prejudice. People who hold negative attitudes toward lesbians and gay men, for example, are typically male. They are also higher in authoritarianism, more traditional in their sex‑role attitudes, less well-educated, and more negative toward members of other minority groups than their less prejudiced peers (for review, see Kite & Whitley, 1998). These findings describe who is likely to be prejudiced toward gays and lesbians, but they do not explain why this prejudice exists.

A gender role analysis offers a framework for understanding anti‑gay prejudice (Deaux & Kite, 1987; Kite, 2001). According to this perspective, to understand why there is widespread prejudice toward gays and lesbians, we must consider gender role beliefs and how those beliefs

are linked to heterosexuals' perceptions about sexual orientation. To begin, it is important to consider the consistency with which people hold gender‑associated beliefs. In most societies, women are expected to be warm, kind, and emotional; men are expected to be confident, assertive, and independent (e.g., Williams & Best, 1990). Individuals who violate these expectations are disliked, especially if they are young children (e.g., Martin, 1999). This dislike stems, at least in part, from the assumption that those role‑violators are or will be gay or lesbian (Berndt & Heller, 1986). In short, people expect gender role congruency and are uncomfortable when others occupy non‑traditional gender roles. This discomfort is linked to heterosexuals' rejection of gays and lesbians.

This model can be used to explain a number of findings in the anti‑gay prejudice literature, including heterosexual men's tendency to hold more negative attitudes toward homosexuality than do heterosexual women and the finding that, in general, heterosexuals are more accepting of lesbians than of gay men (Kite & Whitley, 1996). The model also explains the stronger association between men's gender role conformity and sexual orientation (see McCreary, 1994); this relationship is less clear for women's gender role behaviors. I will discuss this model and also consider whether the generally higher status of the male role explains these gender‑associated differences.

COMPARISON OF COGNITIONS AND BELIEFS BETWEEN RAPISTS AND A CONTROL GROUP USING THE CHAPLIN AND QUINSEY COGNITION SURVEY

Landry, M. E., Henri, M., Papalia, C., and Rouleau, J.-L., Department of Psychology, Marie‑Victorin Pavilion D‑421, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H2V 2S9, Canada (landrm@magellan.umontreal.ca)

Cognitive distortions have been the interest of sexual deviance research over the past 15 years. While many studies have subjected men from the general community, few have been conducted with convicted rapists. The present study responded to this gap by studying cognitive distortions in 20 convicted rapists and 20 non‑rapists from the community. This study compares these two populations based on 26 rape‑related items from the Chaplin and Quinsey Cognition Survey. The results showed no significant difference in cognitive distortions between the two groups of men. The implications of this finding will be discussed.

A 25 YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF RECIDIVISM IN PEDOPHILIC OFFENDERS

Langevin, R., Curnoe, S., and Fedoroff, J. P., Juniper Associates, 5468 Dundas Street West, Suite 402, Etobicoke, Ontario M9B 6E3, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; Law and Mental Health Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario (rlangevin@sprint.ca)

A sample of 196 extra-familial sex offenders seen during the period 1969-1974 were examined for criminal recidivism. The cases are part of a larger study (N = 2684) and the cases were compared to other sex offenders from the same era (N = 533) as well as with a contemporary sample of 98 pedophilic offenders. Recidivism rates and two sets of predictor variables were examined: phallometric test results and neuropsychological variables. Problems with criminal data bases and the paradoxical role of phallometry are discussed along with the potential etiological role of neuropsychological variables in the genesis of pedophilia.

THE BRITISH BAWDY COMIC POSTCARD: A UNIQUE HISTORICAL SOURCE OF SOCIAL ATTITUDES TO THE FOIBLES OF HUMAN SEXUALITY

Levin, R. J., Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN Yorkshire, England (r.j.levin@sheffield.ac.uk)

The British saucy comic postcard is unique--no other nation created such a bawdy popular postal communication. The freedom of the seaside resorts distanced holiday makers from the dull routine of everyday life. The body exposure and possibility of exercising their libido through a seaside "fling" stimulated their purchase but their real power was that people identified with the situations portrayed. During their hey‑day from the early 1900's until the 1980's, they sold by the millions. Many firms marketed cards but J. Bamforth & Co., Ltd. of Holmfirth, Yorkshire produced some 10,000 different cards drawn by the master of the genre, Donald McGill (1875‑1962). The jokes illustrated were gathered from the current music hall, pub, newspapers or common parlance and their bawdy humor dealt with the foibles of human sexuality and occasionally sexual taboo. Over the years, they reflect changing attitudes of society to things sexual. Those chosen for this poster humorously illustrate contraception, infertility, treatments for impotence and lack of libido, sex aids, urinary infection (venereal disease?) and doctor‑patient communication (or its lack!). The drawings, though simple, were often masterpieces of clarity showing important period details of hairstyle, fashion, dress code, night attire, language, and catch phrases. It was a world frequently inhabited by well‑bottomed buxom dominating wives, henpecked and weedy husbands, drinkers, revolting children, voluptuous females and poorly "performing" males, the honeymoon and marriage bed, doctors' surgeries and double entendres. Interestingly, nudity was rare and usually involved nudist colony jokes.

SEXUAL HEALTH CARE IN CHINA: PAST AND PRESENT

Lifang, Q., Department of Sociology, Shanghai University, 2000 Huai Hai Zhong Rd., #302, Shanghai, China

China has a rich and ancient culture and also a rich and ancient sex culture. Sexual health care is one important component of sex culture. The ancient Chinese believed that appropriate sexual activity was beneficial to health. It was believed that a men could live longer by having sexual relations with young women and absorbing the female essence, the so‑called "collecting the yin to nourish the yang." The development of sex science and sexual health care in ancient China was closely linked to Taoism. The Bedroom Arts, i.e, sexual skills, were strongly promoted by Taoism as a means of improving health. The Bedroom Arts later found their way to the imperial palace and many emperors and officials were fascinated by the subject. Ancient China had many kinds of sexual health care‑related potions and sex aids, which well pre‑date the emergence of Taoism. According to books, a prescription named "Long Penis Potion" could make the penis longer while another prescription named "Narrow Vagina Potion" could make a woman's vagina tighter and a lot of sex potions were effective.

In the 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's, after the establishment of New China, under the influence of "leftist" ideology, asceticism was implemented and the labeling of sex potions and aids as "pornographic tools" was not only not abandoned, but the controls became ever tighter.

There was a big change in this situation in the 1990s. In early 1993, the first sex shop opened in Beijing, selling sex potions and aids. At the time, it was big news. Subsequently, sexual health care shops sprang up like bamboo shoots after spring rain in large and medium‑sized cities all over the country. Such a huge supply reflects a huge demand. The reason is that once the basics of life are assured, people seek to improve the quality of their lives, which includes the quality sex lives. However, resistance from traditional thinking is still powerful. Some localities, some departments, and some people still believe that "sex" is not a good thing. They adopt a negative stance on the production and sale of sexual health care goods and create difficulties for them.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST SEX MUSEUM IN CHINA