Please back up conjecture with evidence

If you cannot properly interpret academic literature, you should not be commenting or posting on this sub

It’s ruing this sub. It’s also turning into some bullshit woman vs man shit. We don’t need this here of all places.

In light of a recent post here discussing a study that claimed testosterone does not affect sexual desire, I wanted to remind everyone of the importance of critical thinking when interpreting research. Many comments immediately accepted the study’s conclusion as fact, but a deeper look at the study’s methodology, sample size, and how it compares to broader research paints a different picture. For example, when comparing that single study to larger, more comprehensive meta-analyses, https://doi.org/10.1089/andro.2021.0034 we find strong evidence that testosterone does indeed influence sexual desire.

This discrepancy highlights why we shouldn’t immediately assume a study’s conclusions are true without first examining key details. Here are some essential factors to consider:

Sample Size: How many participants were included? Smaller studies are more prone to statistical anomalies and less generalizable.

Methodology: What methods were used to measure variables like testosterone levels or sexual desire? Were these methods reliable and valid?

Controls: Did the study account for confounding factors like age, health, or social influences that might affect results?

Reproducibility: Are the findings consistent with those of larger, peer-reviewed studies or meta-analyses? A single study rarely overturns decades of research.

Bias: Who funded the study? Was there potential for bias in the design or interpretation of results?

As a community dedicated to discussing the psychology of sex, it’s crucial we approach research critically and educate ourselves on how to evaluate evidence. Let’s foster discussions that don’t just rely on sensational headlines or single studies but instead dig deeper into the evidence base.

Participate in Our Study on Sexual Function and Well-Being During Menopause

Have you noticed how little information is available about the intersection of relationship satisfaction, intimacy, and well-being during menopause and perimenopause?

We’re conducting a study exploring sexual function in women, focusing on relationship satisfaction, sexual self-confidence, the use of sex toys, and overall well-being.

We’re looking for women aged 25 or older who are peri- or post-menopausal and in a relationship—whether with someone of a similar age or a partner at least seven years younger (18+). It doesn’t matter if you use sex toys or not; your input is valuable.

Your anonymous insights will help us understand how these factors impact emotional and physical well-being during this stage of life.

Ready to participate?

Click the link to our survey:

https://forms.office.com/e/0w3Dw4PRUx

Your privacy is our top priority.

Thank you for considering being part of this important research!

If you think there are only two sexes you are wrong.

Rebecca Helm, a biologist and an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina, Asheville US writes:

“Friendly neighborhood biologist here. I see a lot of people are talking about biological sexes and gender right now. Lots of folks make biological sex sex seem really simple. Well, since it’s so simple, let’s find the biological roots, shall we? Let’s talk about sex...

If you know a bit about biology you will probably say that biological sex is caused by chromosomes, XX and you’re female, XY and you’re male. This is “chromosomal sex” but is it “biological sex”? Well...

Turns out there is only ONE GENE on the Y chromosome that really matters to sex. It’s called the SRY gene. During human embryonic development, the SRY protein turns on male-associated genes. Having an SRY gene makes you “genetically male”. But is this “biological sex”?

Sometimes that SRY gene pops off the Y chromosome and over to an X chromosome. Surprise! So now you’ve got an X with an SRY and a Y without an SRY. What does this mean?

A Y with no SRY means physically you’re female, chromosomally you’re male (XY) and genetically you’re female (no SRY). An X with an SRY means you’re physically male, chromosomally female (XX), and genetically male (SRY). But biological sex is simple! There must be another answer...

Sex-related genes ultimately turn on hormones in specific areas of the body, and the reception of those hormones by cells throughout the body. Is this the root of “biological sex”??

“Hormonal male” means you produce ‘normal’ levels of male-associated hormones. Except some percentage of females will have higher levels of ‘male’ hormones than some percentage of males. Ditto ditto ‘female’ hormones. And...

...if you’re developing, your body may not produce enough hormones for your genetic sex. Leading you to be genetically male or female, chromosomally male or female, hormonally non-binary, and physically non-binary. Well, except cells have something to say about this...

Maybe cells are the answer to “biological sex”?? Right?? Cells have receptors that “hear” the signal from sex hormones. But sometimes those receptors don’t work. Like a mobile phone that’s on “do not disturb’. Call and cell, they will not answer.

What does this all mean?

It means you may be genetically male or female, chromosomally male or female, hormonally male/female/non-binary, with cells that may or may not hear the male/female/non-binary call, and all this leading to a body that can be male/non-binary/female.

Try out some combinations for yourself. Notice how confusing it gets? Can you point to what the absolute cause of biological sex is? Is it fair to judge people by it?

Of course, you could try appealing to the numbers. “Most people are either male or female,” you say. Except that as a biologist professor, I will tell you...

The reason I don’t have my students look at their own chromosomes in class is that people could learn that their chromosomal sex doesn’t match their physical sex, and learning that in the middle of a 10-point assignment is JUST NOT THE TIME.

Biological sex is complicated. Before you discriminate against someone on the basis of “biological sex” & identity, ask yourself: have you seen YOUR chromosomes? Do you know the genes of the people you love? The hormones of the people you work with? The state of their cells?

Since the answer will obviously be no, please be kind, respect people’s right to tell you who they are, and remember that you don’t have all the answers. Again: biology is complicated. Kindness and respect don’t have to be.'

Note: Biological classifications exist. XX, XY, XXY XXYY, and all manner of variation which is why sex isn't classified as binary. You can't have a binary classification system with more than two configurations even if two of those configurations are more common than others.

Biology is a shitshow. Be kind to people.”

Any studies or books that discuss the psychology behind being degraded, abused as a fetish?

I learned a bit about it in the book 'Arousal' where studies showed people felt it helped them overcome their insecurities but I want to learn more as I plan my winter reading.

Also, pleasure share your thoughts on the lifestyle. Is anyone here into it? What are/have your experiences been like?

The returning soldier effect is the phenomenon where, immediately after a war, the sex ratio of births shifts so that more births are of boys than usual.

Hello everyone! I am a psychology graduate student at the New School, seeking adult participants in the United States to complete a brief survey for my research. The study aims to explore the first impressions people form based on initial information about individuals and events. It includes four sections:1. A short demographic questionnaire.2. Four vignettes, each followed by questions about your initial impressions.3. Questions about sexual orientation and interpersonal interactions.4. Questions about perceptions of gender.The survey should take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. Details about this survey are provided in the informed consent section on the first page. Your participation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your time and support! Here is a link to this survey:https://newschool.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGfZ8D69ZiNxNps

Study Link - https://sundunievals.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6VeifGA5z6sW9bU

Hello kinky people!

I am a psychology student at the University of Sunderland in the UK. I am in my final year and am currently recruiting for my final study. The aim of the study is to create an empirical, quantitative measure of different motivations for engaging in BDSM. This is because quantitative research is severely lacking in its understanding of the variation that occurs within the BDSM community. The items generated within the proposed questionnaire are generated from a previous study from the PhD where I interviewed members of the BDSM community about why they engage in BDSM. This was also an important step for the measure as I hope to ensure that quantitative measures can include aspect of the participant voice. The survey is quite long (around 20 to 30 minutes) as I was lucky enough to provide a lot of really interesting ideas which are all reflected within the survey. You can take a break and the site should remember your place for up to a week. The site the survey is hosted on Qualtrics which is particularly good for security and confidentiality. The research is entirely anonymous and you can withdraw at any time, surveys that have not been completed will be assumed withdrawals after the week is over and the data will be immediately deleted. If you want to withdraw post-completion of the survey, you need to remember your participant code (generated at the beginning of the survey) as I will not be able to find your data without it. If you have any questions or concerns you are more than welcome to email me (details below). I have also attached links to both my staff profile and my supervisors staff profile to help provide further reassurance as to the legitimacy of my research.

If you do take part and feel comfortable with the research and it's legitimacy, please feel free to share with anyone who might be interested.

Email contact: dan.taylor@sunderland.ac.uk

My Staff Profile

Helen Driscoll's Staff Profile

Rebecca Owens' Staff Profile

Hi, everyone!

I'm a Trainee Psychotherapist and Doctoral Researcher at the New School of Psychotherapy and Middlesex University. I'm looking for participants to take part in a phenomenological study exploring the experience of using legal online adult content as a meaningful way of being sexual.

Study Focus:
I’m exploring how single men perceive their use of legal online adult content as part of their sexual expression. This study aims to gain deeper insights into the role of online adult content in shaping sexuality today.

Participation Criteria:
To take part, you should be:

• Male
• Over 18 years old
• Single
• A viewer of legal online adult content
• Confident that your use is not problematic (e.g., you don’t feel it’s an addiction)
• Participants from diverse backgrounds are especially welcome!

What’s Involved:
If you join, you’ll take part in a confidential online interview lasting around 90 minutes. Your input can help shed light on an under-researched area in human sexuality. Please note that this study is purely academic, so there’s no compensation, but your contribution would be greatly valued!

Interested?
If you’d like to take part or have questions, feel free to direct message me or email me directly at gs853@live.mdx.ac.uk.Thank you so much for considering this! Your support can help expand our understanding of sexuality in the digital age.

I am a trainee counselling psychologist at York St John University, and I am looking to understand the impact sexual trauma can have on romantic relationships. Hopefully, through this research, we can make sure survivors of sexual trauma are supported in being able to develop, or maintain, safe and healthy relationships.

The survey includes questions on mental health, relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, group identity, and attachment. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete, and ethical approval has been granted by my university ethics committee.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

• Currently living in the UK
• Identify as a woman
• Aged 18 or above
• Experienced sexual trauma when aged 16 or above

You will not be asked to provide evidence, or details, of your sexual trauma experience; you will only be asked to specify your age at the time of the trauma.

Any help you are able to provide is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

LINK TO SURVEY: https://yorksj.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0vwK71FA7Y6BanQ