Browsing by Subject "Women -- Sexual behavior"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    Fluidity and Diversity in Non-heterosexual Women's Sexual Identity Processes and Implications for Their Well-being
    (2012) Chu-Richardson, Yani; Lilgendahl, Jennifer
    Recent studies have suggested that sexuality is more socially constructed and contextually dependent than traditional conceptions of sexual identity account for; in fact, fluidity has been supported as a predominant characteristic of sexuality for the majority of nonheterosexual women (Diamond, 2008). This study investigated the diversity and fluidity of women who have had non-heterosexual experiences, attractions, or identifications in order to understand how sexuality identity processes and well-being relate to sexual desires and preferences that are defined by continuous change. The primary focus of inquiry was on how processes of exploration and commitment relate to self-labeling, fluidity, and well-being. These variables were measured within an online survey that included multiple self-report measures and personal narratives that were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. As predicted, every facet of fluidity was found to be associated with sexual identity exploration. Sexual identity commitment and exploration were also found to be positively related to well-being. As the first study to have investigated fluidity's relationship to well-being, the findings supported that fluidity most often stimulates exploration of sexual identity in ways that promote well-being. However, if an individual has fluidity that is associated with identity uncertainty, distancing themselves from exploration of this aspect of their sexuality can be detrimental to well-being. A theoretical model of the complex relationship between fluidity, exploration, and well-being was proposed.
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    "I am a wall and my breasts are towers": Female Resistance to Patriarchal Oppression in the Song of Songs
    (2015) Nojechowicz, Maya; Koltun-Fromm, Naomi
    Feminist theorists Alicia Ostriker and Phyllis Trible argue that as a nonpatriarchal text free of gendered hierarchy and sexual stereotyping, the Song of Songs is the most prominent example of countertext in the Hebrew Bible. In challenging such theorists, I argue that the Song depicts not a utopia of gendered equality, but an empowered female protagonist resistant to the surrounding patriarchal society, which functions similarly to social order throughout much of biblical literature. Patriarchy in the Song is evidenced by the consistent assertion of male dominance through male regulation of the Shulamite’s sexuality, and the dehumanization of the female body. The Shulamite is not a liberated female figure but instead an active combatant to the forces of patriarchy which seek to control her. In critiquing these forces within the Song, we can both complicate an idealized depiction of the Shulamite, and identify the social barriers that limit her liberation and necessitate her radical resistance.
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    Sexual Fluidity, Identity Processes, and Well-Being: An Integrative Approach to Female Sexual Identity
    (2012) Bishop, Meg; Lilgendahl, Jennifer
    In light of a growing body of literature suggesting that female sexual identity may be experienced as fluid and contextual rather than linear and essentialist, the current study sought to investigate the psychological processes that drive non-heterosexual identity development among women in the stage of emerging adulthood. A sample of 109 women between the ages of 18 and 30 completed an online questionnaire including measures of sexual fluidity, narrative exploration, identity process variables, and well-being in order to elucidate trends in sexual identity development and understand how these trends related to identity processes and well-being. As hypothesized, measures of fluidity were positively associated with measures of identity exploration, and identity processes variables including exploration and commitment were positively associated with well-being. Additionally, exploration moderated the association between fluidity and well-being such that those who were highly fluid but low in exploration scored lower in well-being. Two distinct patterns of correlations between our main study variables are discussed as a reflection of two conceptually distinct experiences of sexual fluidity: uncertain fluidity which requires active identity exploration to combat threats to well-being, and committed fluidity, which does not depend on high levels of identity exploration to maintain well-being. A conceptual model of the relationship between fluidity, identity exploration, and well-being is developed, and implications for future research are discussed.
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    Sexual Fluidity: Identity Processes and Exploration in the Female Narrative
    (2012) Bragg, Hilary; Lilgendahl, Jennifer
    Past research suggests that female sexuality may be more culturally and socially constructed, exhibiting more fluidity, than male sexuality. Until recently, little research has included women in sexuality research, claiming that their sexualities are too complicated. The present study attempted to examine sexual fluidity in women, and how this concept is incorporated into the process of identity formation and development through the identity processes of exploration and commitment. The narrative approach to identity was utilized — in order to grasp the individuality in experiences of sexuality — along with measures of sexual fluidity, psychological well-being, identity exploration and commitment and other identity development measures. Results suggest varied experiences of sexual fluidity and the importance of identity exploration and commitment in achieving high well-being. As hypothesized, fluidity was positively correlated with exploration. Furthermore, well-being was positively associated with both exploration and commitment. Finally, a moderated relationship between Identity Fluidity, exploration and well-being was observed, such that while independent of well-being in the presence of exploration, fluidity in the absence of exploration could be detrimental for one's well-being. A theoretical model of the relationship between two potential types of sexual fluidity, exploration and well-being is proposed and discussed in light of our emerging pattern of results. Implications, limitations and future directions are discussed.
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