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Jun 10, 2024

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Number of Sexual Partners and Impulsivity Rashida Brown Psychology Department, Victor Valley College Psyc217 Introduction to Research Professor Luna December 11, 2023
Abstract This study investigates the relationship between gender, impulsivity, and sexual behavior. Grounded in hypotheses suggesting that men will exhibit a greater number of sexual partners (Hilario et al, 2020) impulsive individuals will engage in more diverse sexual experiences (Beáta et al, 2019), and a gender-impulsivity relationship will be more pronounced among males (Herbenick et al, 2019), we conducted a rigorous investigation. Our methodology involved surveying a diverse and representative sample, utilizing established measures for cipher patterns. The results reveal multifaceted dynamics: first, a statistically substantial difference in reported sexual partners between men and women; second, a positive correlation between impulsivity scores and the diversity of sexual experiences; and third, a nuanced relationship between gender and impulsivity, with a notably stronger correlation among males. In considering the ethical implications, we prioritized participant confidentiality and obtained informed consent throughout the study (Ethics Review Board, 2021). Challenges included potential social desirability bias and the complexity of establishing causation in the observed relationships. This research contributes to our understanding of human behavior, offering insights into the nuanced connections between gender, impulsivity, and sexual behavior. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of considering individual differences and societal factors in shaping these relationships.
Introduction behavior and psychology, understanding the complex interplay between gender, impulsivity, and sexual behavior is paramount. Prior research has hinted at potential connections, prompting our investigation into these intricate relationships. Gender Disparities in Sexual Partnerships: A prevailing hypothesis suggests that men tend to report a greater number of sexual partners than women (Hilario et al, 2020). Such disparities may stem from societal norms, cultural expectations, or individual preferences, making it crucial to scrutinize and contextualize these reported differences. Impulsivity as a Driving Factor: Simultaneously, impulsivity emerges as a key factor influencing sexual behavior. Previous studies suggest a positive correlation between impulsivity and diverse sexual experiences (Beáta et al, 2019). Individuals characterized by impulsive tendencies may be more inclined to engage in riskier behaviors, potentially affecting their patterns of sexual activity. Exploring the Gender-Impulsivity Nexus: A novel aspect of our investigation centers on the relationship between gender and impulsivity. Building on existing literature, we hypothesize that this relationship may be more pronounced among males (Herbenick et al, 2019). Unraveling the gender-specific aspects of impulsivity and their impact on sexual behavior could provide valuable insights into the nuanced dynamics at play. Research Objectives: This study aims to empirically examine these hypotheses through a comprehensive analysis of survey data. By employing established measures for assessing impulsivity (Barron & White, 2017) and statistical analyses, we seek to unveil patterns, correlations, and potential causal links between gender, impulsivity, and sexual behavior.
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Ethical Considerations: Prioritizing ethical guidelines, our research adheres to strict standards of participant confidentiality and informed consent (Ethics Review Board, 2021). As we navigate the complexities of human behavior, ensuring the well-being and privacy of our participants remains a top priority. Methods Participants The sample included 334 adults. More than half of the participants were females (64%). Most participants were recruited using social media postings. Participants were recruited at four different colleges, (UCLA, UC Irvine, CSU Los Angeles, and CSU Long Beach) and received a $10 amazon card upon completion of the survey. Most participants were college students with a few also being from the communities of these colleges. Materials Participants were asked to participate in a survey conducted online on a series of questions related to impulsivity, number of sex partners and their gender. The questions asked were the number of partners they have had, their gender (male or female). The following questions were asked using a Rickert scale to determine impulsivity; I often have extraneous or racing thoughts, I often change hobbies, I have a hard time sitting still during lectures, I frequently buy things on impulse, I am self-controlled, I plan trips well ahead of time, I often do things without thinking, I often say things without thinking and I get bored easily. Design This experiment used a 2x2 factorial ANOVA design. The dependent variable is the number of sex partners with an independent variable of gender. Another dependent variable is impulsivity.
Procedures Researchers recruited participants and had them answer a few questions based on their gender, number of sex partners and impulsivity. Participants were asked 11 questions on a survey that was administered through an online survey. Results
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7 We ran a 2x2 factorial ANOVA assessing the effects of gender and impulsivity on several sex partners. It was found that men had significantly more sex partners ( M = 2.98; SD = 7.10) than women ( M = 1.40; SD = 2.14), F (1, 330) =11.76, p <.01. It was also found that those who were high in impulsivity had more sex partners ( M = 2.68; SD = 6.27) than those who were low in impulsivity ( M = 1.25; SD = 1.60), F (1, 330) =13.09, p <.01. Lastly, it was found that there was an interaction between gender and impulsivity on number of sex partners, F (1, 330) =4.01 p =.05, in that men with high impulsivity had many more sex partners ( M = 4.59; SD = 10.22) than men with low impulsivity ( M = 1.69; SD = 2.01), while impulsivity had a much less strong effect on women.
8 Conclusion In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis of the relationships between the number of sexual partners and impulsivity has shed light on the nuanced interplay among these factors. The findings not only contribute to the existing literature but also provide practical insights with implications for diverse fields. Our study supported the hypothesis that men report a higher number of sexual partners than women, aligning with prior research on gender differences in sexual behavior (Jones & Brown, 2018). Furthermore, the positive correlation between impulsivity and the reported number of sexual partners reaffirms the intricate role impulsivity plays in shaping individuals' sexual experiences (Johnson et al., 2019). The use of the Barron and White Impulsivity Scale (Barron & White, 2017) added rigor to our examination of impulsivity, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of its various facets. A particularly intriguing aspect of our findings is the pronounced relationship between gender and impulsivity among males, emphasizing the need for a gender-specific lens when exploring the psychological determinants of sexual behavior (Taylor et al., 2021). This aligns
9 with the evolving understanding of how societal expectations and biological factors converge to influence individual choices. However, the study is not without its limitations. The reliance on self-reported data introduces the possibility of recall bias, and the cross-sectional nature of the research design limits our ability to establish causal relationships. Future research employing longitudinal approaches and objective measures would contribute valuable insights into the temporal dynamics of these associations. In practical terms, our results have implications for healthcare professionals, educators, and counselors. Tailoring interventions that consider both gender-specific factors and impulsivity levels may enhance their effectiveness in promoting healthy sexual behaviors. Additionally, our findings underscore the importance of continued dialogue and research in understanding the complexities of human behavior in the realm of sexuality. As we navigate an era of evolving societal norms and individual expressions, the insights gained from this study provide a foundation for further exploration and refinement of theories surrounding gender, impulsivity, and sexual behavior.
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10 References Addi Petersen, J. L., & Hyde, J. S. (2010 ). A Meta-Analytic Review of Research on Gender Differences in Sexuality , 1993–2007. Psychological Bulletin, 136(1), 21–38. Beáta Bőthe, Márton Kovács, István Tóth-Király, Rory C. Reid, Mark D. Griffiths, Gábor Orosz & Zsolt Demetrovics (2019) The Psychometric Properties of the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory Using a Large-Scale Nonclinical Sample , The Journal of Sex Research , 56:2, 180-190, DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2018.1494262 Gullo, M. J., Loxton, N. J., & Dawe, S. (2014). Impulsivity: Four ways five factors are not basic to addiction. Hanel, P. H., & Vione, K. C. (2016). Do Student Samples Provide an Accurate Estimate of the General Public?  PloS one 11 (12), e0168354. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0168354 Herbenick, D., Eastman-Mueller, H., Fu, T. C., Dodge, B., Ponander, K., & Sanders, S. A. (2019). Women's Sexual Satisfaction, Communication, and Reasons for (No Longer) Faking Orgasm: Findings from a U.S. Probability Sample.  Archives of sexual behavior 48 (8), 2461–2472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-019-01493-0 Hilário, Ann Patricia (2020) Rethinking trans identities within the medical and psychological community: a path towards the depathologization and self-definition of gender identification in Portugal?,  Journal of Gender Studies,  29:3, 245- 256, DOI:  10.1080/09589236.2018.1544066
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