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The Impact of Performance-Based Scripts on Men's Sexual Communication to Peers
Jonathan D Jampel1, Michael E Addis2
1Department of Psychology, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA, 01610, USA. jjampel@clarku.edu.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|July 31, 2021
Summary
Men adhering to performance-based sexual scripts struggle to openly discuss sexual behavior. This lack of transparency may perpetuate harmful, rigid expectations around male sexual performance.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Men's Health
Background:
- Gender norms significantly influence men's psychosocial development and sexual scripts.
- Performance-based sexual scripts, emphasizing ability, are prevalent but can have negative consequences.
- Limited research exists on how men communicate these sexual ideologies within peer groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a model of communication openness regarding sexual behavior incongruent with performance-based scripts among men.
- To investigate the relationship between endorsing performance-based scripts and the ability to discuss sexual behavior.
Main Methods:
- Structural equation modeling was employed.
- A sample of 424 men was recruited via online platforms for a one-time survey.
Main Results:
- Endorsing performance-based scripts was found to impede men's ability to discuss sexual behavior.
- This impediment extended to discussions with male peers, female peers, and sexual partners.
- Lack of transparency regarding sexual experiences was observed.
Conclusions:
- Rigid adherence to performance-based sexual scripts hinders open communication about sexuality among men.
- This communication barrier may reinforce harmful societal narratives centered on sexual performance.
- Promoting more open dialogue is crucial for challenging restrictive gender norms in male sexuality.
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