ABSTRACT. The prevalence of breast augmentation and breast lift surgery suggests that many women ... more ABSTRACT. The prevalence of breast augmentation and breast lift surgery suggests that many women are dissatisfied with their breasts. This study analyzed women’s and men’s views about breast size and shape among 52,227 heterosexual adults, ages 18–65, who responded to an online survey. Although most women (70%) were dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts, most men (56%) were satisfied with their partner’s breasts. Younger and thinner women worried that their breasts were too small; older and heavier women were more concerned with breast droopiness. Women who were dissatisfied with their breasts were more likely to report lower body satisfaction and to express concern about wearing a bathing suit in public. Further, dissatisfied women were also less willing to undress in front of their partner and were more likely to conceal their breasts from their partner during sex. These findings suggest that dissatisfaction with breasts is widespread among adult women.
The diverse life experiences of contemporary lesbians are shaped by women's differing ties to... more The diverse life experiences of contemporary lesbians are shaped by women's differing ties to two social worlds, the majority heterosexual society and the minority subculture of the lesbian or sexual-minority world. This article presents a detailed conceptual analysis of a dual-identity framework that emphasizes lesbians' simultaneous affiliations with both lesbian and mainstream/heterosexual communities. The usefulness of this approach is discussed, with emphasis on implications for understanding individual differences in exposure to gay-related stress and mental health. Results from a survey of 116 lesbians showed that scores on measures of Lesbian Identity and Mainstream Identity were not significantly correlated with each other. Both lesbian and mainstream identities were significantly related to lesbians' reported experiences of discrimination, feelings of internalized homophobia, and life satisfaction. Limitations of the dual-identity framework and suggestions for ...
Cultural diversity & ethnic minority psychology, 2011
How is social identity related to psychological well-being among minority individuals? Drawing on... more How is social identity related to psychological well-being among minority individuals? Drawing on developmental models of identity formation (e.g., Erikson, 1968) and on Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), we tested a conceptual model examining links between two key aspects of social identity and psychological well-being. We proposed that the association between identity achievement (exploring and understanding the meaning of one's identity) and psychological well-being is mediated by identity affirmation (developing positive feelings and a sense of belonging to one's social group). Across three studies, including ethnic minority high school students (Study 1), ethnic minority college students (Study 2) and lesbian and gay male adults (Study 3), we found strong support for the model. Results suggest that the process of exploring and understanding one's minority identity can serve as an important basis for developing positive feelings toward and an enhanced se...
Intimate same-sex relationships have existed throughout history and in places across the globe. T... more Intimate same-sex relationships have existed throughout history and in places across the globe. This entry presents scientific knowledge about gay and lesbian relationships in contemporary society. Although the relationships of bisexuals are not well understood, key findings are highlighted. A notable limitation of current knowledge is that most research has been conducted in the United States with primarily White, middle-class people.
Comparing the experiences of men and women in intimate relationships is a fascination some might ... more Comparing the experiences of men and women in intimate relationships is a fascination some might say an obsession that has long intrigued laypeople and researchers alike. The public appears to crave information about how men and women differ in their approaches to love and relationships, a point reflected in the continuing popularity of John Gray's (1993) best-selling book, Men are from. Mars, Women are from Venus. Social scientists, too, have tackled this topic. Thirty years ago, sociologist Jessie Bernard (1972) proposed that in every marriage there are actually two relationships "his" and "hers." In the intervening years, relationship researchers have energetically investigated the possibility of important gender differences in close relationships, extending their analyses beyond marriage to include cohabiting partners, gay and lesbian couples (see Diamond, this volume), and other intimate relationships. A comprehensive history of theory and research on ge...
A longitudinal study of 231 dating couples investigated differences between partners' percept... more A longitudinal study of 231 dating couples investigated differences between partners' perceptions of their relationship. Sources of differing perceptions and the impact of perceptual differences on relationship continuation were explored. Although considerable perceptual disagreement was found, most of it did not appear to be linked to gender. Few systematic differences were found between men's and women's reports, and these could be interpreted in terms of self-partner attributional biases rather than sex differences. The extent of couple disagreement was not correlated with measures of sex role attitudes or background dissimilarity. But disagreement on subjective judgments of intimacy was greater among couples in which there was low self-disclosure. Disagreement on subjective intimacy judgments was also predictive of relationship termination two years later. Results underscore the importance of distinguishing between “directional” and “nondirectional” measures of coupl...
ABSTRACT. The prevalence of breast augmentation and breast lift surgery suggests that many women ... more ABSTRACT. The prevalence of breast augmentation and breast lift surgery suggests that many women are dissatisfied with their breasts. This study analyzed women’s and men’s views about breast size and shape among 52,227 heterosexual adults, ages 18–65, who responded to an online survey. Although most women (70%) were dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts, most men (56%) were satisfied with their partner’s breasts. Younger and thinner women worried that their breasts were too small; older and heavier women were more concerned with breast droopiness. Women who were dissatisfied with their breasts were more likely to report lower body satisfaction and to express concern about wearing a bathing suit in public. Further, dissatisfied women were also less willing to undress in front of their partner and were more likely to conceal their breasts from their partner during sex. These findings suggest that dissatisfaction with breasts is widespread among adult women.
The diverse life experiences of contemporary lesbians are shaped by women's differing ties to... more The diverse life experiences of contemporary lesbians are shaped by women's differing ties to two social worlds, the majority heterosexual society and the minority subculture of the lesbian or sexual-minority world. This article presents a detailed conceptual analysis of a dual-identity framework that emphasizes lesbians' simultaneous affiliations with both lesbian and mainstream/heterosexual communities. The usefulness of this approach is discussed, with emphasis on implications for understanding individual differences in exposure to gay-related stress and mental health. Results from a survey of 116 lesbians showed that scores on measures of Lesbian Identity and Mainstream Identity were not significantly correlated with each other. Both lesbian and mainstream identities were significantly related to lesbians' reported experiences of discrimination, feelings of internalized homophobia, and life satisfaction. Limitations of the dual-identity framework and suggestions for ...
Cultural diversity & ethnic minority psychology, 2011
How is social identity related to psychological well-being among minority individuals? Drawing on... more How is social identity related to psychological well-being among minority individuals? Drawing on developmental models of identity formation (e.g., Erikson, 1968) and on Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), we tested a conceptual model examining links between two key aspects of social identity and psychological well-being. We proposed that the association between identity achievement (exploring and understanding the meaning of one's identity) and psychological well-being is mediated by identity affirmation (developing positive feelings and a sense of belonging to one's social group). Across three studies, including ethnic minority high school students (Study 1), ethnic minority college students (Study 2) and lesbian and gay male adults (Study 3), we found strong support for the model. Results suggest that the process of exploring and understanding one's minority identity can serve as an important basis for developing positive feelings toward and an enhanced se...
Intimate same-sex relationships have existed throughout history and in places across the globe. T... more Intimate same-sex relationships have existed throughout history and in places across the globe. This entry presents scientific knowledge about gay and lesbian relationships in contemporary society. Although the relationships of bisexuals are not well understood, key findings are highlighted. A notable limitation of current knowledge is that most research has been conducted in the United States with primarily White, middle-class people.
Comparing the experiences of men and women in intimate relationships is a fascination some might ... more Comparing the experiences of men and women in intimate relationships is a fascination some might say an obsession that has long intrigued laypeople and researchers alike. The public appears to crave information about how men and women differ in their approaches to love and relationships, a point reflected in the continuing popularity of John Gray's (1993) best-selling book, Men are from. Mars, Women are from Venus. Social scientists, too, have tackled this topic. Thirty years ago, sociologist Jessie Bernard (1972) proposed that in every marriage there are actually two relationships "his" and "hers." In the intervening years, relationship researchers have energetically investigated the possibility of important gender differences in close relationships, extending their analyses beyond marriage to include cohabiting partners, gay and lesbian couples (see Diamond, this volume), and other intimate relationships. A comprehensive history of theory and research on ge...
A longitudinal study of 231 dating couples investigated differences between partners' percept... more A longitudinal study of 231 dating couples investigated differences between partners' perceptions of their relationship. Sources of differing perceptions and the impact of perceptual differences on relationship continuation were explored. Although considerable perceptual disagreement was found, most of it did not appear to be linked to gender. Few systematic differences were found between men's and women's reports, and these could be interpreted in terms of self-partner attributional biases rather than sex differences. The extent of couple disagreement was not correlated with measures of sex role attitudes or background dissimilarity. But disagreement on subjective judgments of intimacy was greater among couples in which there was low self-disclosure. Disagreement on subjective intimacy judgments was also predictive of relationship termination two years later. Results underscore the importance of distinguishing between “directional” and “nondirectional” measures of coupl...
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