Four Problems in Sexting Research and Their Solutions

Despite over 10 years of research, we still know very little about people’s sexting behaviours and experiences. Our limited and, at times, conflicting knowledge about sexting is due to re-searchers’ use of inconsistent conceptual definitions of sexting, dubious measurement practices, and atheoretical research designs. In this article, we provide an overview of the history of sex-ting research and describe how researchers have contributed to the ‘moral panic’ narrative that continues to surround popular media discourse about sexting. We identify four key problems that still plague sexting research today: (1) imprudent focus on the medium, (2) inconsistent conceptual definitions, (3) poor measurement practices, and (4) a lack of theoretical frameworks. We describe and expand on solutions to address each of these problems. In particular, we focus on the need to shift empirical attention away from sexting and towards the behavioural domain of technology-mediated sexual interaction. We believe that the implementation of these solu-tions will lead to valid and sustainable knowledge development on technology-mediated sexual interactions, including sexting.

Understanding the barriers and facilitators to using self-sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections and blood borne viruses: thematic analyses supporting intervention optimisation

PurposeThis paper illustrates initial steps of an intervention optimisation process. Self-sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses (BBVs) are widely offered within the UK, yet have problems with reach and sample return rates. They have arisen without any formal intervention development.MethodsEleven focus groups and seven interviews were conducted with convenience samples of patients recruited from sexual health clinics and members of the public in late 2017 (n=57). To enable intervention optimisation firstly we formulated initial programme theory situating the intervention. Secondly, we conducted an inductive appraisal of the behavioural system of using the pack to understand meaningful constituent behavioural domains. Subsequently we conducted a thematic analysis of barriers and facilitators to enacting each sequential behavioural domain in preparation for future behaviour change wheel analysis.ResultsOverall, we found that self-sampling packs were acceptable. Our participants understood their overall logic and value as a pragmatic intervention that simultaneously reduced barriers to, and facilitated, individuals being tested for STIs. However, at the level of each behavioural domain (e.g., reading leaflets, returning samples), problems with the pack were identified as well as a series of potential optimisations which might widen the reach of self-sampling and increase the return of viable samples.ConclusionsThis paper provides an example of a pragmatic approach to optimising an intervention already widely offered across the UK. The paper demonstrates the added value health psychological approaches make; systematically considering the context of the intervention, in addition to illuminating granular areas for improvement.What is already known on this subject?The use of self-sampling packs for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses (BBVs) has been widely implemented without in-depth assessment of user engagement or theorisationSome evidence suggests that the uptake of self-sampling packs, and the concomitant return of samples to enable diagnosis, are socially patternedDespite increasing and widespread use of self-sampling packs across the UK, relatively little is currently known about their acceptability, or how they could be improvedWhat does this study add?This study provides an illustrative example of using a preliminary programme theory to situate the problem to be addressed by intervention optimisationThe thematic analyses show that self-sampling packs offer a largely acceptable means to enabling STI and BBV testing and diagnosis; they remove many barriers to testing. However, several modifiable barriers to use endure, potentially reducing sample return and amplifying health inequalitiesThis study presents a range of barriers and facilitators to the various behavioural domains included within the use of self-sampling packs. It summarises the findings ready for subsequent behaviour change wheel analyses

Mapping Moral Pluralism in Behavioural Spillovers: A Cross-Disciplinary Account of the Multiple Ways in Which We Engage in Moral Valuing

In this article, we reflect critically on how moral actions are categorised in some recent studies on moral spillovers. Based on classic concepts from moral philosophy, we present a framework to categorise moral actions. We argue that with a finer classification of moral values, associated behaviour is better understood, and this understanding helps to identify the conditions under which moral licensing takes place. We illustrate our argument with examples from the literature on pro-environmental behaviours. Moral spillovers are frequently studied in this behavioural domain and to understand what causes their occurrence is highly (policy) relevant if we wish to promote sustainable behaviour.

Eye-Hand Span is not an Indicator of but a Strategy for Proficient Sight-Reading in Piano Performance

Eye-hand span, i.e., the distance between a performer’s fixation and execution of a note, has been regarded as a decisive indicator of performers’ competence in sight-reading. However, integrated perspectives regarding the relationship between eye-hand span and sight-reading variables have been less discussed. The present study explored the process of sight-reading in terms of three domains and their interrelations. The domain indicators included musical complexity and playing tempo (musical domain), eye-hand span (cognitive domain), and performance accuracy (behavioural domain). Thirty professional pianists sight-read four musical pieces with two different complexities and playing tempi. We measured the participants’ eye-hand span, evaluated their performance accuracy, and divided the participants into three groups according to their performance accuracy values. Interestingly, we found that the eye-hand span did not change solely based on the performance accuracy. In contrast, the relationship between the eye-hand span and performance accuracy changed according to the difficulty of the sight-reading task. Our results demonstrate that the eye-hand span is not a decisive indicator of sight-reading proficiency but is a strategy that can vary according to the difficulty of sight-reading tasks. Thus, proficient sight-readers are performers who are skilled at adjusting their eye-hand span instead of always maintaining an extended span.

Suppression and facilitation of motion perception in humans

In a study that investigated the putative neuronal origin of suppression and facilitation in human motion perception Schallmo et al. (2018) used various techniques to investigate how motion perception is shaped by excitatory and inhibitory interactions within hMT+ or earlier areas. They further proposed that neuronal normalization is a sufficient account of the behavioural results, discounting accepted and precise neuronal mechanisms of excitation or inhibition. In this Research Advance, it is shown (1) that once the full computational model that predicts the psychophysical results is defined, it is not “divisive normalization” but actually excitatory and inhibitory processes that are the neuronal mechanisms shaping facilitation and suppression in the behavioural domain, then (2) that the experimental design they used allows a quantitative comparison and usage of such “contrast–size tuning” data.

On the Link Between Emotionally Driven Impulsivity and Aggression: Evidence From a Validation Study on the Dutch UPPS-P

The UPPS-P seems to be a promising instrument for measuring different domains of impulsivity in forensic psychiatric patients. Validation studies of the instrument however, have been conducted only in student groups. In this validation study, three groups completed the Dutch UPPS-P: healthy student ( N = 94) and community ( N = 134) samples and a forensic psychiatric sample ( N = 73). The five-factor structure reported previously could only be substantiated in a confirmatory factor analysis over the combined groups but not in the subsamples. Subgroup sample sizes might be too small to allow such complex analyses. Internal consistency, as assessed by Cronbach’s alpha, was high on most subscale and sample combinations. In explaining aggression, especially the initial subscale negative urgency (NU) was related to elevated scores on self-reported aggression in the healthy samples (student and community). The current study is the second study that found a relationship between self-reported NU and aggression highlighting the importance of addressing this behavioural domain in aggression management therapy.

Genetics of impulsive behaviour

Impulsivity, defined as the tendency to act without foresight, comprises a multitude of constructs and is associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders. Dissecting different aspects of impulsive behaviour and relating these to specific neurobiological circuits would improve our understanding of the etiology of complex behaviours for which impulsivity is key, and advance genetic studies in this behavioural domain. In this review, we will discuss the heritability of some impulsivity constructs and their possible use as endophenotypes (heritable, disease-associated intermediate phenotypes). Several functional genetic variants associated with impulsive behaviour have been identified by the candidate gene approach and re-sequencing, and whole genome strategies can be implemented for discovery of novel rare and common alleles influencing impulsivity. Via deep sequencing an uncommon HTR2B stop codon, common in one population, was discovered, with implications for understanding impulsive behaviour in both humans and rodents and for future gene discovery.