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The research on nonclinical samples reports the effect of a weak sense of identity on the use of psychoactive substances, but there has been no research to date on sense of identity in individuals with substance use disorder. The aim of the study was to test differences in sense of identity (SoI) in male patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD; n = 95) and drug use disorder (DUD; n = 95), and men without substance use disorder (SUD; n = 87). Participants (N = 277) completed the Multidimensional Identity Questionnaire. The AUD and DUD respondents had a significantly weaker SoI than the control group, and the duration of SUD was not a significant predictor of any of the dimensions of identity in both clinical groups. SUD can be to some extent an attempt at self-medication and compensating for identity disturbances. The study confirms the occurrence of identity disruptions in patients with SUD, which have been described by clinicians.

Introduction: Online dating is a common phenomenon. The manageability and access of the application allows people to quickly reach many potential partners, which can increase risky sexual behaviors. The Problematic Tinder Use Scale (PTUS) was developed and validated in a Polish population by analyzing the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the responses given by Polish-speaking participants. Methods: Two samples of adult Tinder users were recruited online. The first study aimed to perform the reliability coefficient Cronbach’s, interrater analysis, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analysis. The second sample was recruited to investigate the factor structure by combining it with the Safe Sex Behavior Questionnaire (SSBQ). The sociodemographic data, such as hours of use and number of dates, were also investigated. Results: The Polish participants’ responses to the PTUS (sample 1: N = 271, sample 2: N = 162) revealed the one-factor structure of the tool. The reliability of the measurement was α = 0.80. The construct validity was confirmed. The results showed a significant, negative, and weak correlation between the PTUS and SSBQ scores and their subscales: risky sexual behaviors (r = −0.18), condom use (r = −0.22), and avoidance of body fluids (r = −0.17). Moreover, the number of partners met in the real world had a statistically significant, moderate relationship with the PTUS scores. Conclusions: The PTUS measurement is valid and reliable for the Polish population. The findings highlight the need for harm prevention strategies related to potentially addictive Tinder use, as well as the possible risky sexual behaviors associated with dating app use.

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Introduction The purpose of this pilot study was to examine relationships between body image, perceived stress, partner and patient-provider sexual communication, and sexual functioning in women with advanced stages of cervical cancer (CC) after the cancer diagnosis. Methods In this pilot study, cancer patients (n = 30) and healthy women (n = 30) were compared. A study was conducted from January to March 2022. Sexual functioning and its predictors were assessed using the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Sexual Communication Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES), the self-administered questionnaire contributing the patient-provider sexual communication, and the Body Esteem Scale (BES). The data was collected from January to June 2022. Results Women with cervical cancer after the diagnosis reported impaired sexual functioning, which was associated with self-efficacy in sexual communication, feeling comfortable discussing sexual issues with a healthcare provider, perceived stress, and body image. Compared to the control group, CC patients had significantly lower sexual functioning (mean 8.83 vs 19.23; p < 0.001). Conclusions Sexual functioning in women with CC is significantly impaired even after the diagnosis and is associated with psychosocial variables. The expanded study will include other predictors of sexual functioning and quality of life in women with CC on the larger group of patients. Policy Implications As cancer becomes a more chronic disease that affects even younger individuals, social policy should promote the sexuality issues in cancer patients, as it is an integral part of every person’s life, regardless of health status or age.