Sexual Relationships in Hispanic Countries: a Literature Review

Abstract

Purpose of review: Sexuality is a complex dimension for which culture seems to play an important role, particularly in countries that are more traditional. This review summarizes the knowledge about sexual relationships in Hispanic countries, considering sexual debut, attitudes, behaviors and satisfaction.Recent findings: In line with the literature reviewed, the sexual double standard seems to be continuing to influence sexual relationships. Some countries show more open expressions of sexuality based on the level of gender inequality or sexualized context, and within countries, variables such as religious commitment, family characteristics and access to resources may play important roles in sexuality.Summary: Future research, policies and interventions should consider these specific characteristics, including these forms of expression of sexuality, in the adjustment of crosscultural and cross-national strategies.

Female Affective Perception of Mainstream and Paraphilic Pornography: Associations with Sexual and Psychological Intrapersonal Variables

“…Thus, understanding intrapersonal differences could be important from a female perspective of risk prevention. Additionally, understanding females perception of sexual media might also support greater acceptance of female sexual pleasure, which is particularly important in Hispanic countries where sexual double standards are still very present and traditional values may lead to the underestimation of the female sexuality (Giménez-Garcia et al, 2020 , 2021 ). Additionally, knowledge regarding individual differences related to sexual perceptual processes can give clinical insights into the understanding of sexual dysfunctions.…”

“…In addition, the cultural restriction to Hispanic females with a high level of education has to be noted. Findings may be influenced by sexual double standards and cultural stigma associated with the different content, as sexual practices that do not conform to the norm are generally more stigmatized (Digoix et al, 2016 ; Giménez-Garcia et al, 2020 , 2021 ; Schmitt & Fuller, 2015 ). Consumption of pornography can lead to discomfort when there is a dissonance between the content of sexual material and one's sexual self-concept and values (Grubbs et al, 2019 ; Walters & Spengler, 2016 ).…”

“…Female anxiety was only associated with the disgust perception of paraphilic pornography. There is a need to better explore and understand females' experiences with pornography, particularly in Hispanic countries such as Spain, where there is little research in this regard and a sexual double standard still influences sexual behavior (Giménez-Garcia et al, 2020 , 2021 ). Future research should include further variables of intra- and interpersonal value in order to offer a bigger picture of females perception of pornography and its relationship to sexual and psychological variables.…”

What Does Heterosexuality Mean? Same-Sex Attraction, Behaviors, and Discomfort Among Self-identified Heterosexual Young Adults from Spain

“…As a consequence, the legal progress that has been made in the form of new policies about sexual diversity rights has not been followed by a lower level of discrimination that has usually been based on marianismo and religious tradition. According to this assumption, people who have been assigned as men or women at birth must assume certain roles framed in machismo and femininity, monogamous heterosexual relationships, and romantic love (Giménez-García et al, 2020 ). Otherwise, people will be socially unpopular and will be marked as being outside the norm.…”