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Biomedical subjects

C A Darling

Publications and source records attributed to C A Darling.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Using the family ecosystem model to enhance pastoral care and counseling.

Argues that with individual, family, and world issues becoming increasingly complicated, those involved in pastoral care can benefit from using a comprehensive ecological approach to understanding and helping those in need. Suggests that the "family ecosystem model" that emphasizes interactions among individuals/families and their multifaceted environments, including their natural, human-constructed, and human-behavioral environments, can be used to incorporate a holistic view of these diverse issues. Explains and illustrates this approach to family concerns often encountered by pastoral caregivers.

Counseling↗
PubMed1997

Sexual contacts: experiences, thoughts, and fantasies of adult male survivors of child sexual abuse.

This study examined the past sexual experiences, as well as the prevalence of sexual thoughts and fantasies concerning the sexual contacts of 35 adult men who were sexually abused during their childhoods. More specifically, their past sexual contacts, thoughts and fantasies of desired sexual contacts, and perceptions of sexual contacts were investigated. A group of 33 adult men with no history of sexual abuse was included for the purpose of comparison. A 72-item questionnaire was used to collect data. The results indicated that male childhood sexual abuse may contribute to the prevalence of sexual thoughts and fantasies about sexual contact with male children and adolescents. Despite the prevalence of sexual thoughts and fantasies about sexual contact with boys, the adult male survivors surveyed claimed not to be accepting of sex between adults and children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Masturbatory guilt and sexual responsiveness among post-college-age women: sexual satisfaction revisited.

Although masturbation has come to be viewed as an appropriate sexual outlet for women, it is the one form of sexual behavior that has been most harshly treated throughout the centuries by society, religion, and the field of medicine. Thus, despite the increased incidence of masturbation among adult women during the 1970s and 1980s, substantial evidence suggests that guilt feelings associated with the practice may interfere with physiological and psychological sexual satisfaction in general. The purposes of this study were to determine the degree of masturbatory guilt, if any, and its effects on the sexual responsiveness and sexual satisfaction of adult women. An anonymous questionnaire concerning self-perception of the female sexual response was administered to female, registered nurses in 15 states, yielding a sample of 868 respondents. The 671 respondents who were the focus of this investigation had engaged in masturbation and revealed their guilt status regarding the practice. Those women who reported guilt feelings associated with masturbation were more likely to have negative feelings toward the practice and less likely to indicate positive physiological and psychological reactions after engaging in self-stimulation. Further, they were less likely to report sexual adjustment, physiological sexual satisfaction, and psychological sexual satisfaction. Since masturbation has emerged as a potential sexual outlet and as a means to engage in personal body exploration for women, these findings have substantial implications for therapists, physicians, sexuality professionals, and researchers.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

When physicians treat members of their own families. Practices in a community hospital.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the circumstances under which physicians care for family members. We sought to examine current practice and, in particular, to learn how often family members request medical care or treatment, whether physicians accede to such requests, and what concerns, if any, physicians have about caring for their family members. METHODS: In late 1990 we distributed a pretested, structured questionnaire to all members of the active medical staff (physicians with M.D. or D.O. degrees) of a large suburban community teaching hospital. Of 691 eligible members of the medical staff, 465 physicians responded. RESULTS: Of the 465 respondents, 461 (99 percent) reported requests from family members for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A total of 386 (83 percent of the respondents) had prescribed medication for a family member, 372 (80 percent) had diagnosed medical illnesses, 334 (72 percent) had performed physical examinations, 68 (15 percent) had acted as a family member's primary attending physician in the hospital, and 44 (9 percent) had operated on a family member. In addition, 152 (33 percent) reported that they had observed another physician "inappropriately involved" in a family member's care, and 103 (22 percent) had acceded to a specific request about which they felt uncomfortable. CONCLUSIONS: Practicing physicians often attend and treat their family members and diagnose their illnesses. They may often experience some disquiet in doing so. For physicians, complete medical data, proper training, and sound judgment are essential when family members request treatment.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1991

The female sexual response revisited: understanding the multiorgasmic experience in women.

Although it has been almost 20 years since recorded evidence of multiple orgasms among women emerged, there have been few recent investigations of this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to understand further the female multiorgasmic experience in relationship to the method of stimulatory activity, namely, masturbation, petting, and sexual intercourse. In addition, single-orgasmic and multiorgasmic women were compared by examination of various sexual and orgasmic behaviors, the role of sex partners, and perceptions of physiological and psychological sexual satisfaction. An anonymous 122-item questionnaire was utilized to obtain the responses of 805 college-educated female nurses, chosen for their perceived ability to verbalize data regarding the anatomical structures and physiological processes associated with sexual responsiveness. The findings indicated that 42.7% of the respondents had experienced multiple orgasms and that several significant differences existed between single-orgasmic and multiorgasmic women.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Female sexual response and the timing of partner orgasm.

Although orgasm can be experienced in many ways with or without a partner, partner involvement continues to be a noted preference for many women. In order to examine the timing of partner orgasm in relationship to female sexual response, women who usually experience orgasm before, simultaneously, or after their male partner's first orgasm were examined in the context of their orgasmic behaviors, role of their partners in sexual interaction, and their level of sexual satisfaction. A survey research design, which utilized the responses of 709 adult women, indicated that those women who usually experienced orgasm after their male partners perceived less physiological and psychological sexual satisfaction. Furthermore, several other significant results were found regarding timing of partner orgasm. With the failure to reach orgasm through sexual intercourse being reported by women as a common sexual complaint, sex educators and therapists can use these findings to facilitate an increased awareness of timing factors influencing satisfying sexual relationships.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Female ejaculation: perceived origins, the Grafenberg spot/area, and sexual responsiveness.

Despite earlier contrary claims, some researchers have recently reported a possible homologous female prostate gland that is potentially involved in a sudden spurt of fluid being released at the moment of orgasm. A number of medical authorities have speculated that this fluid is urine. To alleviate concerns about the possible release of urine during orgasmic response as well as to contribute to a further understanding of physiological and psychological sexual satisfaction, we examined a series of variables thought to be associated with female ejaculation [(expulsion of fluid during orgasm and its relationship, if any, to a sensitive anatomic area (Grafenberg spot)]. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 2350 professional women in the United States and Canada with a subsequent 55% return rate. Of these respondents, 40% reported having a fluid release (ejaculation) at the moment of orgasm. Further, 82% of the women who reported the sensitive area (Grafenberg spot) also reported ejaculation with their orgasms. A number of variables were associated with this perceived existence of female ejaculation.

Arousal↗
PubMed1989

The role of the Grafenberg Spot and female ejaculation in the female orgasmic response: an empirical analysis.

Despite earlier contrary claims, researchers have found evidence that a sensitive area (Grafenberg Spot) exists in the vaginal barrel. This area is a potential source of orgasm independent of clitoral stimulation. Other researchers have reported that some women experience a sudden spurt of fluid at the moment of orgasm. In the interest of contributing to further understanding of physiological and psychological sexual satisfaction, and alleviation of concerns about perceived urination during orgasm, the investigators explored a series of variables thought to be associated with perceptions of the Grafenberg Spot and its relationship, if any, to the female orgasmic response and female ejaculation. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 2,350 women in the United States and Canada, with a subsequent 55% return rate. A number of factors were found to be associated with perceived existence of a sensitive area in the vaginal barrel which, when properly stimulated, activates orgasm. Women who reported sensitive area orgasms were also more likely to report a spurt of fluid at moment of orgasm.

Body Fluids↗
PubMed1989

Single parents: interaction of parenting and sexual issues.

This study was designed to investigate how children affect the sexual lives of their single parents. More specifically, this study investigated how being a single mother or father affects parenting roles, partner relationships, sexual guilt, and sexual satisfaction. Data were collected from a sample of 155 parents who were members of a single-parenting organization. The findings revealed a significant difference between single mothers and single fathers regarding attitudes toward their relationship with their children. Although fathers more often reported being content in their parent-child relationships, they also were less frequently involved in the custodial care of the children. One of the major problems reported by single parents, especially mothers, was the relationship interference they perceived emanating from former spouses, children, and children of current partners. In addition, single parents also experienced guilt over their involvement with a relationship partner when it took time away from their children. Although the majority of single parents were satisfied with their sexual lives, there was a significant association between parent-child relationship and perceived sexual satisfaction for women. An increased awareness of the parenting roles and sexual lives of single parents can better enable family professionals to meet the needs of single parents as they act and react to changes in families and society.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Positive direct antiglobulin test result in dialysis patients resulting from antiformaldehyde antibodies.

Patients on chronic hemodialysis who are treated with reusable dialyzers sterilized with formaldehyde are known to have antibodies develop with N-like specificity. These sera have been shown to also react with formaldehyde-treated N-negative cells. This latter specificity has been referred to as antiformaldehyde (anti-Form). Because anti-Form develops presumably in response to formaldehyde-treated cells that gain access to the patient's circulation, the authors reasoned that recipient anti-Form once established might be capable of binding to cells exposed to formaldehyde during dialysis, resulting in a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) result and an eluate reacting only with formaldehyde-treated reagent cells. The authors studied 96 patients on chronic hemodialysis who were exposed to formaldehyde-sterilized equipment. Both anti-N-like and anti-Form specificities were found. Anti-Form was detected in the serum of 16% of patients when tested against 0.37% (w/v) formaldehyde-treated cells. Nineteen percent of patients demonstrated a positive DAT result. The presence of a positive DAT result was significantly associated with the presence of anti-Form in the patient's serum (P less than 0.05). Red blood cell eluates from two patients with a positive IgG DAT result and serum anti-Form demonstrated anti-Form in the eluate. Increasing the concentration of formaldehyde treatment of red blood cells resulted in increasing strength of reactions with anti-Form serum, suggesting that the sensitivity of serum and eluate testing could be modified by the method of cell preparation. As expected, the reactivity of anti-Form with formaldehyde-treated cells could not be neutralized by formaldehyde. The authors conclude that patients treated with formaldehyde-sterilized reusable dialysis equipment may on occasion have a positive DAT result and have an eluate that is nonreactive with the use of standard reagent cells but reactive with formaldehyde-treated cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Couples undergoing treatment for infertility: dimensions of life satisfaction.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived life, marital, and sexual satisfaction of married couples undergoing treatment for infertility. A survey research design was utilized involving the responses of 43 husband-wife pairs. The findings indicated that wives had a significantly lower level of satisfaction with life than their husbands and that there were significant relationships between husband-wife pairs for both marital and sexual satisfaction. In comparison to paired wives, the responses of 17 wives whose husbands chose not to respond to the survey indicated higher levels of dissatisfaction in all three dimensions of life satisfaction. Furthermore, a majority of the scores for this group indicated clinical levels of depression. It was evident that individuals, especially females, undergoing treatment for infertility experienced stress in various areas of their lives. Hence, suggestions are given to assist caregivers in their endeavor to enhance the quality of life for infertile couples.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Enhancing relationships: understanding the feminine mystique of pretending orgasm.

As individuals become increasingly aware of their sexuality and orgasmic responsiveness, concomitantly, the phenomenon of pretending orgasm is becoming a greater part of the sexual relationship for many couples. However, few studies exist concerning this phenomenon despite the fact that nearly two-thirds of all females have reported pretending orgasm. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to profile those females who have pretended orgasm by examining the dimensions of their sexual and orgasmic behaviors, the factors that inhibit their orgasm, the dynamics of partner interaction, and any desired changes in their sexual lives. A survey research design was employed utilizing the responses of 805 professional nurses who participated in a study concerning self-perceptions of the female sexual response. The findings indicate that those females who have ever pretended orgasm became sexually active at a younger age and have been more sexually explorative than those females who have not pretended orgasm. Furthermore, the role of their sex partners was a significant dimension in their orgasmic pretense. The resultant impact on coupled relationships has many critical implications for therapists.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Coitally active university students: sexual behaviors, concerns, and challenges.

The past fifteen years, in particular, have seen a major increase in the extent to which both adolescents and young adults are engaging in sexual intercourse. While several studies call attention to the increasing incidence among college/university students, the concomitant shifts in the sociopsychological realms of sexuality are also important dimensions which impact upon sexual concerns of youth. Hence, the purposes of this study are to examine the behaviors, attitudes, and concerns of students who have engaged in coitus, as well as any changes they seek in their sex lives. The sample consisted of 123 never-married male and 205 never-married female undergraduate students from a state university. The data were obtained by utilizing an anonymous questionnaire administered to volunteers during regular university classes. Among the coitally active, 67.4% of males were psychologically satisfied after their first sexual experience, but only 28.3% of females. In contrast, 80.9% of males and 28.3% of females reported current psychological satisfaction with their sexual experiences. Significant differences between genders focused on male dissatisfaction with infrequent opportunities for sexual intercourse, lack of variety of sex partners, and insufficient oral-genital stimulation, whereas females expressed concerns relating to lack of stimulation to their breasts, painful sexual intercourse, lack of orgasm during sexual intercourse, and feelings of guilt and fear. An increasing awareness of current sexual behaviors, attitudes, and concerns of university students can help family life educators to meet student needs as they react to changes in interpersonal relationships, families, and society.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Attitudes of adolescents toward division of labor in the home.

A statewide study of adolescents' attitudes toward division of labor in the home was conducted to determine if adolescents are becoming more egalitarian in their approach to sex roles. This investigation attempted to examine adolescents' attitudes toward household tasks based on gender and maternal employment. A survey-research design was employed to collect data on 893 students in grades 7 to 12 as part of a larger study to develop a profile of today's adolescents. In general, the findings indicated that adolescents' attitudes were still somewhat traditional. Although some variations in sex-role performance of tasks were evident between males and females and students with employed and unemployed mothers, these differences were not significant.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Recycling parental sexual messages.

The purpose of this study was to explore parent-child sexual communication by investigating the impact of direct and indirect parental messages on the sexual attitudes and sexual satisfaction of young adults. A survey research design was used to obtain data from undergraduate students attending a large Southern university. The findings indicate that both direct and indirect parental sexual messages are negative and restrictive and have a differential impact on sexual satisfaction and sexual attitudes. While sexual satisfaction was positive, sexual attitudes were found to be problematic, especially among females. Suggestions are given for approaches that family life educators and parents may use in order to recycle previous sexual messages.

Adolescent↗