Exploring the connection between tightness-looseness, sexual health, and well-being: A mixed-methods approach

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of the multifaceted realm of sexual attitudes, sexual health, and sex education, with a central focus on their relationship with mindset (tightness-looseness). Across four studies, we delve into the attitudes and intentions toward infidelity (chapter 2), perceived psychological benefits of comprehensive sex education (chapter 3), exploration of tightness-looseness and sexual health-related policies within a ‘loose’ nation (chapter 4), and examination of outcomes associated with tightness-looseness within a gamified sexual health training program (chapter 5). Our results suggest that discernible patterns emerge within a framework of tightness-looseness concerning sexual health outcomes, both when considered as a regional factor and as an individual difference factor. Specifically, on the regional level, ‘looser’ states tended to implement policies that ensured inclusive approaches to sex education and were more likely to have legislation protecting access to contraceptive care (i.e., abortion), compared to tighter states. On the individual level, people with a looser mindset tended to express more positive attitudes and greater intentions toward infidelity, compared to tighter mindsets. Likewise, looser mindsets tended to score lower on sexual-related guilt and higher on sexual-related comfort in comparison to tighter mindsets. Notably, individuals with a tighter mindset showcased greater confidence in sexual self-efficacy. Our findings indicate that the tightness-looseness framework plays a significant role in shaping patterns related to sexual attitudes and experiences, as well as outcomes related to sexual health. In addition to mindset, our participants emphasized that comprehensive sex education brings a range of positive mental health and well-being benefits. This includes contributing to the normalization and destigmatization of sexual experiences and gender-expansive identities, fostering increased feelings of psychological safety, awareness, and informed decision-making. Taken together, this thesis contributes to the growing body of literature exploring the complex intersections of mindset, sexual attitudes, and health outcomes. Specifically, we investigate sexual attitudes and intentions toward infidelity, the psychological benefits of sex education, regional trends in sexual health-related policies, and individual-level outcomes when engaging in a sexual health training program. Furthermore, and to our knowledge, this thesis is the first of its kind to evaluate the use of the tightness-looseness framework as an explanatory model for sexual behaviors, experiences, attitudes, and policies. Implications, contributions, and advancements to the field of sexual health are discussed, as well as directions for future researchers.