Assessing Public Opinions of Sexual Advance Directives Among Older Adults With Dementia.

This study used a mixed-method research design to examine public attitudes toward sexual advance directives (SADs), a theoretical legal document intended to protect the sexual rights of individuals across the lifespan. Respondents (N = 537) largely indicated that SADs should exist (65.4%) to preserve autonomy and protect resident rights, but they would not sign one right now (60.4%) because they were too young. Linear regression analyses revealed statistical associations between education level, relationship length, and sexual instrumentality for the existence of SADs, while gender, age, perceived importance of sexuality, and sexual self-disclosure were associated with whether a respondent would sign the document now. Overall analyses indicate that valuing sexual expression as a right, autonomy, sexuality in older age, and sexual communication led to a greater amount of general support for SADs. Respondents were sensitive to the concerns of SADs in the context of fluid consent between partners and their safety.

COVID-19 Specific Risk Markers for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) rates have grown alongside the sweeping changes, challenges, and transitions necessitated by the onset of COVID-19. The goal of this exploratory study was to examine COVID-19 related risk markers for IPV perpetration. Data were collected from a national sample of 365 U.S. individuals who were in a relationship during August 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic. Unadjusted odds ratios were calculated for 27 unique risk markers related to lifestyle changes due to COVID-19, mental health, isolation, financial impacts, and COVID-19 diagnoses. The strongest risk markers for IPV perpetration were feelings of loneliness, followed by anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, fear, boredom, substance use and lifestyle changes. Understanding risk markers associated with an increase in IPV perpetration can aid helping professionals identify individuals who may be at risk for IPV, or target these factors to aid in IPV prevention and intervention efforts.