Case Study:
Article Critiques
M. Eisenberg et al., "Casual sex and psychological health among young adults: Is having "friends with benefits" emotionally damaging?"
Summary of Article
There have been speculations by the public that sexual activities than those of a committee relationship may lead to emotional damage for young people. In their article "Casual sex and psychological health among young adults: Is having "friends with benefits" emotionally damaging," Eisenberg et al., seek to address this issue. The study found that one-fifth of the interviewed young adults had a casual partner as their most recent partner. It also found that casual relationships were more prevalent among men than women. The article, moreover, found that young adults who are involved in casual relationships were no higher risk of psychological harm compared to those in committed relationships. It concludes that there is no link between the sexual partners and emotional health.
Supporting Facts
The findings made by this article are based on empirical research. The authors studied a large sample of over a thousand sexually active young people who took part in a survey that involved issues of sex, sexual behavior, and psychological heath. Eisenberg et al. (2009) note, "Data for this study are from Project EAT-II, a follow-up study of the social, environmental, personal and behavioral determinants of weight status and eating behavior among adolescents" (232). In this sense, the study used data about casual partnerships. The scores for psychological health from the survey data indicated that there was no significant difference when sexual partner categories were analyzed. The research also reviewed previous research on this matter in making its findings. There are no associations, based on the study, between the kind of sexual partner and emotional wellbeing.
Faulty or Biased Reasoning
The study is sound and it is empirical, scientific research. However. There are some areas where there were limitations and biased thinking. For example, it does not consider the significant distinctions that exist between the several of types of uncommitted sexual partnerships. The article "classifies sexual partnerships into either committed or uncommitted" in its assessment of whether there is a link between them and psychological wellbeing (Eisenberg et al., 2009; 232). There are those who are in open relationships. There are also those people who engage in polyamory and "one-night stands." In this sense, the study fails to take into account these distinctions. Also, the research was quantitative and not qualitative. Quantitate studies may not be the best way in making accurate conclusions about emotional feelings.
Personal Conclusions
I found the article interesting and engaging to read and critique. As a young person, I find articles about sexual and psychological health based on young adults to be of particular interest to me. Its relevance cannot be overstated because casual partnerships happen around us, especially on college campuses. However, I do not entirely agree with the conclusions because, as stated above, it fails to take into account important dynamics of sexual partnerships that inform whether or not they have any psychological benefits or drawbacks. In my view, sexual relations are complex in nature, and that they have varying opinions on what they would call emotional effects in that context.
It is my perspective that there are important aspects that these types of uncommitted relationships have that make dictate whether they are psychologically beneficial or harmful. Further, like any other research study, the finding of the authors does not capture and represent the practice of the general population of young adults. For these reasons, I do not agree with the findings.
Ramsey S, Sweeney C, Fraser M, Oades G., "Pubic Hair and Sexuality: A Review"
Summary of Article
It would seem that human beings have styled their pubic hair in particular ways and fashions since medieval times. In the modern world, how a person grooms their pubic hair may have a bearing on their sexuality. According to Ramsey et al. (2009), in the study, "Pubic Hair and Sexuality: A Review," the removal of pubic hair "appears to be an important aspect of one's sexuality and participation in sexual activity" (2102). This study explores the reasons why people aesthetically modify their pubic hair in their attempt to stay fashionable in a changing world. It examines the styles of pubic hair removal and its effect on sexuality and overall wellbeing. The authors find that this practice has an intriguing psychosexual premise that has not yet been completely examined by medicine.
Supporting Facts
The basis of the conclusions of the study is the literature review of available material on the subject. Moreover, it utilized Internet search engine research since there were scholarly articles. Also, the authors used a system called the Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM), originally designed for classifying tumors, to grade body hairstyles. They used the system to analyze and assess Internet-based search of female and male body hair. Ramsey at al. (2009) state that "the published literature demonstrates pubic hair removal has clearly been important to mankind for many years for a variety of reasons" (2110). Studies in this area suggest that a significant number of those who have modified their pubic hair have done so about sexual activities. Further, the adoption and normalization of the practice may be related to the increased availability of Internet pornography. The availability of a vast number of Internet advice on pubic hair removal styles also reveals that there is a psychosexual angle to the phenomenon. Thus, the removal of pubic hair is a way of sexually expressing oneself as well as taking part in sexual activity.
Faulty or Biased Reasoning
The reasoning and logical flow of the material are excellent. However, the authors have failed to capture some relevant aspects of the subject matter. For instance, it is my view that pubic hair is not just a psychosexual issue. There are many other reasons why humans modify their body hair that has no relation to psychology or sexuality. In some cultures, the practice is merely a hygiene issue. In this sense, people only do this because it is a part of their regular grooming routine. In some others, it is a religious practice. Muslims, for example, are required to shave their auxiliary body hair as a religious requirement, although it is also for hygienic purposes. Therefore, there is bias in the way the article contends that it is mainly a sexual matter.
Personal Conclusions
The article is highly useful in its content and arguments. It is appropriate in the way it encompasses and analyzes the topic from a variety of angles such as psychological, sexual, modern culture, and style and lexicon. The way it also examines the medical and historical aspects of the issue is commendable. By giving the reader an idea of how the subject has evolved over the years and across different cultures as well as the medical and scientific issues surrounding it. It is also worth noting that this is the first scholarly material on the subject of pubic hair. In this regard, it is an important piece of literature, which may "be adopted as the reference standard" (Ramsey at al., 2009; 2100). It also indicates that there is a need for further research in this area due to the lack thereof. Aside from that, I think I have gained some considerable information on a topic that is usually too personal and may even be considered a taboo in most societies to even discuss.
Although it may have overlooked some important aspects, the findings are well supported and are, in my view, accurate. Our understanding of sexual medicine and psychology is richer, as a result.
References
Eisenberg, M.E., Ackard D.M., Resnick, M.D, & Neumark-Stainer, D. (2009). Casual sex
and psychological health among young adults: Is having "friends with benefits" emotionally damaging? Perspectives on Sexual and
Reproductive Health, 41(4), 231-237.
Ramsey S, Sweeney C, Fraser M, Oades G. (2009). Pubic hair and sexuality: A
review. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 6, 2102-2110