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IntroductionNavigating fertility preservation poses unique challenges for young transgender and gender expansive (TGE) youths, who must balance short-term concerns like delaying gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) with long-term considerations of potential infertility. Parents play a crucial role in supporting their TGE children through their gender affirmation journey, which includes discussions about fertility preservation.AimThis study aimed to explore parental feelings and attitudes toward the fertility preservation of their TGE children, acknowledging the diverse perspectives shaped by societal, legal, and personal factors.MethodsThe study involved 82 parents who completed an online-distributed questionnaire. Participants were parents of TGE youths aged between six and twenty-five years old. The mixed-methods study utilized a tailored questionnaire comprising both open-ended and closed-ended questions.ResultsDescriptive analysis revealed that a significant majority of parents were aware of the effects of GAHT on fertility, with 65.3% expressing a desire for their children to have their own children in the future. However, parents shared that only 14.5% of children underwent a fertility preservation pathway, while 68.1% did not, citing barriers such as lack of services, cost, and procedural distress. Qualitative analysis identified four main themes: (1) Emotional response, (2) Parental expectations, (3) Parent-Child relationship, and (4) Structural barriers.DiscussionOverall, the study underscores the multifaceted nature of parental experiences regarding fertility preservation for TGE individuals, emphasizing the importance of addressing societal norms, personal expectations, and structural barriers to ensure equitable access to reproductive healthcare services.

Background: Minority stress has traditionally been explored at the individual level, particularly among LGBTQ+ populations. However, the experiences of couple-level minority stress in trans-inclusive relationships, where at least one partner is transgender, are underexplored. This study seeks to understand the unique stressors and coping mechanisms within these relationships, considering the compounded stress from multiple marginalized identities. Methods: A qualitative approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 10 Italian trans-inclusive couples. Participants were invited to participate from November 2021 to July 2022. Data were analyzed through template analysis as a qualitative approach to thematic analysis, identifying stress levels and themes. The coding process was iterative, involving multiple rounds to refine themes and sub-themes. Results: Ten themes were identified and organized into four levels of analysis: 1) Systemic level, encompassing perceived safety, social representation, and legal and social disparities; 2) Familial level, comprising experiences of discrimination, devaluation of relationship identity, and emotional impact; 3) Social interaction level, involving microaggressions and social exclusion; and 4) Intra-couple level, exploring shared stress and comparative couple-image. Discussion: The findings highlight that trans-inclusive couples experience a complex interplay of stressors at multiple levels, which are influenced by both external perceptions and internal dynamics. Understanding these stressors is crucial for developing supportive interventions that address the unique needs of these couples. The study emphasizes the importance of considering intersectionality in minority stress research to capture the diverse experiences within trans-inclusive relationships.

Purpose of Review: This narrative review aims to explore the intersection of transgender and non-binary (TNB) sexuality with sex technology (sex tech), focusing on recent literature. The review is based on the analysis of 19 articles, including 6 specific to the TNB population and 13 that do not exclusively focus on this group. We sought to investigate how TNB individuals engage with various forms of sex tech, including pornography, sex dolls, sex robots, dating apps, sex toys, and virtual reality sex. We also aim to briefly delve into the representation of trans bodies and sexualities within the realm of sex tech. Recent Findings: Recent research highlights the complexity of TNB individuals' engagement with sex tech. Studies indicate a growing interest in trans pornography, the prevalence of sex toy usage among TNB populations, and the emergence of dating apps specifically catering to TNB individuals. However, there remains a lack of empirical evidence regarding the experiences of TNB individuals with sex dolls, sex robots, and virtual reality sex. Summary: Our examination underscores the need for more inclusive research on TNB sexuality within the sex tech discourse. While we have gained some insights, there are still gaps, especially in understanding how emerging technologies impact TNB individuals. Future research should prioritize exploring the motivations, experiences, and effects of sex tech on TNB individuals, while also ensuring ethical considerations and promoting diversity and inclusion in technological design and representation.

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore the concerns felt by Italian transgender and bisexual+ individuals following the block of the Zan Bill by the Senate, a law against hate crimes based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. Methods: The study was conducted online from December 2021 to March 2022. A qualitative investigation of participants’ answers to the following open-ended question was conducted: “What potential concerns rose in you or were reinforced as a result of the Zan Bill’s block?” The total sample included 201 Italian individuals (137 bisexual+ and 64 transgender). Coding reliability thematic analysis of participants’ responses was conducted. Results: Through a coding reliability thematic analysis, the authors generated three overarching themes, which can be divided into eight subthemes. The three overarching themes were as follows: (1) concerns for personal safety, i.e., concerns related to expectations of discrimination, physical or psychological violence in various life circumstances, or decreased well-being; (2) concerns about the safety of loved ones or other LGBTQIA+ individuals, women+, and people with disabilities; and (3) concerns about the rule of law in Italy, i.e., concerns related to future sociopolitical scenarios in Italy for bisexual+ and transgender people rights. Themes related to concerns raised among Italian transgender and bisexual+ people have been discussed by adopting the networked model of ecological systems theory. Conclusions: The block of the Zan Bill raised or reinforced concerns at the individual, family, organizational, and systemic-institutional levels. Policy Implications: The development of policies in favor and support of Italian bisexual+ and transgender people would increase their well-being.

L'obiettivo di questa tesi è esaminare in modo approfondito i fattori psicologici e sociali che contribuiscono alle disparità di salute tra le persone appartenenti a minoranze sessuali e di genere. Gli argomenti trattati provengono da un'ampia gamma di discipline accademiche, tra cui psicologia clinica e sociale, sociologia, antropologia, salute pubblica, psicologia evoluzionistica, politica e studi medici e neuroscientifici. Affrontare il tema dell'identità e della salute implica affrontare la complessità. Esaminare l'intricato rapporto tra identità e salute richiede un'approfondita esplorazione dei molteplici fattori che influenzano un particolare fenomeno o comportamento. Di conseguenza, questa tesi analizza una moltitudine di argomenti correlati, come l'identità sessuale e di genere, lo stigma, lo stress sociale, la salute mentale e fisica, il benessere, i contesti socio-ecologici, le relazioni, i diritti e le dinamiche politiche. La tesi è strutturata in tre parti principali, ognuna ulteriormente suddivisa in sezioni e sottosezioni. Parte I: Processi sociali e psicologici, disparità nella salute e diritti tra le minoranze sessuali e di genere La Parte I mira a fornire una comprensione graduale e completa delle fondamenta teoriche su cui si basa la ricerca sulle disparità di salute delle minoranze sessuali e di genere. Inizia offrendo una panoramica dei concetti fondamentali riguardanti chi sono le minoranze sessuali e di genere (§1-2). Vengono introdotti e esaminati concetti chiave come lo stigma (§3) e lo stress (§4) nel contesto di come si combinino per formare una forma unica di stress nota come minority stress. Viene ripercorso lo sviluppo storico della Minority Stress Theory e la sua applicazione alla salute e al benessere delle minoranze sessuali e di genere (§5). Inoltre, la Parte I esplora il concetto di stigma strutturale (§6) e ne investiga il legame con il minority stress nelle minoranze sessuali e di genere. Si esamina anche il ruolo delle, The aim of this dissertation is to comprehensively examine the psychological and social factors that contribute to health disparities among sexual and gender minority individuals. The topics investigated draw from a diverse range of academic disciplines, including clinical and social psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health, evolutionary psychology, politics, and medical and neuroscientific studies. Indeed, dealing with identity and health implies dealing with complexity. Addressing the intricate interplay between identity and health requires an in-depth exploration of the multiple elements that influence a particular phenomenon or behavior. Accordingly, this thesis will explore a multitude of interrelated topics, such as sexual and gender identity, stigma, social stress, mental and physical health, well-being, socio-ecological contexts, relationships, rights, and political dynamics. The thesis is structured into three main parts, each further divided into sections and subsections. Part I: Social and psychological processes, health disparities and rights among sexual and gender minority people Part I aims to provide a gradual and comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundation that underpins research on health disparities among sexual and gender minorities. It begins by offering an overview of the fundamental concepts pertaining to who sexual and gender minority individuals are (§1-2). Key concepts like stigma (§3) and stress (§4) are introduced and examined in the context of how they combine to form a unique form of stress referred to as minority stress. The historical development of the Minority Stress Theory and its application to the health and well-being of sexual and gender minority populations is traced (§5). Additionally, Part I explores the concept of structural stigma (§6) and investigates its connection to minority stress among sexual and gender minorities. The role of policy and legislation in defining structural stigma is also explor

In present study the process of choosing a name in the transgender and non-binary (TGNB) community was investigated. A qualitative investigation with open-ended questions was conducted to achieve this goal. The total sample included 124 individuals (46 non-binary, 66 trans masculine, and 12 trans feminine). Seven overarching themes emerged from the reflective thematic analysis, which can be divided into two broad macro areas: 1) the process of deciding on a name; 2) identity values that the TGNB person’s choice of name may have. The peculiarities of the Italian context and the ways they affect the process are discussed.

Bisexual + people experience severe forms of structural stigma that are associated to negative mental health outcomes. In order to eradicate hate crimes against LGBTQIAPK + people, on the 4th of November 2020, the Italian deputy Alessandro Zan proposed a Bill entitled “Measures to prevent and combat discrimination and violence on grounds of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability” (also known as “Zan Bill”). On October 27, 2021, the Italian Senate silenced the Bill. This study aimed to explore whether a worsening in mental health before and after the Zan Bill’s rejection occurred among bisexual + people. Data from 299 Italian bisexual + people after the Zan Bill’s rejection were compared with data on the same measures from 381 Italian bisexual + people before the Zan Bill’s rejection. We observed a worsening in the levels of discrimination, anticipated and internalized binegativity, resilience, anxiety, and depression after the rejection of the Zan Bill. Outness remained unchanged in the two groups. Results suggested that the rejection of the Zan Bill has had a strong effect on the well-being of Italian bisexual + people.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the study of transgender and non-binary (TGNB) individuals’ romantic and sexual relationships. The present study explored, from TGNB people’s partners’ perspective, how the couple experiences sexuality and intimacy, the effects from gender dysphoria in these relational domains, and how dysphoria is managed. For this purpose, 99 partners of TGNB individuals were recruited for an online study. Participants were asked to answer the following open-ended questions: “In the intimacy and sexuality with your partner, are there any parts of your or your partner’s body that are/were off-limits?” “How did you manage this before, during, and after transition?” The data were analyzed through thematic analysis, and four overarching themes emerged: 1) Positive Aspects of the Relationship; (2) Challenges; (3) Strategies to Manage Dysphoria; and (4) Expected Improvement through Access to Medical Affirmation. The results suggest that gender dysphoria is one of the main challenges in experiencing intimacy and sexuality, but TGNB individuals and their partners can rely on several relational and practical resources to navigate it and enjoy positive experiences with intimacy and sexuality. The findings provide valuable information about how TGNB individuals and their partners build healthy and fulfilling relationships, and they can help clinicians better understand both members’ perspectives in these romantic couples in the context of couples’ therapy and sexual counseling.

Ferioli, D, Conte, D, Rucco, D, Alcaraz, PE, Vaquera, A, Romagnoli, M, and Rampinini, E. Physical demands of elite male and female 3×3 international basketball matches. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): e289-e296, 2023-This study aimed to (1) characterize the physical demands of 3 × 3 basketball games during live playing time and ball possession and (2) assess the differences in physical demands between male and female players. Following an observational design, video footage from 27 games of the International Basketball Federation 3 × 3 World Cup 2019 were analyzed from 104 international 3 × 3 basketball players ( n = 52 male and n = 52 female players) resulting in a total of 216 (104 male and 112 female) individual game samples. Manual frame-by-frame time-motion analyses determined the relative frequency (n·min -1 ) and duration (%) for several physical demands at different intensities, according to sex, during the live playing time and in ball possession phases. Linear mixed models for repeated measures and effect size (ES) analyses revealed small non-significant differences in the intermittent profile of 3 × 3 basketball games according to sex (total movements per minute, male = 39.3 (38.6-40.1); female = 40.2 (39.5-41.0), estimated marginal means with 95% confidence intervals). Female competitions had significantly greater number of low-intensity activities (LIA, small ES) and high-intensity activities (HIA, small ES) performed per minute over longer games ( small ES), whereas male players had more recovery activities ( small ES). During ball possession, male players spent a larger amount of time performing LIA ( small ES) than female players, who displayed both the greatest number of HIA and the highest percentage of playing time performed at high intensity ( small ES). Overall, these findings suggest that basketball coaches should design sex-specific training sessions based on the specific match demands.

Despite the increased popularity and number of international competitions for 3 × 3 basketball, the precise physical demands of this sport are not well described. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the physical demands of 3 × 3 basketball games according to game outcome and competition phase. Following an observational design, video footage from 27 games were analysed from 104 international 3 × 3 basketball players (n = 52 male and n = 52 female players) belonging to 26 national teams (n = 13 male and n = 13 female teams) during the 2019 FIBA 3 × 3 World Cup. Manual frame-by-frame time-motion analyses were conducted to determine the relative frequency (n · min-1) and duration (% of live playing time) for several physical demand variables to make comparisons according to game outcome (win vs. loss) and competition phase (group games vs. finals games). Linear mixed models for repeated measures and effect size analyses revealed non-significant, trivial-small differences in physical demands between games that were won and lost. Regarding competition phase, male players completed more high-intensity activity (sprinting, high-intensity specific movements, and jumping) but spent a greater proportion of playing time jumping and performing recovery activities (standing/ walking) during finals games than group games (P < 0.05, small), while female players performed more low-intensity activity (jogging and low-intensity specific movements) during group games than finals games (P < 0.05, small). These findings indicate that the physical capabilities of male and female 3 × 3 basketball players may not be the determining factor for team success in games and players can mostly maintain activity outputs across phases of tournament play conducted at the highest international standard.

Introduction: Inpatient suicide in hospitals is a worrying phenomenon that has received little attention. This study retrospectively explored the socio-demographic, clinical, and suicide-related characteristics of hospital inpatient suicides in Milan, Italy, which were collected at the Institute of Forensic Medicine during a twenty-eight-year period (1993–2020). In particular, this study compared the features of hospital inpatient suicides in patients with and without psychiatric diagnoses. Methods: Data were collected through the historical archive, annual registers, and autopsy reports, in certified copies of the originals deposited with the prosecutors of the courts. Results: Considering the global sample, inpatients were mainly men (N = 128; 64.6%), with a mean age of 56.7 years (SD ± 19.8), of Italian nationality (N = 176; 88.9%), admitted to non-psychiatric wards (N = 132; 66.7%), with a single illness (N = 111; 56.1%), treated with psychotropic medications (N = 101; 51%), who used violent suicide methods (N = 177; 89.4%), died of organic injuries (N = 156; 78.8%), and outside the buildings (N = 114; 72.7%). Comparing psychiatric and non-psychiatric inpatients, suicide cases with a non-psychiatric diagnosis were predominantly men (N = 48; 76.2%), hospitalized in non-psychiatric wards (N = 62; 98.4%), assuming non-psychotropic drugs (N = 37; 58.7%), and died in outside hospital spaces (N = 54; 85.7%). Conclusions: A fuller characterization of suicide among hospitalized inpatients requires systematic and computerized data gathering that provides for specific information. Indeed, this could be valuable for inpatient suicide prevention strategies as well as institutional policies.

The effect of stress on animal behavior and brain activity has been attracting growing attention in the last decades. Stress dramatically affects several aspects of animal behavior, including motivation and cognitive functioning, and has been used to model human pathologies such as post-traumatic stress disorder. A key question is whether stress alters the plastic potential of synaptic circuits. In this work, we evaluated if stress affects dopamine (DA)-dependent synaptic plasticity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). On male adolescent rats, we characterized anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors using behavioral testing before and after exposure to a mild stress (elevated platform, EP). After the behavioral protocols, we investigated DA-dependent long-term potentiation (DA-LTP) and depression (DA-LTD) on acute slices of mPFC and evaluated the activation of DA-producing brain regions by western and dot blot analysis. We show that exposure to the EP stress enhances DA-LTP and that desipramine (DMI) treatment abolishes this effect. We also found that DA-LTD is not affected by EP stress unless when this is followed by DMI treatment. In addition, EP stress reduces anxiety, an effect abolished by both DMI and ketamine, while motivation is promoted by previous exposure to EP stress independently of pharmacological treatments. Finally, this form of stress reduces the expression of the early gene cFOS in the ventral tegmental area. These findings support the idea that mild stressors can promote synaptic plasticity in PFC through a dopaminergic mechanism, an effect that might increase the sensitivity of mPFC to subsequent stressful experiences.

It is not clear when and how animals start to discriminate between male and female conspecifics and how this distinction drives their social behaviour. A study on pheasants found that 1-week-old chicks (Phasianus colchicus) preferentially aggregated with same-sex peers and this trend became more pronounced through development, suggesting that sexual segregation increases during ontogeny. However, it remains unclear whether this ability depends on experience or develops spontaneously. Using a similar experimental protocol, we investigated whether sex discrimination is present at birth in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus) by testing the social preferences of young chicks with clutch mates. We measured the amount of time spent close to male and female conspecifics in visually inexperienced chicks. Soon after hatching, both males and females preferentially aggregated with females. To clarify whether the experience with conspecifics modifies the initial preference for females, we used an imprinting procedure. We exposed chicks to conspecifics of the same sex, different sex or both sexes for 3 days and then tested their preferences to aggregate with males or females. No sex preference was observed after 3 days of imprinting exposure. The disappearance of the initial sex preference shows that, although chicks can discriminate between conspecifics of different sex, sex segregation does not influence sex preferences in the first week of life. We suggest that the absence of sexual assortment in the first week of age can enhance the social cohesion of the flock. Significant statement: The ability to discriminate males from females affects a wide range of social behaviours, including the preferences for own sex conspecifics during sex segregation and the choice of a partner in the mating period. However, it remains unclear when and how males and females start to discriminate members of the same/different sex. We tested the domestic chicks to explore whether sex discri

Child abuse is an important source of mental and physical adverse consequences for victims, their family, and their community. The impact of violence during childhood on the development of the victim is a very sensitive theme. Other than internalizing symptoms, it is interesting to analyze the possibility that a victim may assume the role of persecutor. With this aim, we evaluate Literature and examine the interplay among different types of child abuse (emotional neglect, emotional abuse, physical neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse) and the development of psychopathy. We consider the role of post-traumatic stress disorder and that of personal environment as potential mediators between abuse and psychopathy. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis on possible differences due to the victim's gender is performed. Finally, analysis focused on genetic variants, such as the polymorphism of 5HTT and MAO-A, or a biological alteration, like the difference in daily cortisol levels that could be related to the development of psychopathy after a trauma.

The therapeutic termination of pregnancy (TToP) is an induced abortion following a diagnosis of medical necessity. TToP is applied to avoid the risk of substantial harm to the mother or in cases of fetal unviability. This type of induced abortion is provided after the second semester of gestation if fetal illness or the pregnancy cause physical danger or pathological mental distress to the mother. Socio-cultural and economic determinants could influence the desire for children and family planning in couples, as well as the use of effective contraception and the choice to perform an induced abortion. Also, pre-existing mental health problems could affect the decision between carrying on a problematic pregnancy or having TToP. Furthermore, the TToP is a reproductive event with an important traumatic burden, but also with an intrinsic therapeutic effect and it can produce different psychological and psychopathological effects on women and couples. The aim of this review is to evaluate what demographic, reproductive and psychopathological determinants are involved in the choice of undergoing a TToP in women. Also, we will examine both positive and negative consequences of this procedure on women's mental health, underlying which factors are related to a worse outcome in order to provide the best clinical support to vulnerable groups.

Filial imprinting has become a model for understanding memory, learning and social behaviour in neonate animals. This mechanism allows the youngs of precocial bird species to learn the characteristics of conspicuous visual stimuli and display affiliative response to them. Although longer exposures to an object produce stronger preferences for it afterwards, this relation is not linear. Sometimes, chicks even prefer to approach novel rather than familiar objects. To date, little is known about how filial preferences develop across time. This study aimed to investigate filial preferences for familiar and novel imprinting objects over time. After hatching, chicks were individually placed in an arena where stimuli were displayed on two opposite screens. Using an automated setup, the duration of exposure and the type of stimuli were manipulated while the time spent at the imprinting stimulus was monitored across 6 days. We showed that prolonged exposure (3 days vs 1 day) to a stimulus produced robust filial imprinting preferences. Interestingly, with a shorter exposure (1 day), animals re-evaluated their filial preferences in functions of their spontaneous preferences and past experiences. Our study suggests that predispositions influence learning when the imprinting memories are not fully consolidated, driving animal preferences toward more predisposed stimuli.

PURPOSE:To examine the physiological, physical, and technical demands of game-based drills (GBDs) with regular dribble (RD) or no dribble (ND) involving a different number of players (3 vs 3, 4 vs 4, and 5 vs 5). METHODS:Ten regional-level male basketball players performed 6 full-court GBD formats (each consisting of 3 bouts of 4 min and 2 min rest) on multiple occasions. The physiological and perceptual responses were measured through heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Video-based time-motion analysis was performed to assess the GBD physical demands. The frequencies of occurrence and the duration were calculated for high-intensity, moderate-intensity, low-intensity, and recovery activities. Technical demands were assessed with a notional-analysis technique. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess statistical differences between GBD formats. RESULTS:A greater perceptual response (rating of perceived exertion) was recorded during 3 versus 3 than 5 versus 5 formats (P = .005). Significant interactions were observed for the number of recovery (P = .021), low-intensity activity (P = .007), and all movements (P = .001) completed. Greater time was spent performing low-intensity and high-intensity activities during RD than ND format. Greater technical demands were observed for several variables during 3 versus 3 than 4 versus 4 or 5 versus 5. A greater number of turnovers (P = .027), total (P ≤ .001), and correct passes (P ≤ .001) were recorded during ND than RD format. CONCLUSIONS:The number of players predominantly affected the perceptual response to GBD, while both the number of players and rule modification (RD vs ND) affected activities performed during GBD. Reducing the number of players increases the GBD technical elements, while ND format promotes a greater number of turnovers and passes.