Welcoming New Life Into the World 

Isha Gupta
May 2024

Infants can be born in diverse ways. In the United States, vaginal delivery and C-section, also known as Cesarean birth, are common.^[1] According to Cleaveland Clinic, in the United States, about 68% of all births are via vaginal deliveries, and about 1.2 million C-section deliveries occur each year.^[1]Both vaginal deliveries and C-sections can be accompanied by unique risks and advantages for both newborns and their mothers. Therefore, it is important to be more aware of these two most common methods infants are born. 

Vaginal delivery 

Vaginal delivery is the most common type of childbirth. It is considered to be the safest and preferred.^[1] During this childbirth method, the uterus contracts, the cervix opens and the newborn is pushed out of the vagina, also referred to as the birth canal.^[1] 

Researchers have found numerous benefits of vaginal delivery to maternal and child health. These include decreased hospital stay and increased mother-child bonding.^[2]Also, among new mothers, vaginal deliveries are associated with faster recovery, lower rates of infection, and lower risk of complications for subsequent pregnancies.^[1]In addition, babies born via the birth canal are more likely to breastfeed, have improved immune function, and lower risk of respiratory health problems.^[1] 

Although it is generally considered to be the least risky,^[3] vaginal delivery could still lead to potential risks and adverse outcomes. One of the most common complications is excessive or life-threatening bleeding during or after childbirth, also known as hemorrhage.^[3] Furthermore, tears around the vagina and rectum can occur during vaginal delivery.^[3] Moreover, larger tears in the vagina can further increase the risk of severe postpartum hemorrhage.^[4] 

C-section 

A C-section is the surgical delivery of an infant. C-sections are usually recommended when vaginal delivery is unsafe for either the mother, baby, or both. C-sections can be performed during medical emergencies and they can also be planned in advance.^[5] During this childbirth method, a cut, referred to as an incision, is made in the abdomen and uterus. After the infant is delivered and the placenta is expelled, stitches are made to close the incision.^[6]

A variety of factors can influence whether a woman will undergo a C-section. These include the placenta being attached too low, or when the infant’s body is too large to safely pass through the pelvis.^[5] Furthermore, abnormal fetal heart rate^[6] and the infant’s position in the uterus can influence the need for a C-section. Moreover, women may undergo a C-section if they have certain chronic health conditions such as heart disease, or, infections that could be transmitted to the infant during vaginal delivery such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).^[7] For women who previously had a C-section, vaginal delivery could still be considered for the subsequent birth.^[5] However, important factors such as the type of uterine incision from the previous birth and the risk of uterine rupture could influence the need for a C-section for the subsequent birth.^[5] Additionally, for women who are carrying multiple infants in the uterus, a C-section is considered to be safer, especially since carrying multiple infants can cause prolonged labor, which, in turn, can lead to distress.^[7] 

C-sections are generally considered to be associated with more risks than vaginal deliveries.^[1] Along with longer hospital stays and longer recovery,^[1] possible risks and complications include reactions to medicines utilized during the surgery, injury to the bladder or bowel, and wound infection.^[6] Nevertheless, C-sections may also offer unique advantages. These include less risk of the infant being oxygen-deprived during the delivery. Additionally, for the new mother, a C-section may pose a lower risk of incontinence and sexual dysfunction.^[1] 

Vaginal deliveries and C-sections are the most common birthing methods in the United States. Diverse medical and health factors can influence whether a C-section or vaginal delivery would be essential for a mother to safely give birth to her baby. There can be possible risks and unique advantages to both methods of welcoming new life into the world. 

References 

[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2022, October 7). Pregnancy: Types of Delivery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9675-pregnancy-types-of-delivery 

[2] Desai, N. M., & Tsukerman, A. (2023, July 24). Vaginal Delivery. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559197/ 

[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2022a, May 26). Vaginal Delivery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23097-vaginal-delivery

[4] Graugaard , H. L., & Maimburg, R. D. (2021, March 10). Is the increase in postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal birth because of altered clinical practice?: A register-based cohort study. Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/birt.12543 

[5] Cleveland Clinic. (2022b, August 14). C-Section. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/7246-cesarean-birth-c-section

[6] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Cesarean Section. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cesarean-section 

[7] Healthline Media. (2016, July 8). Reasons for a C-Section: Medical, Personal, or Other. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-reasons

Stigmas Surrounding Postpartum Maternal Health 

Isha Gupta
June 2024

Welcoming new life into the world can be a major life milestone and the start of a new chapter. Socio-cultural beliefs and stigmas can influence public perceptions and attitudes toward new mothers. Stigmas surrounding postpartum maternal health can be diverse and affect women’s health and well-being. 

Stillbirth

A stillbirth can be a stressful and difficult experience for parents. Although improvements have been made in maternity healthcare services overall, stillbirths are still relatively prevalent. Recent estimates suggest that there are more than 2.7 million stillbirths in the world each year.^[1] Stillbirths can significantly impact the mental health and emotional well-being of parents, often leading to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation.^[1] Research has also found that women who had a stillbirth may feel embarrassed and guilty about their post-pregnant bodies, and this negative body image can decrease their sexual activity and pleasure.^[1]In addition, many women blame themselves or are blamed by their partner and family, for their stillbirth. The stigma surrounding stillbirths can be so severe, especially in low and middle-income countries, where women who had a stillbirth are perceived as being under the spell of evil spirits, and women are also accused of getting abortions. Furthermore, some women have been divorced by their partners, got physically abused, and were even forced to leave their villages.^[1] Effectively supporting parents in diverse ways can help them develop resilience and support their mental health. For instance, researchers found that providing parents the opportunity to see their baby, say goodbye, and make final memories helped decrease anxiety and sleep disorders, along with promoting coping and healing.^[1] Additionally, along with addressing taboos, it is beneficial for bereavement care to be religiously and culturally sensitive. Moreover, conducting further research, especially on the diverse impacts of stillbirths can help increase knowledge and understanding about the complexity of this grief and loss.^[1] 

C-section 

A Cesarean section (C-section) is essential when vaginal birth poses risks to the mother or her baby, yet a C-section can be accompanied by stigma. The stigma can be influenced by vaginal deliveries being exceedingly promoted while implying C-sections to be unnatural and abnormal.^[2] As a result, frequently, women who are unable to have vaginal deliveries are labeled as weak and lazy.^[3] This stigma can often come from loved ones, particularly mother figures or other women in one’s immediate family, which can contribute to the peer pressure of vaginal birth.^[3] Continuous and improved tools for science communication, including accurate social media outlets, can be utilized to raise awareness about the importance of C-sections when vaginal deliveries are unsafe.^[2] Such maternal health communication strategies must be comprehensive, factual, and accessible to diverse members of the public to help address negative perceptions toward C-sections. 

Postpartum Bleeding 

In many cultures, there are negative connotations associated with bleeding during and after childbirth. These include misconceptions that postpartum bleeding is contagious, and that evil spirits cause it to punish new mothers for ignoring social rules or past mistakes.^[4] Stigmas can place significant restrictions on new mothers’ lives. For example, in some communities of Nepal, women are isolated and confined in cowsheds and huts, both during menstrual bleeding and immediately after childbirth, because they are considered impure, unclean, and untouchable.^{[5, 6]} Along with affecting women’s physical and mental health, restrictions can pose a threat to their lives due to unsafe living conditions. Furthermore, stigmas could contribute to disinformation and prevent excessive blood loss, known as postpartum hemorrhage, from being taken seriously. Postpartum hemorrhage is crucial to be aware of as it is a leading cause of maternal mortality globally.^[4] A collective effort, including policymakers, researchers, public health workers, medical professionals, and community members must be made to ensure that the public has factual information about postpartum bleeding. Moreover, essential resources including access to medicines and supplies for management must be ensured.^[4] 

Breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding is an important component of maternal and child health given that it offers a variety of benefits to both new mothers and their babies. Infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of diverse health concerns such as diarrhea, vomiting, respiratory infections, ear infections, cavities, and infant mortality.^[7] By the same token, breastfeeding can lower mothers’ risks of concerns such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, while helping to reduce postpartum bleeding.^[7] However, women may face stigma, especially in public settings, where women are often informed to stop breastfeeding or leave. The embarrassment and fear of being stigmatized can cause women to give up breastfeeding altogether, especially when it restricts social interactions. Cultural perceptions, including the over-sexualization of female breasts as opposed to emphasis on their nurturing function of breastfeeding, further contribute to this stigma.^[8] Knowledge about the benefits breastfeeding offers for both the baby and the mother needs to be increased to ensure information about health is accessible and promote more positive attitudes towards breastfeeding. Furthermore, promoting policies that support women’s health such as maternity leave can help ensure that women are able to breastfeed safely and conveniently while they take care of their infants. 

There are diverse stigmas and taboos new mothers might encounter. Social and cultural perceptions can influence awareness of maternal health and how new mothers are treated. Addressing harmful stigmas is important to supporting and safeguarding women’s health and wellness postpartum. 

References 

[1] Burden, C., Bradley, S., Storey, C., Ellis, A., Heazell, A. E. P., Downe, S., Cacciatore, J., & Siassakos, D. (2016, January 19). From grief, guilt pain and stigma to hope and pride – a systematic review and meta-analysis of mixed-method research of the psychosocial impact of stillbirth. BioMed Central. https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-016-0800-8

[2] Vazquez Corona, M., Betrán, A. P., & Bohren, M. A. (2022). The portrayal and perceptions of cesarean section in Mexican media Facebook pages: a mixed-methods study. Reproductive health, 19(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-022-01351-8 

[3] Udobang, W. (2018, December 17). Silence about C-sections: Nigeria has some of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world, in part, because of taboos over Caesarean sections. Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0306422018819324

[4] Akter, S., Forbes, G., Vazquez Corona, M., Miller, S., Althabe, F., Coomarasamy, A., Gallos, I. D., Oladapo, O. T., Vogel, J. P., Lorencatto, F., & Bohren, M. A. (2023). Perceptions and experiences of the prevention, detection, and management of postpartum haemorrhage: a qualitative evidence synthesis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11(11), CD013795. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013795.pub2 

[5] Sommer, M., Phillips-Howard, P. A., Mahon, T., Zients, S., Jones, M., & Caruso, B. A. (2020, May 1). Beyond menstrual hygiene: addressing vaginal bleeding throughout the life course in low and middle-income countries. BMJ Journals. https://gh.bmj.com/content/2/2/e000405?source=post_elevate_sequence_page———————– —- 

[6] Thakuri, D. S., Thapa, R. K., Singh, S., Khanal, G. N., & Khatri, R. B. (2021). A harmful religio-cultural practice (Chhaupadi) during menstruation among adolescent girls in Nepal: Prevalence and policies for eradication. PloS one, 16(9), e0256968. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256968

[7] Cleveland Clinic. (2023, July 17). Benefits of Breastfeeding. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15274-benefits-of-breastfeeding 

[8] The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding. (2011). Barriers to Breastfeeding in the United States. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK52688/

Image-Based Abuse: Sexual Harassment in the Age of the Internet

Lula Dalupang
June 2024

Image-based abuse (IBA), otherwise known as “revenge porn”, is one of the consequences that arose during the age of the internet. As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly develops and evolves, so does image-based abuse. Creating artificial images or videos containing sexual content is one of the fastest growing harmful uses of AI.¹ Despite the proliferation of IBA and its consequences, the U.S. still does not have a federal law in place to criminalize perpetrators of IBA. Thus, IBA education is essential so that individuals with internet access possess the requisite knowledge to identify and respond appropriately to instances of IBA.

Understanding Image-Based Abuse

Image-based abuse is defined as forms of online harassment that weaponize sexually explicit images of an individual to control, humiliate, or otherwise cause them harm.³ A 2023 report by Panorama Global found that at least ten million Americans have experienced the threat, if not the reality, of having their intimate pictures exposed without their consent.¹ 

Internet-based abuse can present itself in various different ways. The most common form of IBA is nonconsensual pornography (NCP), obtaining and/or sharing sexually explicit images and/or videos of an individual without their consent.³ The perpetrator can either be the sexual partner or a third-party individual. A similar type of IBA is “upskirting” and “downblousing”.² As described in their names, this form of IBA consists of taking a photograph of an individual beneath their clothing without their consent (e.g. taking a photograph from below as the individual walks up the stairs). 

Another form of IBA is “sextortion”, in which the perpetrator uses intimate images and/or videos of an individual as blackmail for continued harassment. This differs from leaking or hacking images, since the latter is a shorter form of abuse. Sharing intimate images outside of the intended recipient without the consent of the person in the image is a separate form of internet-based abuse.

Newer forms of internet-based abuse include deepfakes and cyberflashing. Deepfakes, as mentioned earlier, are AI generated images or videos of an individual, typically in an intimate context, created without their consent.³ Cyberflashing is a form of IBA that became more common with the rise of social media, messaging apps, and WiFi-based sharing (i.e. AirDrop). These technologies allow perpetrators to share unsolicited sexual images and/or videos, an example of which is colloquially known as “dick pics”.² 

In order to comprehend the forms of IBA, first the definition of intimate images/videos must be understood. An intimate image/video must contain at least one of the following: nudity or partial nudity, genitals, private activities (e.g.; using the restroom, sexual intercourse), and/or lack of religious or cultural clothing (e.g.; turban, hijab).² This definition includes instances of altered images, AI generated images, and falsely tagging an individual on sexual social media posts. 

Consequences of Image-Based Abuse

Image-based abuse results in severe harm to the victimized individual. Through the personal lens, IBA is a traumatic event that causes serious mental health issues (e.g.; anxiety, PTSD, depression) in approximately 93% of survivors.³ Of the IBA survivors surveyed in 2023, 51% have contemplated suicide at some point in their life.¹ IBA is often accompanied by secondary stressors that are detrimental to mental health as well. These harmful stressors include cyberbullying, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crimes, financial hardships, and social isolation. All of which are also risk factors for internet-based victimization.

Certain demographics are at higher risk to internet-based abuse than others. Females are nearly twice as likely to be targeted than males, with the female demographic including young girls.¹ 1 in 4 survivors of sextortion were under the age of 13 during the abuse.³ Individuals from historically marginalized populations are also more likely to experience IBA. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are four times more likely to be targeted than heterosexual-identifying individuals. Vulnerable populations also experience greater difficulty in sharing their experiences. In a 2020 survey, only 4% of BIPOC survivors reported their abuse to law enforcement, compared to 16% of white survivors.¹ Other barriers to law enforcement and other formal services include the individual’s socioeconomic status and whether the individual is safe in their current environment.³

Larger institutional barriers are in place due to the lack of a federal law criminalizing internet-based abuse. Only 38 states uphold state laws addressing some, if not all, forms of IBA.¹ The variation in laws result in inconsistent enforcement of its policies and gaps in its regulations. Additionally, insufficient specialized training in trauma-informed care exists, thus survivors are unable to get the mental support they need either. 

Supporting Survivors of Image-Based Abuse

With the varying laws and regulations surrounding internet-based abuse, it is essential to promote self-efficacy among internet users so that they adhere to the proper procedures following abuse. The first step of reporting IBA is collecting evidence. This step requires taking screenshots or screen recordings of any and all contacts from the perpetrator and their account(s). The context of the abuse is critical information as well, so timestamps, dates, and the online platforms where the perpetrator initiated contact should be taken into account. Any reports made to the platforms should be recorded as well. 

Once evidence is collected, the next step of reporting internet-based abuse is filling out the report form. If the individual filling out the form is reporting on behalf of someone else, consent must be obtained from the person experiencing IBA before proceeding with the form. The next step is to eliminate any further contact with the perpetrator. This may be accomplished by blocking  the perpetrator’s accounts, muting the perpetrator’s posts or comments, and setting personal social media accounts to private. Free services also exist to remove non consensual intimate images from online platforms. For images in which the individual is a minor, takeitdown.ncmec.org uses hash values to detect and remove the images. For images in which the individual is 18 or over, stopncii.org utilizes a similar algorithm to delete any copies of the image on public platforms. Once these steps are all completed, the process moves on to helping the survivor recover.

Recovering from image-based abuse is a journey that must overcome the trust that the perpetrator broke and the sense of control that the survivor lost. To help survivors regain their trust and self-empowerment, it is important to take these emotional traumas in mind when talking with survivors about their abuse. Word choice often can have a larger impact than intended. Avoiding asking questions with “why” helps decrease the self-blame that the survivor associates with their abuse. Personal biases, beliefs, or assumptions may also have a negative impact on the survivors so one must acknowledge and remove these topics from the conversation prior to speaking with a survivor. This also prevents personal advice from being projected, so that the survivor has the space to guide their own process. While the survivor takes the lead in the conversation, it is important to continue challenging negative self-talk. Survivors tend to socially isolate after abuse, due to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame. Highlighting a survivor’s strengths and validating their reactions combat the negativity. 

In order to combat sexual abuse overall, a greater commitment to sexual education is required. Many schools do not provide comprehensive sexual education, focusing rather on celibacy or fear tactics (e.g.; sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy). Younger generations often turn to pornography as a substitute for sexual education, which results in harmful beliefs that confuse pleasure with pain and typically objectifies one of the participants in intercourse.  Education systems are failing to address key concepts, such as affirmative consent, that empowers individuals in their sexual citizenship by informing them of their autonomy. 

References

[1] I didn’t consent: A global landscape report on image-based sexual abuse(2023). Panorama Global.

[2] Image-based abuse. (2023). Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://www.esafety.gov.au/ key-topics/image-based-abuse

[3] Image-based abuse (formerly: sextortion/revenge porn). (2024). Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://app.crisistextline.org/toolbox[4] Klein, J., & Prabhakar, A. (2024). A call to action to combat image-based sexual abuse. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/gpc/briefing-room/2024/05/ 23/a-call-to-action-to-combat-image-based-sexual-abuse/

A Click Way: What We Know About Online Porn Addiction 

Paz Etcheverry, MS, PhD
June 2024

I recently stumbled upon a YouTube video, where the YouTuber delved into the reasons behind men’s and women’s apparent disinterest in pursuing relationships at this day in age. According to the YouTuber, a common factor for men is the satisfaction derived from reliance on pornography, leading individuals to forgo the desire for committed relationships and, eventually, to porn addiction. 

The video prompted me to investigate the phenomenon of online porn addiction in society. What became quite apparent at first in my research is that we do not know yet how to define porn addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, a comprehensive guide published by the American Psychiatric Association on mental health disorders, has no definition of porn addiction.^[16] Published studies on this behavioral disorder usually rely on the self-reported, self-perceived assessment of addiction to porn. In other words, if the study participants considered that they had an unhealthy reliance on porn, then they were labeled as having an addiction to it. 

Hence, the research findings that I am sharing in this article pertain not only to online porn addiction, also known as problematic pornographic use but to online porn use, also known as cybersex:

Porn use is attributed to four main reasons:

• increased sex drive 
• enhancing sexual performance (e.g., to learn new sex positions, to understand the sexual pleasures of people of the opposite sex, etc.) 
• social reasons (e.g., friends are watching pornography), and 
• lack of relational and emotional skills (e.g., due to lack of a romantic partner or to relieve stress).^[2] 

Like any other addiction, porn addiction exhibits a model characterized by 

• impaired control, e.g., craving, unsuccessful attempts to reduce the behavior,
• impairment, e.g., narrowing of interests and neglect of other areas of life, and
• risky use, i.e., persisting intake despite awareness of damaging psychological effects.^[11] 

Porn addiction is more prevalent in men than in women.^[7] According to the evidence, the prevalence of porn addiction ranges between 3% in women to 11% in men; however, it is difficult to determine because, as aforementioned, there is not a formal definition of the disorder.^{[17] [6]} 

Porn addiction can be facilitated by non-digital erotica like magazines and books, but the affordability— the sites are either low cost or free—, accessibility—all that is required is internet connectivity—, and anonymity—no personal information is requested— of websites have contributed to ubiquitous access and use of porn.^[11] 

Pornography affects mental health. Studies have suggested that individuals who view pornography may become fixated on thoughts associated with pornographic content, which lessens their ability to form close interpersonal relationships and causes them to withdraw from social settings.^[11] Additionally, pornographic material may lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and internal and moral conflicts among users.^[14] For example, among US college students, pornography is associated with an increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, stress, and anxiety.^{[11] [3]} Also, among US veterans, problematic pornography use is associated with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia.^[15] 

Porn use may be linked with sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction.^[1] But how? One possible explanation might be that with increased porn use, the users have a lower response and, as a result, there is a need for more extreme, “kinky” material to become sexually aroused.^[13] In other words, there is a desensitization over time in those who are addicted to porn. 

Porn addiction can lead to relationship troubles. According to a study published in 2023, porn-addicted participants reported significant adverse effects on their sexuality and romantic and sexual relationships. The issues in the relationships were mainly due to secrecy and lying, emotional and physical infidelity, and the avoidance of partnered sex resulting from choosing porn over the partner.^[8] 

Porn addiction may lead to performance anxiety. Users may experience performance anxiety because of heightened insecurity after watching pornographic material. Some have revealed they had never experienced partnered sex, attributing this to increased insecurity stemming from porn use.^[8] 

Pornography may impact women’s body image. A 2010 report concluded that pornography leads to a culture of sexualization and body dissatisfaction,^[12] which agrees with the increasing numbers of plastic surgeries among young females focused on breast operations and labiaplasty^[5] and among men focused on penis surgery.^[10] Hence, pornography emphasizes physical perfection, leading to low self-esteem, self-loathing, and a desire to change one’s body. 

Porn addiction can cause occupational issues as users sometimes use their work computers to satisfy their addiction.^[8] Porn addiction can lead to decreased concentration, efficiency, and productivity in the workforce^{[9] [4]} and to employee distress and sexual harassment.^[4] 

In conclusion, the phenomenon of online porn addiction highlights a growing concern in today’s digital age. Despite the absence of a formal definition in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the patterns of impaired control, life impairment, and risky use are apparent among self-identified addicts. The widespread accessibility, affordability, and anonymity of online pornography have contributed to its pervasive impact on mental health, relationships, and professional life. The higher prevalence among men and the associated risks remind us of the need for a clearer understanding and more effective interventions. Addressing this issue is crucial for fostering healthier interpersonal connections and mitigating the adverse effects on individuals and society as a whole. 

References 

[1] Berger, J. H., Kehoe, J. E., Doan, A. P., Crain, D. S., Klam, W. P., Marshall, M. T., & Christman, M. S. (2019). Survey of sexual function and pornography. Military Medicine, 184(11–12), 731–737. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usz079 

[2] Burtăverde, V., Jonason, P. K., Giosan, C., & Ene, C. (2021). Why do people watch porn? An evolutionary perspective on the reasons for pornography consumption. Evolutionary Psychology: An International Journal of Evolutionary Approaches to Psychology and Behavior, 19(2), 14747049211028798. https://doi.org/10.1177/14747049211028798 

[3] Camilleri, C., Perry, J. T., & Sammut, S. (2021). Compulsive internet pornography use and mental health: A cross-sectional study in a sample of university students in the United States. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 613244. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.613244 

[4] Cooper, A., Safir, M. P., & Rosenmann, A. (2006). Workplace worries: A preliminary look at online sexual activities at the office-emerging issues for clinicians and employers. Cyberpsychology & Behavior: The Impact of the Internet, Multimedia and Virtual Reality on Behavior and Society, 9(1), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.1089/cpb.2006.9.22 

[5] Crouch, N. S., Deans, R., Michala, L., Liao, L. M., & Creighton, S. M. (2011). Clinical characteristics of well women seeking labial reduction surgery: A prospective study. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 118(12), 1507–1510. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.03088.x 

[6] de Alarcón, R., de la Iglesia, J. I., Casado, N. M., & Montejo, A. L. (2019). Online porn addiction: What we know and what we don’t – A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(1), 91. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8010091 

[7] Frangos, C. C., Frangos, C. C., & Sotiropoulos, I. (2011). Problematic internet use among Greek university students: An ordinal logistic regression with risk factors of negative psychological beliefs, pornographic sites, and online games. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 14(1–2), 51–58. https://doi.org/10.1089 

[8] Hanseder, S., & Dantas, J. A. R. (2023). Males’ lived experience with self-perceived pornography addiction: A qualitative study of problematic porn use. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 1497. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021497 

[9] Kadiani, A., Goyal, E., Devabhaktuni, S., Saldanha, B. D., & Chaudhari, B. (2017). Pornographic addiction: Is it a distinct entity? Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil University, 10(5), 461–464. 

[10] Marra, G., Drury, A., Tran, L., Veale, D., & Muir, G. H. (2020). Systematic review of surgical and nonsurgical interventions in normal men complaining of small penis size. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 8(1), 158–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.01.004 

[11] Noel, J. K., Jacob, S., Swanberg, J. E., & Rosenthal, S. R. (2023). Pornography: A concealed behavior with serious consequences. Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013), 106(3), 29–34.

[12] Papadopoulos L. (2010) Sexualisation of young people – Review. Available at: https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/10738/1/sexualisation-young-people.pdf. 

[13] Park, B. Y., Wilson, G., Berger, J., Christman, M., Reina, B., Bishop, F., Klam, W. P., & Doan, A. P. (2016). Is internet pornography causing sexual dysfunctions? A review with clinical reports. Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 6(3), 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs6030017 

[14] Privara, M., & Bob, P. (2023). Pornography consumption and cognitive-affective distress. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 211(8), 641–646. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0000000000001669

[15] Shirk, S. D., Saxena, A., Park, D., & Kraus, S. W. (2021). Predicting problematic pornography use among male returning US veterans. Addictive Behaviors, 112, 106647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106647 

[16] Shrivastava, T., Agarwal, P., Vora, V., & Sethi, Y. (2022). Aggravation of obsessive-compulsive disorder due to excessive porn consumption: A case report. Cureus, 14(12), e33018. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33018 

[17] Wéry, A., & Billieux, J. (2017). Problematic cybersex: Conceptualization, assessment, and treatment. Addictive Behaviors, 64, 238–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.11.007

Debunking Period Myths

Jessica Luu
June 2024

Periods. The natural bodily function experienced by half of our world’s population.^[9] Yet, why does the word “period” itself evoke such a sense of discomfort and embarrassment in many? From old wives’ tales to misguided beliefs, periods have continued to be misunderstood and misrepresented. It’s time to set the record straight and separate fact from fiction. 

Myth #1: Menstruation is Dirty

Probably the most pervasive myths about periods is that they are unclean and dirty. The idea that menstruation is impure can be traced back to ancient cultural and religious beliefs.^[6] In many cultures, menstruating individuals have been isolated or excluded from certain activities under the notion that they are contaminated and will bring bad luck.^[6] 

Menstruation is not dirty. As mentioned previously, the process is a natural bodily function, similar to sweating or urination. Period blood is not toxic or harmful either. It is simply the body’s way of shedding its uterine lining, which is necessary in restoring its reproductive health.^[2] And in reality, proper hygiene practices, such as using menstrual products and regularly changing them are sufficient enough to maintain cleanliness during one’s cycle. 

Myth #2: Women Should Avoid Physical Activity During Their Periods

Many believe that women should avoid exercise or physical activity while menstruating, thinking that physical exercise could worsen menstrual symptoms and cause harm. However, in reality, moderate exercise can actually alleviate symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and mood swings by increasing blood flow and releasing endorphins (i.e. the body’s painkillers).^[5]So while it’s important to listen to one’s body and not overdo it, regular physical activity can actually be beneficial during menstruation and often prove to be more advantageous than not. 

Myth #3: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period

Another common myth is that women cannot conceive while on their period. While the chances of getting pregnant during menstruation are lower, it is still possible, particularly for women with shorter menstrual cycles.^[8] Sperm can live inside the female body for up to five days, and if a woman ovulates soon after her period, conception can occur.^[7] Therefore, contraception should still be used if pregnancy is not desired. 

Myth #4: Menstrual Blood is Different from Regular Blood

No, menstrual blood is not different from regular blood. Rather, menstrual blood is the same as regular blood, with some added components. It contains the same elements as the blood that circulates through the body—red and white blood cells, and plasma.^[1] However, menstrual blood also includes endometrial tissue and cervical mucus, which gives it a thicker consistency and can sometimes cause it to appear darker or have clots.^[4] 

Myth #5: Tampons Can Get Lost Inside You

There is a common fear that tampons can get lost inside the body, causing many to be reluctant to use tampons. However, the reality is quite different. 

Tampons are designed with a string attached to the end precisely to prevent them from getting lost. The cervix, which is the opening to the uterus,^[3] is too small for a tampon to pass through. The cervix ensures that tampons stay in the vaginal canal and do not enter the uterus or other parts of the body. 

Conclusion

It’s about time we normalize conversations about menstruation and educate society about its importance. They are a normal and essential part of life for many people, and they deserve to be discussed openly and without shame. Period. 

References: 

[1] American Society of Hematology. (2020). Blood basics. American Society of Hematology. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-basics

[2] Better Health Channel. (2024). Menstrual cycle. State Government of Victoria, Australia. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstrual-cycle

[3] Canadian Cancer Society. (2021). The cervix. Canadian Cancer Society. https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/cervical/what-is-cervical-cancer/the-cervix

[4] Clue. (2016). Blood clots during your period: What are they? Clue.  https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/blood-clots-during-your-period-what-are-they

[5] Holland, K. (2019, May 15). Exercise during your period: Is it good or bad? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-during-period

[6] Khan, S., Ali, S. A., Siddiqui, M. F., Shinwari, Z. K., & Afzal, B. (2019). Estimation of healthcare waste generation in different hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-019-7732-4

[7] MedlinePlus. (2015). Sperm survival. MedlinePlus.  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007015.htm

[8] National Institutes of Health. (2020). Misinformation During a Pandemic. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10008511/

[9] Zerbo, O., Bell, G., Lee, H. C., Mangurian, C., & Crown, L. A. (2023). Maternal mental health conditions during and after pregnancy and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring: A population-based cohort study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders,https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05770-8

Silent Killers: The Lethal Consequences of Health Misinformation 

Roma Bhavsar
April 2024

What is Misinformation? 

Misinformation is defined as information that is inaccurate, misleading, or false and  deliberately intended to deceive.^[1,2] According to the current Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, “health misinformation is a serious threat to public health. It can  cause confusion, sow mistrust, harm people’s health, and undermine public health efforts.” A dire consequence of health misinformation can lead individuals to decline vaccines or essential medicines, ignore public health measures, and consume unproven treatments that pose potential harm when ingested.^[2] 

Navigating Reliable Sources in the Social Media Era 

In the past decade, an increasing number of people began to rely on social media for their news. Although convenient, accessing information online poses significant challenges because not all content is reliable, leading to the rapid spread of misinformation. 

One of the biggest ways to avoid getting wrong information is to make sure you are getting  facts from credible, reputable, and cited sources. From a health perspective, this could be a peer-reviewed medical journal (The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, etc.) or educational website (.gov and .edu), a health organization such as Mayo Clinic, or a reputable online newspaper.^[3] Misinformation is detrimental to society and can lead to increased fatalities and exacerbated public health crises; ultimately endangering the lives of our loved ones and people within our communities. 

Identifying the most vulnerable individuals to misinformation allows for targeted allocation of  resources and attention to those who are most susceptible. Certain demographics, including the  elderly, young individuals, frequent social media users, and those with limited formal education, are particularly vulnerable to misinformation. Additionally, individuals with strong political affiliations are more inclined to believe information aligning with their existing biases, especially when it originates from trusted sources. This highlights the critical concern  surrounding the dissemination of misinformation among susceptible populations.^[4] 

Decreasing the Burden of Misinformation

Unfortunately, the vast amount of healthcare misinformation has significantly influenced how and where people look to consume information, often leading to a lack of verification of its authenticity. 

There are numerous solutions to mitigate the impact of misinformation. A collaborative approach  involving governments, health entities, technology firms, social media, and the public is  essential. Governments must rebuild trust by delivering clear, frequent messages and  demonstrating transparency in decision-making processes. Identifying vulnerable populations  and factors contributing to susceptibility is crucial for targeted interventions. Governments  should collaborate with health organizations to create platforms that easily disseminate evidence based information. Social media companies need to enhance surveillance of their platforms and  create frameworks for removing false data. Phone apps providing up-to-date scientific data and  government recommendations can help combat misinformation effectively.^[3] Lastly, creating  awareness campaigns, implementing legal policies, and enhancing health literacy are additional  strategies that can be executed.^[1] 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was evident that healthcare misinformation had significantly influenced public behavior. Social media was a driving force in misinformation spreading and a  way to mitigate this risk is increased monitoring of websites to remove incorrect information,  using algorithms and software to comb through and fact check data, and working more closely with evidence-based, peer-reviewed medical journals.^[3] 

What Does This All Mean? 

Misinformation about the COVID-19 virus’s spread has made people less cautious in recent  years. Moreover, doubts about vaccine safety, fueled by false claims, have led to widespread  hesitancy. This highlights the need for trustworthy health information and vigilant monitoring of  social media. To tackle this “infodemic,” collaboration among governments, scientists, social  media companies, and community organizations is vital.^[3] 

Those who share information publicly, particularly healthcare professionals who are seen as  scientific subject matter experts, have a moral duty to ensure the information they share is  sourced from reputable sources. Given their influence, their words can profoundly shape public  perception and behavior.^[4] 

Enhancing the quality of health information we consume has widespread benefits, enabling us to make informed decisions for ourselves, our families, and our communities while mitigating the spread of misinformation.^[2] 

References 

[1] World Health Organization. (2022, September 1). Infodemics and Misinformation  Negatively Affect People’s Health Behaviours. www.who.int. 

https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/01-09-2022-infodemics-and-misinformation negatively-affect-people-s-health-behaviours–new-who-review-finds

[2] Health Misinformation — Current Priorities of the U.S. Surgeon General. (n.d.).  www.hhs.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/health 

misinformation/index.html#understand 

[3] Ferreira Caceres, M. M., Sosa, J. P., Lawrence, J. A., Sestacovschi, C., Tidd-Johnson, A.,  Rasool, M. H. U., Gadamidi, V. K., Ozair, S., Pandav, K., Cuevas-Lou, C., Parrish, M.,  Rodriguez, I., & Fernandez, J. P. (2022). The Impact of Misinformation on the COVID-19  Pandemic. AIMS Public Health, 9(2), 262–277. https://doi.org/10.3934/publichealth.2022018 

[4] Nelson, T., Kagan, N., Critchlow, C., Hillard, A., & Hsu, A. (n.d.). the Danger of  Misinformation in the Covid-19 Crisis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7721433/pdf/ms117_p510.pdf

The Miraculous Journey of Labor and Delivery 

Rebecca Johnson
April 2024

For many young women, the thought of labor and delivery has always been daunting…but the journey is truly astounding, and is separated into multiple stages till birth. The technical term for childbirth is “Parturition”, which is calculated to be 280 days from a woman’s last menstrual period. Now, we are going to walk through each stage and dive deeper into this interesting topic. The definition of labor is the series of events that expel the infant from the birth giver. The whole experience is extremely terrifying, especially if the woman experiences Braxton- Hicks contractions, which are false uterine contractions caused by the peaking of estrogen. The peak of estrogen increases the amount of oxytocin receptors, which inhibits progesterone from calming the uterine muscle during the birth process.

Stage 1: Dilation

The first stage is the dilation stage. During this time, the cervix is 8-10 cm and is fully dilated in 8 to 18 hours. In subsequent pregnancies, the time to full dilation decreases to 5-12 hours.  At the end of this stage, the mother will feel the urge to push.^[1] This stage creates true contractions, but only until the cervix is fully dilated. At this time, the baby’s head will be pushed against the cervix, and water breaks as the amnion ruptures. Amnion is the inner membrane that surrounds the embryo ^[2] During pregnancy, the amniotic fluid, which fills the amniotic sac, protects the fetus from injury and temperature changes such as maintaining heat. Since it is soft, it allows the fetus to move freely and assists with musculoskeletal development, lung development, and pressure on the umbilical cord^[.4] There are many hormones and chemicals working behind the scenes to make this happen. For example, atural and synthetic prostaglandins help relax cervical muscles to soften the cervix, which makes it easier to dilate.^[3]

Stage 2: Expulsion

By the second stage, the cervix will have been fully dilated and prepared for childbirth. Now, it is time for the woman to start pushing her baby out. Although the amount of time this takes will vary with every birth, it typically lasts from 20 minutes to a few hours. This time period will decrease with the second child, and so on.^[5] This time is also ideal to get an epidural, because it cannot be given right before the mother gives birth, but must be fully dilated. However, an epidural can be given any time the mother can remain relatively still.^[6] The purpose of an epidural is to relieve any intense pain the mother feels while pushing. An epidural can be a steroid or an anesthetic, injected into your spinal nerves. ^[7] A catheter is the tube that injects the medicine into the spine, as a small tube.^[8]

Stage 3: Placental stage

The uterine contractions will continue for about 15 minutes after birth,  the placenta detaches from the uterine wall. After it detaches, the doctor will pull the umbilical cord which removes the placenta. During birth, the placenta, a temporary organ, attaches to the uterus, and helps pass oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies from the mother to the baby, while getting rid of wastes from the baby. In the case of twins, identical twins may share a placenta, but fraternal twins have their own placentas. ^[9]

Reference

^[1]The stages of labour and birth. (2020, December 1). Nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/the-stages-of-labour-and-birth/#:~:text=Your%20cervix%20needs%20to%20open

^[2] Redirect Notice. (n.d.). Www.google.com. Retrieved April 12, 2024, from https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/water-breaking/art-20044142%23:~:text%3DDuring%2520pregnancy%252C%2520your%2520baby%2520is

^[3] Redirect Notice. (n.d.). Www.google.com. Retrieved April 12, 2024, from https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22165-cervical-ripening%23:~:text%3DProstaglandins%2520are%2520naturally%2520occurring%2520chemicals

^[4] Amniotic fluid Information | Mount Sinai – New York. (n.d.). Mount Sinai Health System. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/amniotic-fluid#:~:text=Amniotic%20fluid%20surrounds%20the%20growing

^[5]Stages of labor. (n.d.). Www.marchofdimes.org. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/birth/stageslabor#:~:text=In%20the%20second%20stage%20of%20labor%2C%20your%20cervix%20is%20fully

^[6] “Redirect Notice.” www.google.com/urlsa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=www.yalemedicine.org/news/epidural-anesthesia%23:~:text%3DA%2520woman%2520can%2520get%2520an. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

^[7]Cleveland Clinic. (2021, October 14). Epidural: What It Is, Procedure, Risks & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21896-epidural

^[8] Redirect Notice. (n.d.). Www.google.com. Retrieved April 12, 2024, from https://www.google.com/urlsa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx%3Fhwid%3Dzc2342%23:~:text%3DYou%2520will%2520get%2520a%2520shot

^[9]Australia, H. (2023, February 8). About the placenta – role and complications. Www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/about-the-placenta#:~:text=mum%20and%20baby.-

Understanding PCOS: Risks and Changes Over the Ages 

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) impacts approximately 10% of females and is a lifelong condition.^[1] It can be diagnosed in adolescence but often goes unrecognized for some time with the mean age of cases around 27 years of age.^[2] Despite being an endocrine condition, it is associated with a host of other risks and comorbidities. 

Correlated Conditions 

Patients with PCOS often struggle with additional conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.^[2] All these conditions can increase individuals’ risk of developing PCOS. Therefore it is important to target preventing excessive weight gain and insulin resistance early in life to reduce the risk.^[2]Insulin resistance in particular is highly prevalent and experienced by 50-95% of general and obese PCOS women.^[3] 

Due to the correlation with weight gain and metabolic conditions, there is a need to better understand how disordered eating may be related to PCOS. In a study of 46 PCOS patients and 56 controls, binge eating symptoms were found to be more prevalent in the PCOS group.^[4] Symptoms including uncontrolled, emotional, and binge eating were observed as positively correlated, highlighting the need to further investigate this association to reduce PCOS risk and associated comorbidities. 

Changes Over the Years 

In addition to the concerns highlighted above, PCOS is also associated with other eating disorders and body image concerns. PCOS is associated with risks of infertility and sleep issues as well.^[1] Since this is a lifelong condition, concerns tend to change over the course of time depending on the individual’s age. Younger patients tend to be more concerned over increased risks of dermatological issues like acne, irregular periods, and body image. As they age into the family planning stage of life, fertility troubles and the development of cardiac diseases become more relevant and important.^[1] 

It is important to not only be aware of the symptoms of PCOS to help with early diagnosis but also to better understand how this chronic condition affects all aspects of life. With the right approach, including healthier lifestyle changes and seeking medical help where need be, PCOS can be a well-managed disease that does not have to negatively impact women’s overall health and well-being. 

References 

[1] Simon, S. L., Phimphasone-Brady, P., McKenney, K. M., Gulley, L. D., Bonny, A. E., Moore, J. M., Torres-Zegarra, C., & Cree, M. G. (2024). Comprehensive transition of care for polycystic ovary syndrome from adolescence to adulthood. The Lancet. Child & adolescent health, S2352-4642(24)00019-1. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(24)00019-1

[2] Christ, J. P., Yu, O., Barton, B., Schulze-Rath, R., Grafton, J., Cronkite, D., Covey, J., Kelley, A., Holden, E., Hilpert, J., Sacher, F., Micks, E., & Reed, S. D. (2024). Risk Factors for Incident Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosis. Journal of women’s health (2002), 10.1089/jwh.2023.0741. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2023.0741 

[3] Dubey, P., Reddy, S., Sharma, K., Johnson, S., Hardy, G., & Dwivedi, A. K. (2024). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, and Cardiovascular Disease. Current cardiology reports, 10.1007/s11886-024-02050-5. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-024-02050-5 

[4] Pehlivanturk-Kizilkan, M., Akgül, S., Güven, A. G., Düzçeker, Y., Derman, O., & Kanbur, N. (2024). Binge eating symptomatology in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome. Physiology & behavior, 279, 114532. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114532

Menopause: A Guide

Healing Survivors of Violence Through Storytelling and Creative Arts 

Storytelling and creative arts can be powerful tools to promote awareness, healing, and empathy surrounding critical global issues, including violence. Recent estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) depict that 1 in 3 of women worldwide have faced physical or sexual violence.^[9] Although gender-based violence is commonly associated with affecting mainly females, it is important to recognize that males and LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities) individuals can face forms of violence too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in the United States, about 1 in 10 men experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.^[1] Moreover, research reveals that male and LGBTQIA+ survivors can face more stigma due to gender stereotypes and the way domestic and sexual violence are commonly labeled as cisgender and heterosexual women’s issues, which, in turn, can especially bring up the fear of judgment and victim-blaming.^[2] Unfortunately, violence can take on many forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, torture, and acid attacks.^[4] Violence can impact diverse aspects of health and wellness. In addition to bodily injuries and adverse physical health outcomes, violence is also associated with mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder.^[4] Violence can also affect future generations as the environments children are raised in can influence their behavioral and emotional outcomes.^[9] According to the WHO, forms of violence can also bring negative social and economic costs such as isolation and loss of wages.^[9] Since violence is such a crucial global health concern that can affect diverse populations, it is interesting to consider the role storytelling and creative arts can play in survivors’ healing journeys and how they may facilitate them. 

Storytelling and the creative arts can help survivors feel heard and empowered, which, in turn, can help promote their healing journeys and well-being. Diverse forms of storytelling and creative arts can be employed including visual art, dance, music, and writing. There is even a field known as art therapy, which utilizes arts to treat mental health concerns and improve mental health. Research suggests that the arts are becoming more popular in therapeutic and mental health settings.^[8] Engaging in arts-based activities can offer a safe space for survivors of violence to express themselves. Self-expression can be empowering for some survivors, especially since their traumatic experiences could be significantly accompanied by stigma or may be sensitive to share openly. Communication and sharing artwork with others could help survivors combat feelings of isolation and feel more acknowledged.^[7]By the same token, research has found that inner-directed dance can impact survivors’ healing journeys, particularly by reducing social isolation, increasing body-self awareness, and boosting self-esteem.^[5] Music can be an influential tool as well since it can significantly evoke emotions. Studies have found that even if music may encompass nonverbal expression at times, musical interventions could help improve physical health and well-being, including immune function.^[3] Moreover, forms of storytelling and creative arts like expressive writing can be beneficial for survivors because they are relatively safe, accessible, and cost-effective.^[6] 

Although storytelling and creative arts can offer therapeutic benefits and support some survivors’ healing journeys, it is important to take note that each individual’s experience with violence can be different, and therefore, there may not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Some survivors may feel that storytelling and creative arts can help them process their emotions and feel acknowledged, while other survivors may not significantly feel the benefits. For instance, sharing stories about violence could be accompanied by stigma, and some survivors may feel re-traumatized by recalling and reflecting on their experiences. Furthermore, other sociocultural factors including gender stereotypes, discrimination, and fear of judgment^[4] can influence how comfortable survivors may feel about incorporating storytelling and creative arts in their healing journeys. Research highlights the importance of supportive and nonjudgemental environments since this can ensure that survivors interested in sharing their stories feel genuinely supported and have a positive storytelling experience.^[4] Additionally, more research studies should be conducted to further evaluate the efficacy and therapeutic benefits storytelling and creative arts could offer survivors.^[7] 

Violence is still a prevalent and important global issue to be aware of. Some research studies have supported the use of storytelling and creative arts among survivors, while some studies have challenged them for their potential limitations, and recommend further research to be conducted. Storytelling and creative arts are overall healthy coping strategies that can provide survivors of violence outlets to freely express themselves and empower them on their healing journeys. Simultaneously, survivors struggling with their mental health and emotional well-being can also consider starting to seek help from mental health counselors at their schools and colleges, primary care physicians, and organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Crisis Text Line, and others. Along with utilizing the healing powers of storytelling and creative arts, more advocacy efforts, including the availability of gender-inclusive services,^[2] mental health resources, and adequate education about consent, should be continued to help address violence across the globe and empower survivors. 

References 

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, June 1). Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Violence, and Stalking Among Men. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/men-ipvsvandstalking.html

[2] Hine, B., Wallace, S., & Bates, E. A. (2022, September). Understanding the Profile and Needs of Abused Men: Exploring Call Data From a Male Domestic Violence Charity in the United Kingdom. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9682499

[3] MacIntosh, H. B. (2002, October 21). Sounds of healing: music in group work with survivors of sexual abuse. ScienceDirect. 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455602002290?via%3Dihub

[4] Mannell, J., Ahmad, L., & Ahmad, A. (2018, August 23). Narrative storytelling as mental health support for women experiencing gender-based violence in Afghanistan. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953618304350 

[5] Margolin, I. (2019, November 4). Breaking Free: One Adolescent Woman’s Recovery from Dating Violence Through Creative Dance. Springer Link. 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10465-019-09311-9

[6] Meston, C. M., Lorenz, T. A., & Stephenson, K. R. (2013, September 1). Effects of Expressive Writing on Sexual Dysfunction, Depression, and PTSD in Women with a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial. Oxford Academic. https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article-abstract/10/9/2177/6940247 

[7] Rouse, A., Jenkinson, E., & Warner, C. (2022, February 26). The use of “art” as a resource in recovery from the impact of sexual abuse in childhood: A qualitative systematic review. Taylor & Francis Online. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17533015.2022.2034900 

[8] Shukla, A., Choudhari, S. G., Gaidhane, A. M., & Quazi Syed, Z. (2022). Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review. Cureus, 14(8), e28026. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.28026
[9] World Health Organization. (2024, March 25). Violence against women. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women