Title
Does Preterm Birth Affect Psychosexual Development? A Preliminary Exploration
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-2019
Journal Title
International Journal of Sexual Health
Abstract
Infants born prematurely may lack full term exposure to the prenatal milieu responsible for late-term sexual differentiation, with possible consequences on psychosexual development. This study assessed gender identity, sexual orientation, and adult sexual responses in men and women born either preterm or full term. An online survey was administered to 106 biological males (36 preterm) and 195 biological females (64 preterm). Preterm women identified less exclusively as heterosexual and preterm men reported higher sex interest and shorter orgasmic latency. Preterm birth may interfere with typical prenatal sexual differentiation, with potential effects on sexual orientation and adult sexual responsivity.
Recommended Citation
Rowland, David L.; Graves, Valerie; Caldwell, Cory; and Donarski, Allyse, "Does Preterm Birth Affect Psychosexual Development? A Preliminary Exploration" (2019). Psychology Faculty Publications. 91.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/psych_fac_pub/91