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Löfgren-Mårtenson, Charlotta, ProfessorORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-0297-0591
Alternative names
Publications (10 of 97) Show all publications
Hart, A., Löfgren, C., Carlström, C. & Elmerstig, E. (2024). A thin line between consent and abuse: Reflections on sexual experiences among Swedish young adults with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A thin line between consent and abuse: Reflections on sexual experiences among Swedish young adults with intellectual disabilities
2024 (English)In: Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, ISSN 1744-6295, E-ISSN 1744-6309Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

Research shows that young adults with intellectual disabilities struggle to understand the social codes embedded in sexual situations. This may lead to an incomprehension of sexual consent, or when consenting to sex may lead to abuse. This qualitative study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of sexual experiences and perceptions about sexual consent among Swedish young adults with intellectual disabilities. The data comprise 22 semi-structured interviews with young adults aged 18-35 with intellectual disabilities, thematically analyzed using sexual script theory as a theoretical framework. Four themes emerged from the analysis: Setting the sexual scene, Sexual self-awareness, Sexual communication and the necessity of clarification and Striving for a balance. The results show that the participants had a variety of sexual experiences and challenges associated with sexual consent, but also an agency that favors sexual situations. Further research is necessary to understand the complexities of sexual consent in this population.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Sage Publications, 2024
Keywords
Intellectual disabilities, sexual consent, sexual experiences, sexual script, thematic analysis
National Category
Health Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-71675 (URN)10.1177/17446295241276245 (DOI)001328936100001 ()39380312 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85205817542 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-10-22 Created: 2024-10-22 Last updated: 2024-11-14Bibliographically approved
Hagerlid, M. & Löfgren, C. (2024). Assessing the Reversed Gender Gap in the Swedish Crime Survey: Reasons Why Young Women Report Higher Victimization Rates Than Young Men During the Period 2009 to 2016. Crime and delinquency
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Assessing the Reversed Gender Gap in the Swedish Crime Survey: Reasons Why Young Women Report Higher Victimization Rates Than Young Men During the Period 2009 to 2016
2024 (English)In: Crime and delinquency, ISSN 0011-1287, E-ISSN 1552-387XArticle in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

Self-reported victimization among young women in the Swedish Crime Survey increased during the early- to mid-2010s, resulting in a gender gap, with young women reporting 10% to 15% higher victimization rates than young men. In this study, we use multi-group confirmatory factor analysis to assess whether the increase in victimization rates is due to declines in measurement equivalence across different cohorts of young women during the period 2009 to 2016. The results show cohort differences in how young women interpret the victimization items in the Swedish Crime Survey, especially with regard to the item about sexual victimization. The results show that the increasing victimization rates are likely the result of changes in perceptions about sexual offences, rather than an actual increase.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Sage Publications, 2024
Keywords
gender and victimization, Nordic paradox, Swedish Crime Survey, measurement equivalence, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, women and crime
National Category
Law and Society Sociology (excluding Social Work, Social Psychology and Social Anthropology)
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-71639 (URN)10.1177/00111287241290510 (DOI)001333985000001 ()2-s2.0-85206639264 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-10-17 Created: 2024-10-17 Last updated: 2024-10-29Bibliographically approved
Löfgren, L. (2024). "Killjoys and Thrilljoys" - A Crip Theoretical Perspective on Sex Education in Special Schools. Sexuality and disability, 42(3), 765-775
Open this publication in new window or tab >>"Killjoys and Thrilljoys" - A Crip Theoretical Perspective on Sex Education in Special Schools
2024 (English)In: Sexuality and disability, ISSN 0146-1044, E-ISSN 1573-6717, Vol. 42, no 3, p. 765-775Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Sex education geared towards people with intellectual disability often focuses sexual risks and reproduction. However, research shows that students at special schools often find this inadequate and irrelevant. This conceptual article examines this issue from a crip theoretical perspective, combined with the classical concept of stigma. Furthermore, the term killjoy is added to the analysis; a term located at the intersection between queer and feminist theories. Might those in the environment surrounding individuals with ID, i.e., staff and family members, function as "killjoys" in relation to sexuality and intellectual disability? Or might they develop into "thrilljoys", i.e., individuals who facilitate the embracement of stigma, with a focus on enjoyment rather than apparent problems in relation to sexuality and people with ID? The aim of this article is to highlight the significance of the social environment for these young people's needs and life conditions, and to challenge presumptions that have to date been taken f & ouml;r granted. The result shows that assuming the role of thrilljoy means listening in a flexible and relevant way to the wishes that people with ID themselves express. This might in turn also make it easier for people with ID to themselves adopt a crip theoretical perspective and to really embrace that which has up until now been defined as a stigma. Developing new ways of looking at non-normative intellectual functionality and sexuality could contribute to develop sex education geared towards this goal group in a sufficient way.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2024
Keywords
Sweden, Conceptualizing crip theory, Intellectual disability, Stigma, Sex education, Killjoys, Thrilljoys
National Category
Social Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-70043 (URN)10.1007/s11195-024-09845-y (DOI)001235485700001 ()2-s2.0-85194708923 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2024-08-01 Created: 2024-08-01 Last updated: 2024-09-11Bibliographically approved
Hagerlid, M., Štulhofer, A., Redert, A., Jakić, I., Schoon, W., Westermann, M., . . . Löfgren, C. (2024). Obstacles for identifying sexual harassment in academia: Insights from five European countries. Sexuality Research & Social Policy, 21(4), 1515-1529
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Obstacles for identifying sexual harassment in academia: Insights from five European countries
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2024 (English)In: Sexuality Research & Social Policy, ISSN 1868-9884, E-ISSN 1553-6610, Vol. 21, no 4, p. 1515-1529Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Introduction

Experiences of sexual harassment are common among university students. At the same time, research shows that victims and bystanders find it difficult to determine when an incident meets the criteria for sexual harassment. The aim of this study therefore was to obtain a richer and deeper understanding of the obstacles that university students encounter in identifying sexual harassment in the academic environment.

Methods

Individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with a total of 85 students at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level in five European countries (Belgium, Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden) between 2020 and 2022. Thematic analysis was used to identify obstacles in identifying sexual harassment.

Results

The obstacles described by participants were found to fall into three main categories: (1) preconceived notions about what constitutes sexual harassment that did not necessarily concur with lived experiences, (2) navigating an often blurred or ambiguous line between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and (3) the existence of competing interpretations of what had happened.

Conclusions

The results point to a gap between the participants’ lived experiences and their interpretations of them, which include difficulties positioning their experiences within their theoretical understanding of sexual harassment.

Policy Implications

Measures to counteract the obstacles faced by victims and bystanders in identifying sexual harassment in academia should target this cognitive gap, for instance by addressing the stereotypes that characterize preconceived notions about sexual harassment.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2024
Keywords
Sexual harassment, sexual harassment in academia, prevention of sexual harassment
National Category
Social Work Law and Society Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Research subject
Criminology; Arbete och organisation
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-62776 (URN)10.1007/s13178-023-00870-8 (DOI)001070338100001 ()2-s2.0-85171785846 (Scopus ID)
Projects
"Plötsligt kom där en hand" – erfarenheter och reflektioner om sexuella trakasserier bland studenter och doktorander
Funder
The Crafoord Foundation
Available from: 2023-09-22 Created: 2023-09-22 Last updated: 2025-01-23Bibliographically approved
Löfgren-Mårtenson, C., Lilja, M., Hagerlid, M., Wiebke, S., Jakić, I., Deverchin, C. & Westermann, M. (2024). University Support and Prevention Needs for Sexual Harassment: What Do European Students and Doctoral Students Ask For?. Sexuality & Culture
Open this publication in new window or tab >>University Support and Prevention Needs for Sexual Harassment: What Do European Students and Doctoral Students Ask For?
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2024 (English)In: Sexuality & Culture, ISSN 1095-5143, E-ISSN 1936-4822Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

This study explores experiences of and refections on sexual harassment in academiaamong students and doctoral students from Belgium, Croatia, Germany, and Sweden. Prevalence studies show that sexual harassment is a common occurrence andhas negative consequences not only on mental health in general but also on academic performance. However, little is known about what kinds of support and prevention are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study has been to develop in-depthknowledge about students’ and doctoral students’ refections on how victims of sexual harassment in academia should be supported, and how sexual harassment in academia could be prevented. To achieve this aim, 54 individual interviews, and 6 focusgroup interviews with 18 participants, were conducted between 2020 and 2022 witha total of 72 participants at the bachelors, masters, doctoral level or state exam level.Based on a thematic analysis three themes emerged: (a) Information on sexual harassment, (b) Prerequisites for reporting and intervening, and (c) Support as a preventive activity. The results show an urgent need for information, since this is perceivedas lacking by students and doctoral students, and suggested strategies for information provision are presented. Further, there are challenges related to reporting, andignorance about how to intervene when sexual harassment is witnessed. Professionalsupport is described as important, along with support from peers, mentors, family,and friends. These fndings are relevant for researchers and for clinicians at university student health centres, to develop relevant preventive and supportive interventions in the context of academia.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Nature, 2024
Keywords
Sexual harassment, Support, Students, Doctoral students, Thematic analysis, Policies
National Category
Health Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-72575 (URN)10.1007/s12119-024-10294-0 (DOI)001375726500001 ()2-s2.0-85211459936 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Malmö University
Available from: 2024-12-06 Created: 2024-12-06 Last updated: 2025-01-23Bibliographically approved
Löfgren, C., Elmerstig, E., Schröder, J., Chollier, M., Mehulic, J., de Graaf, H., . . . Stulhofer, A. (2023). Changes in Intimacy and Sexuality During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Analysis of Data from a Survey on Partnered Individuals in Eight European Countries. Sexuality & Culture, 27(2), 693-714
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Changes in Intimacy and Sexuality During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Analysis of Data from a Survey on Partnered Individuals in Eight European Countries
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2023 (English)In: Sexuality & Culture, ISSN 1095-5143, E-ISSN 1936-4822, Vol. 27, no 2, p. 693-714Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This qualitative study explores experiences of intimacy and sexuality during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic of 3357 participants from Croatia, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, and Turkey. Data were collected through open-ended questions within a survey on sexuality during the pandemic. Based on a reflexive thematic analysis three themes occurred. The first theme No change was described by 41% when summarizing their sex life during the pandemic. The second theme Positive change was experienced by 25%, and the third theme Negative change by 21%. An overarching theme then emerged as: "Still the same trajectories, but the pandemic could be a catalyst for improved or worsened sex- life." For those intimate partnered individuals who already had problems with intimacy and sexuality before the COVID-19 pandemic it seemed to remain the same or deteriorated throughout the pandemic. For those with positive experiences of intimacy and sexuality before the COVID-19 pandemic it remained the same or improved throughout the pandemic. These findings are relevant for researchers and clinicians in developing preventive and supportive interventions in the context of crisis and social isolation.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2023
Keywords
COVID-19, Reflexive thematic analysis, Adults, Relationship satisfaction, Sexual health, Intimacy
National Category
Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-56040 (URN)10.1007/s12119-022-10035-1 (DOI)000874396000001 ()36320864 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85140825046 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-11-16 Created: 2022-11-16 Last updated: 2023-09-07Bibliographically approved
Löfgren-Mårtenson, C. (2023). Lust: From fornicatin to dating apps. In: Jenny Björkman (Ed.), The deadly sins in our time: What is the importance of the seven deadly sins in contemporary Sweden? (pp. 1-39). Stockholm & Göteborg: Makadam Förlag
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Lust: From fornicatin to dating apps
2023 (English)In: The deadly sins in our time: What is the importance of the seven deadly sins in contemporary Sweden? / [ed] Jenny Björkman, Stockholm & Göteborg: Makadam Förlag, 2023, p. 1-39Chapter in book (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Every year, Riksbankens jubileumsfond (RJ) publishes an essay collection on a current topic. Its aim is to provide a snapshot of the breadth and quality of contemporary research in the humanities and social sciences. In 2023 seven researchers have contributed texts on the theme of THE DEADLY SINS IN OUR TIME, presented as individually bound essays in a box set. This chapter - Lust, from fornication to dating apps - gives a broad picture of sexuality within a historical and cultural conctext and discusses wheter sexuality and desire is a deadly sin todat or not.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Stockholm & Göteborg: Makadam Förlag, 2023
Series
Riksbankens Jubileumsfond’s essay collection, ISSN 2000-1029 ; 2023
Keywords
deadly sins, lust, sexology, dating apps
National Category
Other Social Sciences
Research subject
Health and society
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-63887 (URN)978-91-7061-956-4 (ISBN)978-91-7061-456-9 (ISBN)
Available from: 2023-11-27 Created: 2023-11-27 Last updated: 2023-11-27Bibliographically approved
Kolak, M., Löfgren-Mårtenson, C., Hansson, S. R., Rubertsson, C. & Agardh, A. (2022). Immigrant women's perspectives on contraceptive counselling provided by midwives in Sweden - a qualitative study. Sexual and reproductive health matters, 30(1), Article ID 2111796.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Immigrant women's perspectives on contraceptive counselling provided by midwives in Sweden - a qualitative study
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2022 (English)In: Sexual and reproductive health matters, ISSN 2641-0397, Vol. 30, no 1, article id 2111796Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Immigrant women in Sweden often have unmet sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs. Successful contraceptive counselling may improve their sexual and reproductive health and rights. The unique Swedish model, with midwives as the main providers of contraceptive counselling, is important for immigrant women's health at both individual and societal levels. This study explored immigrant women's perspectives on receiving contraceptive counselling from midwives in Sweden, in order to obtain deeper knowledge about the factors they perceive as important in the counselling situation. Nineteen in-depth individual interviews were conducted from December 2018 to February 2019, followed by qualitative manifest and latent content analysis. Trust emerged as the overall important factor in the contraceptive counselling meeting. Knowledge was lacking about the midwife's professional role as a contraceptive counsellor. Contraceptive counselling was seen as a private matter not easily shared with unfamiliar midwives or interpreters. Previous experiences of contraceptives and preconceptions were important considerations for contraceptive choice, but communicating these needs required trust. Women also wanted more knowledge about contraceptives and SRH care and rights. Cultural and social norms concerning when and why to use contraceptives needed to be acknowledged in the midwife encounter. Although immigrant women want more knowledge about contraception, a trustful relationship with the midwife is needed to be able to make informed contraceptive choices. Midwives may need increased awareness of the many factors influencing immigrant women's choices to ensure their contraceptive autonomy. Policy changes that promote new ways of counselling and ability to provide continuous care are needed.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2022
Keywords
contraceptive counselling, health literacy, immigrant women, midwives, outreach interactions, trust
National Category
Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-55177 (URN)10.1080/26410397.2022.2111796 (DOI)000855969500001 ()36129725 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85138460153 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-10-17 Created: 2022-10-17 Last updated: 2025-02-11Bibliographically approved
Stulhofer, A., Mehulic, J., Briken, P., Klapilova, K., de Graaf, H., Carvalheira, A. A., . . . Schröder, J. (2022). Perceived Changes in Sexual Interest and Distress About Discrepant Sexual Interest During the First Phase of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Country Assessment in Cohabiting Partnered Individuals. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 51, 231-246
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Perceived Changes in Sexual Interest and Distress About Discrepant Sexual Interest During the First Phase of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Country Assessment in Cohabiting Partnered Individuals
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2022 (English)In: Archives of Sexual Behavior, ISSN 0004-0002, E-ISSN 1573-2800, Vol. 51, p. 231-246Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, different restrictive measures in terms of physical distancing and lockdowns have been introduced in most European countries, affecting all facets of social life. Currently, little is known about how partnered individuals perceive changes in their sexual life during this complex emergency. This study explored retrospectively assessed changes in sexual interest for one's partner and levels of distress related to perceived sexual interest discrepancy during the first phase of the pandemic in a large-scale online sample of partnered individuals (n = 4813; M-age = 38.5 years, SD = 10.74) recruited between May and July 2020 in seven European Union countries and Turkey. We also examined the possible role of approach/avoidance motives for sex in reported changes in sexual interest and associated distress. Most participants (53%) reported no change in their sexual interest during the pandemic, followed by those who reported an increase (28.5%). The pattern was similar across the eight countries. Distress about discrepant sexual interest, which was only weakly related to changes in sexual interest, was significantly associated with relationship quality and emotional closeness with a partner, coping with and worrying about the pandemic, and specific motivation for sex. In contrast to avoidant and relationship-focused approach motivation, ego-focused approach motivation was related to stable sexual interest during the pandemic. The current study contributes to the understanding of the link between sexual interest and complex emergencies. Considering that the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the reported experiences and perceptions are prone to change.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2022
Keywords
Sexual interest discrepancy, Sexual distress, COVID-19, Complex emergency, Approach, avoidance sexual motivation
National Category
Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-49974 (URN)10.1007/s10508-021-02279-z (DOI)000744411000002 ()35039982 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85123070772 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2022-02-07 Created: 2022-02-07 Last updated: 2024-06-18Bibliographically approved
Ouis, P. & Löfgren-Mårtenson, L. (2021). "Det är familjernas sätt att skydda dem": Mellan omsorg och kontroll i en hedersrelaterad kontext för unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning (1ed.). In: Liber (Ed.), Sexualitet och migration i välfärdsarbete: (pp. 525-544). Lund: Studentlitteratur AB
Open this publication in new window or tab >>"Det är familjernas sätt att skydda dem": Mellan omsorg och kontroll i en hedersrelaterad kontext för unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning
2021 (Swedish)In: Sexualitet och migration i välfärdsarbete / [ed] Liber, Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2021, 1, p. 525-544Chapter in book (Other academic)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Lund: Studentlitteratur AB, 2021 Edition: 1
Keywords
Heder, sexualitet, unga med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning, etnicitet
National Category
Sociology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-39654 (URN)978-91-44-13372-0 (ISBN)
Available from: 2021-01-21 Created: 2021-01-21 Last updated: 2022-04-26Bibliographically approved
Projects
Young People with Intellectual Disability and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights; Malmö University, Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies (CSS)Digital Daters - New forms of Intimacy and Sexuality on Dating Platforms"A hand appeared suddenly” – Experiences and reflections of sexual harassment among students and PhD-students; Malmö University"What do we do now?" How the Swedish police authority work with sexual offences among people with intellectual disabilities; Malmö University
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-0297-0591

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