Sexual desire and testosterone are widely assumed to be directly and positively linked to each other despite the lack of supporting empirical evidence. The literature that does exist is mixed, which may result from a conflation of solitary and dyadic desire, and the exclusion of contextual variables, like stress, known to be relevant. Here, we use the Steroid/Peptide Theory of Social Bonds as a framework for examining how testosterone, solitary and partnered desire, and stress are linked over time. To do so, we collected saliva samples (for testosterone and cortisol) and measured desire as well as other variables via questionnaires over nine monthly sessions in 78 women and 79 men. Linear mixed models showed that testosterone negatively predicted partnered desire in women but not men. Stress moderated associations between testosterone and solitary desire in both women and men, but differently: At lower levels of stress, higher average testosterone corresponded to higher average solitary desire for men, but lower solitary desire on average for women. Similarly, for partnered desire, higher perceived stress predicted lower desire for women, but higher desire for men. We conclude by discussing the ways that these results both counter presumptions about testosterone and desire but fit with the existing literature and theory, and highlight the empirical importance of stress and gender norms.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Rationale Deciding about pediatric home ventilation is exceptionally challenging for parents. Understanding the decision‐making needs of parents who made different choices for their children could inform clinician counseling that better supports parents’ diverse values and goals. Objectives To determine how clinicians can meet the decisional needs of parents considering home ventilation using a balanced sample of families who chose for or against intervention. Methods We conducted semi‐structured interviews of parents who chose for or against home ventilation for their child within the previous 5 years. Parents were recruited from three academic centers across the United States. Interviews focused on parent–clinician communication during decision‐making and how clinicians made the process easier or more difficult. Qualitative analysis was used to generate themes and identify key results. Results Thirty‐eight parents were interviewed; 20 chose for and 18 chose against home ventilation. Five themes described their perspectives on how clinicians can facilitate high‐quality decision‐making: demonstrating dedication to families, effectively managing the medical team, introducing the concept of home ventilation with intention, facilitating meaningful conversation about the treatment options, and supporting and respecting the family's decision. Conclusions High‐quality decision‐making around home ventilation depends on individual clinician actions and the complex operations of large academic settings. Strong working relationships with parents, collaborative alliances with colleagues, and appropriate delivery of key content can help meet the needs of parents considering invasive breathing supports for their children.