Cory Pedersen

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Faculty Member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

[Background] Menstruation has long been stigmatized as unclean and taboo. This stigma may cause menstruating people to see their bodies as places of ‘abomination,’ inducing menstrual shame. Menstrual self-stigma is associated with both decreased sexual experience and increased engagement in unsafe sex. However, scant quantitative research explores...

Introduction Existing research on technology-facilitated sexualized violence (TFSV) and unsolicited genital images in particular tends to focus on gender as an analytic category, including examining differences in experiences between men and women or focusing on women as a group. We examined heterogeneity among women in risk of receiving unsolicite...

Introduction: Technology-facilitated sexualized violence (TFSV) is a growing concern in educational, public health, and public policy spaces, with severe implications for health and well-being. In particular, young adults are at particularly high risk of TFSV victimization, which is compounded by structural sexism, heterosexism, colonialism, racism...

Previous literature has examined the areas of stereotype application with reference to gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity/race. However, less has explored the intersection of these areas, particularly in reference to Asian individuals. Stereotypes about gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity/race are interwoven and simultaneously influenc...

Fatness and fat people are pervasively stigmatized in Western cultures, with significant negative implications for fat people's well-being. Negative evaluations of those in sexual and romantic relationships with fat people (i.e. associative stigma) may have harmful implications for shared relational well-being. Here, we examined whether non-fat (i....

There is currently little research investigating men’s lack of engagement in cunnilingus. This study explored reasons why some men do not engage in cunnilingus, as well as characteristics that distinguish those who engage from those who do not. A convenience sample of 935 straight and bisexual/pansexual male participants were asked to indicate whet...

https://bccampus.ca/projects/intersectional-sexualized-violence-project/

There is currently little research investigating men’s lack of engagement in cunnilingus. This study explored reasons why some men do not engage in cunnilingus, as well as characteristics that distinguish those who engage from those who do not. A convenience sample of 935 straight and bisexual/pansexual male participants were asked to indicate whet...

We examined the relationship between men’s perceptions of their bodies and how they see themselves sexually. The goals of this study were to explore the following: (1) the relationship between dimensions of body esteem and sexual esteem, (2) the influence of adherence to male gender norms on the relationship between body esteem and sexual esteem, (...

The heterosexual male gaze is often credited with producing bodily anxieties among women, yet empirical and popular cultural evidence suggest gay men have especially negative views toward women’s bodies, particularly women’s genitalia. Across two studies (N = 6,129; Mage = 27.58; 2,047 women, 4,082 men) we conducted secondary analyses of existing d...

Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) is defined broadly as unwanted or unwelcome sexual behavior involving the use of technology, including online sexual harassment, online gender or sexuality-based harassment, online image-based abuse (colloquially known as "revenge porn"), and online sexual aggression/coercion (colloquially known as "sex...

Labiaplasty is an increasingly common form of cosmetic surgery involving the removal of portions of the labia minora to achieve a smaller, more symmetrical labial appearance. Labiaplasty is inextricably linked to the colonial medicalization of Black women’s labia, necessitating examination of labiaplasty and race in concert. Participants (N = 4351,...

Labiaplasty is an increasingly common form of cosmetic surgery involving the removal of portions of the labia minora to achieve a smaller, more symmetrical labial appearance. Labiaplasty is inextricably linked to the colonial medicalization of Black women's labia, necessitating examination of labiaplasty and race in concert. Participants (N = 4351,...

Given that the prevailing literature largely neglects the unwanted sexual activity experiences of men, this study examined both prevalence and predictors of men’s compliance with unwanted, but consensual, sexual activity. Specifically, we examined whether traditional gender-role endorsement, belief in male sexuality stereotypes, and age predict sex...

Though much work has examined how sexual orientation and body shape are jointly constituted, less has examined the joint perception of body shape, gender/sex, and sexuality. We draw upon multifarious person perception approaches to examine how personality and sexuality-related traits are attributed to bodies of varying shape (skinny, average, fat)...

This study employed a mixed methods approach, integrating quantitative online survey data (N = 333; Mage = 33.91; 63% women) with qualitative interview data (N = 10; Agerange = 24-46; 50% women) to gain a more comprehensive understanding of TFSV. We found that victims of TFSV experienced anxiety, stress, depression, loss of control, mistrust, multi...

We blend person perception work with queer appearance psychology to examine the relationship between body size and bisexuality. In an online survey (N = 472, Mage = 25.15, 63.8% women), we examined the specific traits associated with a range of computer-modeled bodies identified as bisexual. We found that average body sizes were perceived as most p...

We blend person perception work with queer appearance psychology to examine the relationship between body size and bisexuality. In an online survey (N= 472, Mage= 25.15, 63.8% women), we examined the specific traits associated with a range of computer-modelled bodies identified as bisexual. We found that average body sizes were perceived as most pr...

Though much work has examined how sexual orientation and body shape are jointly constituted, less has examined the joint perception of body shape, gender/sex, and sexuality. We draw upon multifarious person perception approaches to examine how personality and sexuality-related traits are attributed to bodies of varying shape (skinny, average, fat)...

Previous research on non-verbal courtship behavior (flirting) has been conducted almost exclusively with heterosexual participants and has relied upon an evolutionary-based, reproduction driven framework. This study extended beyond a reductionist perspective to examine the differential contributions of gender identity, traditional masculinity-femin...

Gender-reveal parties (GRPs)—parties designed to celebrate the revelation of fetal gender—are a relatively new phenomenon, which is highly visible and popular online. This phenomenon has been criticized for reinforcing rigid gender role beliefs and stereotypes and perpetuating binary conceptualizations of two genders. The present study examines ide...

The penis is often conflated with masculinity, yet a paucity of literature exists investigating men’s experiences of their penis and their masculinity in tandem. The small body of research bridging these topics generally focuses on clinical populations and is unable to speak to men’s experiences beyond these populations. This study assessed, in a n...

Given current cultural attention to issues surrounding sexual consent, the issue of sexual deception is pertinent. The current study examined rates of different forms of blatant sexual deception (i.e., intentionally misleading sexual partners) with a focus on individual predictors including demographic correlates and traits of narcissism and sexual...

Social media plays an important role in the development and maintenance of modern relationships. Previous research has investigated why dyadic couples may choose to display their relationships online, and the individual and relational correlates of these visibility decisions. The current study (N = 669) is one of the first to examine specific outco...

‘Catcalling’ is a common form of street harassment, often described as sexual harassment from a stranger in a public place. In most cases, it involves a man intruding on a woman’s attention using words, whistles, sounds, or gestures, which essentially define the woman as a sexual object. The purpose of the present study was to explore men’s motivat...

Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) is a comprehensive term used to encompass all sexually aggressive and harassing behaviors involving technology. Although there is a growing knowledge base investigating the prevalence and consequences of TFSV, relatively little is known about the extent of aversive consequences experienced by victims an...

This study examined the frequency of sexual assault experiences in a sample of university women to understand the conditions under which sexual assault occurs, and compare alcohol and drug consumption patterns on the likelihood of experiencing sexual victimization. While patterns of victimization have been examined in American contexts, research on...

Research indicates that women with tattoos are evaluated more negatively than women without tattoos on numerous qualities. Further, men perceive better chances for sexual success with tattooed women than those without visible tattoos. Despite these findings, less is known about whether women with visible tattoos are more open to casual sexual encou...

The assumptions people make from body shape can have serious implications for the well-being of the individuals inhabiting such bodies. Fat people are subject to pervasive and resilient social stigma and discrimination, leading to negative mental and physical health outcomes, including negative sexuality- related outcomes. Though previous studies h...

Labiaplasty – a common form of female genital cosmetic surgery involving the removal of portions of the labia minora – is becoming increasingly popular, yet little research has examined perceptions of postoperative labia relative to perceptions of unaltered labia. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine perceptions of preoperative and po...

The current study examined perceptions of blame toward a female sexual assault victim to determine whether disability status as either disabled or able-bodied would impact the level of attributed blame. Given misconceptions of women living with physical disabilities as asexual and not possessing the same sexual needs and desires as their able-bodie...

Contemporary culture has afforded a new sexualized identity to fatherhood. Fathers are often labeled as nurturing, dominant, and domesticated; attributes demonstrably appealing to females. Colloquially, the sexy dad has come to be referred to as “DILF” (i.e., Dad I’d Like to Fuck), a concept popularized in the media since its debut online in 2011....

The denigration of competitors is an evolved strategy used to give the impression that a rival is less appealing. Evidence indicates that women denigrate other women principally on appearance and sexual fidelity because men value these qualities in partners. Though much sexual selection research is rooted in evolutionary theory, this perspective is...

Smartphone-dating and hook-up apps are undeniable factors in the modern landscape of sexuality. In particular, gay and bisexual men have bridged social and societal barriers for connection by using these apps. Despite advantages afforded by such technological advancements, when individuals are faced with a low phone battery, a sense of urgency may...

Given that the sharing of genital images – colloquially known as “dick pics” – has become a widespread phenomenon, the purpose of the present study was to explore men’s motivations for sending unsolicited images of their genitalia. A secondary purpose was to investigate the personality and sexuality characteristics of men who send dick pics relativ...

Previous research has found that images depicted in the mainstream media have a negative influence on self-esteem, particularly among women. With the ease of accessibility and distribution of sexually explicit material (SEM) in recent years, due largely to the rise of the Internet, it has been postulated that consumers of SEM may experience reduced...

Previous research has indicated that the sexual orientation of a sexual assault victim influences perceptions of blame. Although researchers have studied perceptions of blame toward straight and lesbian sexual assault victims, none have yet assessed perceptions of blame toward bisexual victims. The purpose of the current study is to examine percept...

Masculine overcompensation—a phenomenon where men react to masculinity threats by endorsing hypermasculine ideals—has been demonstrated among straight men but has yet to be examined among gay men. The current study therefore proposed to examine whether gay men overcompensate similarly to their straight counterparts by providing participants with ra...

Given that consumption of sexually explicit material (SEM) and sexual behaviour are inextricably linked, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the frequency of SEM consumption predicts knowledge of sexual human anatomy, physiology, and typically practiced sexual behaviour. A secondary purpose was to investigate self-perceived effects o...

This study explored the impact of advertisements featuring individuals either with or without a physical disability on attitudes towards sexuality and disability. In addition, the authors sought to determine whether there is a relationship between these attitudes and endorsement of traditional versus egalitarian gender role beliefs. A total of 707...

Since the 1970s, sexuality research has focused on a multitude of factors precipitating and influencing sexuality discrimination. However, the unique social positioning of bisexual individuals is notably absent in comparison to discussions of discrimination experienced by lesbians and gay men. This research examined bisexual discrimination at an in...

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is often used to initiate, maintain, or terminate intimate relationships and recently, such platforms have been considered an outlet for sexual communication. This has led to the emerging trend of sending sexually suggestive messages via computer devices in what is known as "sexting." The current study expands...

The primary goal of this study was to evaluate similarities and differences between exotic dancers and non-dancing female university students on demographic variables, self-esteem, aspects of personality, attitudes toward sex and sexuality, and attitudes toward exotic dance and exotic dancers. A total of 230 predominately English speaking females p...

Connecting Minds (CM) is a North American undergraduate research conference in psychology, hosted annually by Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, Canada. However, CM is a conference with a twist: it is both student-focused and student-led. The organizing committee is comprised of both faculty and students working collaboratively. W...

Emerging adults (EAs) have been theorized as an intensely self-focused and sexually experimental cohort. The aim of this study was to examine the sexual motivations of heterosexual EA couples (aged 18 to 25 years) compared to heterosexual older adult couples (aged 30+ years) to determine if EAs are more self-focused sexual partners than older adult...

Background: Mothers of children with autism report anxiety when taking their child out in public because they fear negative social judgment (e.g. Koegel, 1992). Recent findings from our lab suggest that maternal Fear of Negative Social Judgement (FNSJ) is a significant predictor of parenting stress for mothers of children with autism. Objectives:...

Background: Mothers of children with autism (CWA) often demonstrate clinically significant stress levels and high rates of depression (Tomanik et al., 2004; Abbeduto et all, 2004). Factors associated with maternal stress include parenting efficacy, social support and negative child behaviors. Mothers of CWA participate less in social activities, ha...