Opportunism, Institutions and Moral Costs: the Socio-Cultural Dimension of the Underground Economy in Croatia 1995-1999

Since the causes and dynamics of the unofficial economy are inseparable from the sociocultural dimension, the authors analyze the dynamics of opportunism and (dis)trust in institutions in Croatia during the last half of the nineties. The analyses carried out are based on work in which the first author provided a theoretical conceptualization of the socio-cultural dimension of the unofficial economy (Štulhofer, 1997). Measurement of the dynamics of opportunism and (dis)trust in institutions was carried out on data collected in the World Values Study – Croatia 1995 (N = 1170) and the European Values Study – Croatia 1999 (N = 1003). The results point out that in the observed period the level of opportunism decreased, with respect to both the intensity and to the distribution. Interestingly, there has been no change in the age structure of opportunism (the youngest age cohort is still the most opportunistic). Unlike opportunism, with which it is positively correlated, distrust in institutions has increased, particularly in the youngest age cohort. Considering the theoretical model, in which the level of opportunism reflects the moral costs related to participation in the underground economy, the decrease in the level of opportunism and economic growth in the post-war period suggest a moderate reduction in the underground economy in Croatia during the second half of the nineties.underground economy, Croatia, opportunism, trust in institutions, moral costs, socio-cultural factors

Opportunism, institutions and moral costs: the socio-cultural dimension of the underground economy in Croatia 1995-1999

Since the causes and dynamics of the unofficial economy are inseparable from the sociocultural dimension, the authors analyze the dynamics of opportunism and (dis)trust in institutions in Croatia during the last half of the nineties. The analyses carried out are based on work in which the first author provided a theoretical conceptualization of the socio-cultural dimension of the unofficial economy (Štulhofer, 1997). Measurement of the dynamics of opportunism and (dis)trust in institutions was carried out on data collected in the World Values Study – Croatia 1995 (N = 1170) and the European Values Study – Croatia 1999 (N = 1003). The results point out that in the observed period the level of opportunism decreased, with respect to both the intensity and to the distribution. Interestingly, there has been no change in the age structure of opportunism (the youngest age cohort is still the most opportunistic). Unlike opportunism, with which it is positively correlated, distrust in institutions has increased, particularly in the youngest age cohort. Considering the theoretical model, in which the level of opportunism reflects the moral costs related to participation in the underground economy, the decrease in the level of opportunism and economic growth in the post-war period suggest a moderate reduction in the underground economy in Croatia during the second half of the nineties

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

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; Mage = 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.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Urine-based testing for Chlamydia trachomatis among young adults in a population-based survey in Croatia: Feasibility and prevalence

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We assessed the feasibility of collecting urine samples for testing on genital <it>Chlamydia trachomatis </it>infection in a population-based survey, and prevalence of this infection among young people aged 18-25 in Croatia. In Croatia, as in the other countries of Eastern Europe, there is a lack of data on prevalence of <it>C trachomatis </it>in the general population, including young adults.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We sampled participants using a nationally representative, multi-stage stratified probability sample of young men and women. Detection of <it>C trachomatis </it>DNA in urine samples was performed by using a real-time PCR assay COBAS^®TaqMan^®CT Test, v2.0.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overall, 1005 young adults participated in the behavioural part of the survey, and 27.9% men and 37.5% women who were sexually experienced agreed to provide urine samples for testing on <it>C trachomatis</it>. Using multivariate analysis, women were significantly more likely to provide urine samples than men (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.14-2.06) as were those who reported no condom use at last intercourse (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.44-2.62). Prevalence of <it>C trachomatis </it>infection among those who were sexually experienced was 7.3% in men and 5.3% in women.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Population-based surveys that use probabilistic sampling are a feasible way to obtain population estimates of <it>C trachomatis </it>prevalence among young adults in Croatia, but it is challenging to obtain an adequate response rate. The prevalence of <it>C trachomatis </it>among young adults in Croatia found in this study was higher than that found in other European countries with similar survey response rates.</p

Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in 42 Countries: Insights from the International Sex Survey and Introduction of Standardized Assessment Tools

Background and aims: Despite its inclusion in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, there is a virtual paucity of high-quality scientific evidence about compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), especially in underrepresented and underserved populations. Therefore, we comprehensively examined CSBD across 42 countries, genders, and sexual orientations, and validated the original (CSBD-19) and short (CSBD-7) versions of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale to provide stan- dardized, state-of-the-art screening tools for research and clinical practice. Method: Using data from the International Sex Survey (N 5 82,243; Mage 5 32.39 years, SD 5 12.52), we evaluated the psychometric properties of the CSBD-19 and CSBD-7 and compared CSBD across 42 countries, three genders, eight sexual orientations, and individuals with low vs. high risk of experiencing CSBD. Results: A total of 4.8% of the participants were at high risk of experiencing CSBD. Country- and gender-based differences were observed, while no sexual-orientation-based differences were pre- sent in CSBD levels. Only 14% of individuals with CSBD have ever sought treatment for this disorder, with an additional 33% not having sought treatment because of various reasons. Both versions of the scale demonstrated excellent validity and reliability. Discus- sion and conclusions: This study contributes to a better under- standing of CSBD in underrepresented and underserved populations and facilitates its identification in diverse populations by providing freely accessible ICD-11-based screening tools in 26 languages. The findings may also serve as a crucial building block to stimulate research into evidence-based, culturally sensitive pre- vention and intervention strategies for CSBD that are currently missing from the literature

Silencing the sexual self and relational and individual well-being in later life: a gendered analysis of North versus South of Europe

This study explores the European North-South differences in older partnered individuals’ silencing of the sexual self and its links to relational and individual well-being. A web survey was conducted among partnered individuals aged 65 years or above in Norway and Croatia. There were 368 (women: 37.8%, response rate: 22%) and 359 (women: 34.5%, response rate: 27%) individuals who participated in Norway and Croatia, respectively. A range of relational (sexual satisfaction, relationship quality) and individual well-being (anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction) indicators was considered. Sexual self-silencing had significant impacts across outcomes, gender, and countries. Furthermore, contrary to what might be expected, we observed no differences in self-silencing between the two countries; and in both countries, men were more self-silenced than women. Findings suggest that sexual self-silencing can compromise relationship quality and psychological well-being in later life. Health and clinical practice toward older individuals and couples should thus probe about and aim to improve the expression of sexual desires and needs

Silencing the sexual self and relational and individual well-being in later life: a gendered analysis of North versus South of Europe

This study explores the European North-South differences in older partnered individuals’ silencing of the sexual self and its links to relational and individual well-being. A web survey was conducted among partnered individuals aged 65 years or above in Norway and Croatia. There were 368 (women: 37.8%, response rate: 22%) and 359 (women: 34.5%, response rate: 27%) individuals who participated in Norway and Croatia, respectively. A range of relational (sexual satisfaction, relationship quality) and individual well-being (anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction) indicators was considered. Sexual self-silencing had significant impacts across outcomes, gender, and countries. Furthermore, contrary to what might be expected, we observed no differences in self-silencing between the two countries; and in both countries, men were more self-silenced than women. Findings suggest that sexual self-silencing can compromise relationship quality and psychological well-being in later life. Health and clinical practice toward older individuals and couples should thus probe about and aim to improve the expression of sexual desires and needs

A Two-Wave Assessment of the Structure and Stability of Self-Reported Problematic Pornography Use Among Male Croatian Adolescents

status: publishe