Journal of Women Interdisciplinary Researches

Abstract Sexual health is defined as a physical, emotional, mental, and social state related to sexuality and sexual matters, and it is not merely the absence of disease, disorder, or dysfunction. Like other human behaviors, sexual behavior is influenced by an individual's knowledge and attitude toward gender and sexual issues. A prerequisite for healthy sexual behavior is having accurate sexual knowledge and an appropriate attitude, as thoughts, attitudes, and values constitute essential components of sexual behavior and serve as key factors affecting sexual responses. This study aimed to examine the evolution of gender stereotypical beliefs over the past five decades and investigate the impact of education on the level of such beliefs among women over the last 50 years. The statistical population consisted of five generations of married women residing in Fars Province between 2021 and 2022. Using convenience sampling, 500 married women from Fars participated by completing demographic and gender stereotype questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation, regression analysis, MANOVA, and ANOVA in SPSS-26. The Pearson correlation coefficient results indicated a negative relationship between women's gender stereotypical beliefs and education. The regression analysis showed that the regression model explained 23% of the variance in gender stereotypical beliefs, with education being a significant predictor. Additionally, MANOVA results demonstrated a downward trend in gender stereotypical beliefs over the past 50 years. The findings suggest a shift in women's perspectives and attitudes toward gender-related taboos. While women's education levels have significantly increased over the past five decades, their sexual knowledge has shown only a minimal rise.

Abstract Violence against women and girls persists across all human societies despite differences in religions and other intellectual, cultural, economic, and social factors. It is a global, transhistorical and transcultural phenomenon with roots in the history of humanity. This consequence prevents the full participation of women in society and poses a serious threat to human rights and health. Violence has significant effects on women's physical and mental health. Despite extensive research on the consequences of violence on women's mental health, the prevalence of violence has increased during the COVID-19 quarantine period. This study examines the extent of violence against women and girls and its psychological consequences during quarantine. This is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study. The instruments used in this study include a Demographic Questionnaire, Standard Violence Against Women Questionnaire and the Hopkins Index (HSCL). Data analysis was conducted by SPSS 26 software. (P <0.01). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between all dimensions of mental health and violence. Exposure to various types of violence leads to a decline in mental health across different dimensions. Violence emerges as a robust predictor of mental health in various dimensions. Considering the important role of women in the family and the impact of their health on family and community well-being, it is imperative to take measures to reduce violence and enhance women's mental health.