title: Turning sexual science into news: sex research and the media.
abstract: In this article we report on the findings of a two-part project investigating contemporary issues in sexuality researchers' interaction with journalists. The goal of the project was to explore best practices and suggest curricular and training initiatives for sexuality researchers and journalists that would enhance the accurate dissemination of sexuality research results in the media. We present the results of a survey of a convenience sample of 94 sexuality researchers about their experiences and concerns regarding media coverage and a summary of the main themes that emerged from an invitational conference of sexuality researchers and journalists. In addition, we present some preliminary recommendations for training and best practices. Topics assessed include reporting accuracy; sex researchers' comfort with various topics, media, and journalists; researchers' perceptions of the purpose and content of articles; concern about the impact of media coverage; and training for sexuality researchers.
authors.affiliation: Section of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
authors.forename: Kimberly R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: McBride
authors.forename: Stephanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Sanders
authors.forename: Erick
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Janssen
authors.forename: Maria Elizabeth
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Grabe
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bass
authors.forename: Johnny V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Sparks
authors.forename: Trevor R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Julia R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Heiman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D035843:Biomedical Research; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D008875:Middle Aged; D011639:Public Opinion; D012108:Research Personnel; D044347:Sexology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires