THESex is one of the recurring (also) topics among the new generations. But between saying and doing … what’s the middle? On the occasion of the World Sexual Wellness Day which occurs the September 4, Recent research has explored sexual well -being in its wider facets, with particular focus on young people. Here is what has emerged.
Sex and young people: Italian data
When it comes to sexual well -being, reference is made to a broad concept that concerns the physical healthbut also that mental, emotional and relational. According to recent research commissioned by Lelo and conducted in Italy in collaboration with the AstraRicerche Institute, on a sample of age Between 18 and 24 years old, for 74% of interviewees, sexuality has a positive impact on well -being. Variety (40.7%) and freedom to dare (45.3%) are considered a reason for satisfaction under the sheets. The sex toys, then, are now well known to 90.4% of the interviewees.
For many young people, Fantasy guides the exploration of intimacy. 36% of women and 25% of men are inclined to explain and create their sexual fantasies. However, there is no shortage of improvement: for the 71% of women there is an expectation to improve their level of sexual well -being In the next 5 years (for 55% of men), and 52.7% of the sample lives or has experienced problems related to sexuality. The proposed solutions have not always respected expectations: the visit with a specialist doctor to face the problem was ineffective for 33% of women and 15% of men.
Feel good in change
There is no doubt that something, among young people, is changing. In the way of living and living in intimacy, but also in society. “In recent decades we have witnessed one evolution of gender rolesof the way of living sexuality and much more on the part of men and women. An interesting study, which started in 2012 conducted by Millenium Project entitled ‘Changing Gender Stereotypes‘, he conducted an international evaluation on how gender stereotypes are changing and what forecasts there are for the future. The changes are manifold and invest many areas, not only the sexual one. The study highlighted how these changes are constantly evolving and how, fortunately, they tend to have a progressive trend. Also Clinical practice confirms in part this trend, more among the generations of the youngestin urban contexts, especially in large cities, these changes are observable and clear », underlines the doctor Valentina Cosmi, psychotherapist and sexologist SISP Italian Society of Sexology and Psychology and Lelo consultant.
Sex: are girls more aware?
“Today The girls are more aware of themselvesof their potential and their right to self -determination, even sexual. An inclination of this type pours, in a positive way, in the ability to be more proactive towards sexual behavior. Not in the sense, as could be missed, of a sexual promiscuity, but as the ability to be responsible. For example, to take charge of the purchase of a contraceptive or a sex toy, with the awareness of their desires and what they are entitled to.
On the other hand, on the male side there is a change of some stereotypies which, once, have been very harmful. The boys, in fact, today seem able to more than in the past of give voice to their emotions, to cry for example, and to build relationships where they are not necessarily responsible for sexuality and sexual intercourse. That is to say that perhaps, in the future, it will be possible to imagine one less cultural pressure on the boys In the performance area, which leaves little room for fun and expression of emotions », continues Dr. Cosmi.
Education at the basis of change
According to research, The most used channel To inquire about sexuality It is that of social networks for 50.4% of interviewees, while For 12.6% it is school. This brings out once again how fundamental the educational factor is. “We are talking about a sexual and emotional education that provides information to preserve one’s physical health. Like the use of condoms, as a contraceptive method to protect yourself safely. But also notions addressed to construction of one’s identity as sexual subjects who wish to experiment in the world with their own characteristics and desires. We will never tire of repeating it, they are all worthy of being expressed and represented, in compliance with self and the other “, concludes the expert.