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"Sexual pleasure on equal terms": young women's ideal sexual situations

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Author

  • Eva Elmerstig
  • Barbro Wijma
  • Kerstin Sandell
  • Carina Berterö

Summary, in English

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify young women's ideal images of sexual situations and expectations on themselves in sexual situations. Study design: We conducted audio-taped qualitative individual interviews with 14 women aged 14 to 20 years, visiting two youth centers in Sweden. Data were analysed with constant comparative analysis, the basis of grounded theory methodology. Results: The women's ideal sexual situations in heterosexual practice were characterized by sexual pleasure on equal terms, implying that no one dominates and both partners get pleasure. There were obstacles to reaching this ideal, such as influences from social norms and demands, and experiences of the partner's "own run". An incentive to reach the ideal sexual situation was the wish to experience the well of pleasure. Conclusions: Our research further accentuates the importance of finding ways to focus on the complexity of unequal gender norms in youth heterosexuality. A better understanding of these cognitions is essential and useful among professionals working with youths' sexual health.

Publishing year

2012

Language

English

Pages

129-134

Publication/Series

Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology

Volume

33

Issue

3

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Topic

  • Gender Studies

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1743-8942