THE IMPACT OF PLEASURE INCLUSIVE SEX EDUCATION ON SEXUAL WELLBEING

Jenneke van Ditzhuijzen; A. Overeem

Abstract

Introduction & objectives
Recent review studies have shown that pleasure-inclusive sex education can contribute to sexual health
by reducing risks on unwanted pregnancy and STIs. Pleasure-inclusive sex education could also increase
sexual autonomy, which in turn might increase positive sexual experiences and protect against negative
ones. In this review study, we investigate relationships between pleasure-inclusive sex education and sexual
wellbeing, via sexual autonomy.
Methods & sample
We systematically reviewed available evidence on pleasure-inclusive sex education, sexual autonomy (or
related variables) and sexual wellbeing. The study was preregistered and we followed PRISMA guidelines.
We searched in 5 databases for literature of the last 2 decades. After screening over 15,000 records, we
selected 62 out of 288 full-texts, and finally included 42 records in the review.
Results
First, evaluation studies (mostly pre-and post-intervention comparisons) showed that sexual autonomy
was higher after pleasure-inclusive CSE, but no causal relationships could be inferred from these studies.
Second, the studies examining associations between sexual autonomy and sexual wellbeing showed that
sexual autonomy was related to experiencing pleasurable sex, satisfaction, and positive sexual emotions,
and that it also explained prevention of sexual revictimization.
Conclusions & recommendations
The evidence shows positive associations between pleasure-inclusive CSE and sexual wellbeing, but there
is not enough empirical evidence to support the causal claim that pleasure-inclusive CSE increases sexual
autonomy or improves sexual wellbeing. However, there is some strong evidence suggesting a causal
relationship between sexual autonomy and positive sexual experiences. There is a great need for high
quality research to further elucidate whether pleasure-inclusive CSE contributes to sexual wellbeing and
the prevention of sexual violence.
SOURCES OF FUNDING
The review was an assignment of Seksueel Welzijn Nederland (Prof. Dr. Ellen Laan) which was partly
funded by Rutgers Expertise Center on Sexuality and Fonds SOS of the NVVS (Dutch Association for
Sexology).

Original language	English
Pages	284
Number of pages	1
Publication status	Published - 2 Nov 2023
Event	26th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health - Turkey, Antalya, Turkey Duration: 2 Nov 2023 → 5 Nov 2023 Conference number: 26 https://www.was2023.org/files/downloads/WAS2023-Abstract-Book.pdf

Conference

Conference	26th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health
Abbreviated title	WAS
Country/Territory	Turkey
City	Antalya
Period	2/11/23 → 5/11/23
Internet address	https://www.was2023.org/files/downloads/WAS2023-Abstract-Book.pdf

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 5 Gender Equality
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Access to Document

https://www.was2023.org/files/downloads/WAS2023-Abstract-Book.pdf

Cite this

@conference{21a57ee89eaf43339423fca78bb2a306,

title = "THE IMPACT OF PLEASURE INCLUSIVE SEX EDUCATION ON SEXUAL WELLBEING",

abstract = "Introduction \& objectives Recent review studies have shown that pleasure-inclusive sex education can contribute to sexual health by reducing risks on unwanted pregnancy and STIs. Pleasure-inclusive sex education could also increase sexual autonomy, which in turn might increase positive sexual experiences and protect against negative ones. In this review study, we investigate relationships between pleasure-inclusive sex education and sexual wellbeing, via sexual autonomy. Methods \& sample We systematically reviewed available evidence on pleasure-inclusive sex education, sexual autonomy (or related variables) and sexual wellbeing. The study was preregistered and we followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched in 5 databases for literature of the last 2 decades. After screening over 15,000 records, we selected 62 out of 288 full-texts, and finally included 42 records in the review. Results First, evaluation studies (mostly pre-and post-intervention comparisons) showed that sexual autonomy was higher after pleasure-inclusive CSE, but no causal relationships could be inferred from these studies. Second, the studies examining associations between sexual autonomy and sexual wellbeing showed that sexual autonomy was related to experiencing pleasurable sex, satisfaction, and positive sexual emotions, and that it also explained prevention of sexual revictimization. Conclusions \& recommendations The evidence shows positive associations between pleasure-inclusive CSE and sexual wellbeing, but there is not enough empirical evidence to support the causal claim that pleasure-inclusive CSE increases sexual autonomy or improves sexual wellbeing. However, there is some strong evidence suggesting a causal relationship between sexual autonomy and positive sexual experiences. There is a great need for high quality research to further elucidate whether pleasure-inclusive CSE contributes to sexual wellbeing and the prevention of sexual violence. SOURCES OF FUNDING The review was an assignment of Seksueel Welzijn Nederland (Prof. Dr. Ellen Laan) which was partly funded by Rutgers Expertise Center on Sexuality and Fonds SOS of the NVVS (Dutch Association for Sexology).",

author = "\{van Ditzhuijzen\}, Jenneke and A. Overeem",

year = "2023",

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day = "2",

language = "English",

pages = "284",

note = "26th Congress of the World Association for Sexual Health, WAS ; Conference date: 02-11-2023 Through 05-11-2023",

url = "https://www.was2023.org/files/downloads/WAS2023-Abstract-Book.pdf",

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AU - Overeem, A.

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Y1 - 2023/11/2

N2 - Introduction & objectives Recent review studies have shown that pleasure-inclusive sex education can contribute to sexual health by reducing risks on unwanted pregnancy and STIs. Pleasure-inclusive sex education could also increase sexual autonomy, which in turn might increase positive sexual experiences and protect against negative ones. In this review study, we investigate relationships between pleasure-inclusive sex education and sexual wellbeing, via sexual autonomy. Methods & sample We systematically reviewed available evidence on pleasure-inclusive sex education, sexual autonomy (or related variables) and sexual wellbeing. The study was preregistered and we followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched in 5 databases for literature of the last 2 decades. After screening over 15,000 records, we selected 62 out of 288 full-texts, and finally included 42 records in the review. Results First, evaluation studies (mostly pre-and post-intervention comparisons) showed that sexual autonomy was higher after pleasure-inclusive CSE, but no causal relationships could be inferred from these studies. Second, the studies examining associations between sexual autonomy and sexual wellbeing showed that sexual autonomy was related to experiencing pleasurable sex, satisfaction, and positive sexual emotions, and that it also explained prevention of sexual revictimization. Conclusions & recommendations The evidence shows positive associations between pleasure-inclusive CSE and sexual wellbeing, but there is not enough empirical evidence to support the causal claim that pleasure-inclusive CSE increases sexual autonomy or improves sexual wellbeing. However, there is some strong evidence suggesting a causal relationship between sexual autonomy and positive sexual experiences. There is a great need for high quality research to further elucidate whether pleasure-inclusive CSE contributes to sexual wellbeing and the prevention of sexual violence. SOURCES OF FUNDING The review was an assignment of Seksueel Welzijn Nederland (Prof. Dr. Ellen Laan) which was partly funded by Rutgers Expertise Center on Sexuality and Fonds SOS of the NVVS (Dutch Association for Sexology).

AB - Introduction & objectives Recent review studies have shown that pleasure-inclusive sex education can contribute to sexual health by reducing risks on unwanted pregnancy and STIs. Pleasure-inclusive sex education could also increase sexual autonomy, which in turn might increase positive sexual experiences and protect against negative ones. In this review study, we investigate relationships between pleasure-inclusive sex education and sexual wellbeing, via sexual autonomy. Methods & sample We systematically reviewed available evidence on pleasure-inclusive sex education, sexual autonomy (or related variables) and sexual wellbeing. The study was preregistered and we followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched in 5 databases for literature of the last 2 decades. After screening over 15,000 records, we selected 62 out of 288 full-texts, and finally included 42 records in the review. Results First, evaluation studies (mostly pre-and post-intervention comparisons) showed that sexual autonomy was higher after pleasure-inclusive CSE, but no causal relationships could be inferred from these studies. Second, the studies examining associations between sexual autonomy and sexual wellbeing showed that sexual autonomy was related to experiencing pleasurable sex, satisfaction, and positive sexual emotions, and that it also explained prevention of sexual revictimization. Conclusions & recommendations The evidence shows positive associations between pleasure-inclusive CSE and sexual wellbeing, but there is not enough empirical evidence to support the causal claim that pleasure-inclusive CSE increases sexual autonomy or improves sexual wellbeing. However, there is some strong evidence suggesting a causal relationship between sexual autonomy and positive sexual experiences. There is a great need for high quality research to further elucidate whether pleasure-inclusive CSE contributes to sexual wellbeing and the prevention of sexual violence. SOURCES OF FUNDING The review was an assignment of Seksueel Welzijn Nederland (Prof. Dr. Ellen Laan) which was partly funded by Rutgers Expertise Center on Sexuality and Fonds SOS of the NVVS (Dutch Association for Sexology).

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