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‘Anywhere you can talk about how you feel is better’: Young people's experiences of sexual health messages
Author(s) -
Coleman Tara M.,
Kearns Robin A.,
Collins Damian C. A.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
new zealand geographer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1745-7939
pISSN - 0028-8144
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7939.2010.01171.x
Subject(s) - human sexuality , reproductive health , narrative , sexuality education , sex education , psychology , power (physics) , developmental psychology , social psychology , gender studies , medicine , sociology , population , environmental health , linguistics , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics
Abstract Despite increased sexuality education in New Zealand, concern remains about high rates of sexually transmitted infection and unplanned pregnancy among young people. To understand this ‘gap’, we consider what high school students learn about sexual health, and where they learn it. Narrative evidence reveals the negative, risk‐oriented nature of sexual health messages at school and at home. In these power‐laden places, little information is imparted about several key issues, including emotions. Students are aware of such absences, and articulate a desire for more open discussions of sexual health and sexuality, as is possible in informal settings occupied by friends.