Healthy sexuality development in adolescence: proposing a competency-based framework to inform programmes and...

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Positive aspects of adolescent sexuality are understudied globally.
• Lack of consensus on conceptualizing healthy adolescent sexuality hinders progress.
• Existing frameworks often overlook positive development and a life-course perspective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a comprehensive conceptual framework for healthy adolescent sexuality development.
• To identify key competencies essential for positive sexual wellbeing.
• To guide research, programming, and policy in adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

Main Methods:

• A conceptual framework integrating theories of positive youth development, empowerment, human rights, gender, social-ecological, and life-course perspectives.
• Identification of six core competencies: sexual literacy, gender-equal attitudes, human rights and consent, critical reflection, coping skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Emphasis on the interplay between individual competencies, agency, resources, and socio-ecological factors.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework highlights six key competencies crucial for adolescent sexual wellbeing.
• These competencies influence adolescents' self-perception (body image, self-efficacy) and interpersonal relationships.
• Successful translation of competencies into actions depends on available resources, agency, and social contexts.

Conclusions:

• The framework offers a platform for recognizing and operationalizing indicators of healthy adolescent sexuality.
• It serves as a Theory of Change for programs aiming to enhance adolescent sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing.
• An assets-based, life-course approach supports evidence for early investment in positive adolescent sexuality initiatives.