Young Adults' Perceptions of Sexual Consent and Its Role in Romantic Relationships - An Indian Perspective

The conceptualization of sexual violence and consent varies across cultures, but previous research has focused primarily on high-income countries. Less is known about perceptions of sexual consent and its role in romantic relationships in middle- to lower-income countries. The current study explored how young adults in India - in the absence of formal sex education programs and with sex being a socially taboo subject - learn about sex and consent. In-depth interviews were conducted with 32 young adults (male = 15, female = 17) between the ages of 18 and 28. A thematic analysis was conducted to find recurring themes and sub-themes in the data. Findings highlighted how young adults perceive sexual consent, the role of consent communication in adults' exercising sexual agency, and the consequences of disregarding consent for individuals' health and their relationships. Participants offered varied definitions of consent, including binary (yes/no) definitions, those shaped by past experiences of sexual violence, and those illustrating a deeper understanding of consent. Furthermore, participants described that sexual consent is important for establishing trust and comfort in romantic relationships, deeming it necessary for a healthy relationship and the health of both partners. The findings of this study provided insight into how young adults perceive sexual consent and how these perceptions are shaped in the Indian context. This knowledge can be used to develop culturally tailored interventions and advocate for sexual education programs to promote ethical sexual behaviors and reduce sexual violence in India.