Youth characteristics in relation to their perceptions of sexual consent: a cross-sectional study

Ensuring sexual health and preventing sexual violence among adolescents hinges on a comprehensive understanding of sexual consent.

The purpose of this study is to explore the individual, family, health and social factors associated with the perceptions and understanding of sexual consent among young people in Switzerland.

Data were drawn from a national cross-sectional survey on adolescent mental health conducted between June and August 2021 in Switzerland (N=988; ages 14-19). Participants completed a self-reported online questionnaire disseminated via social media. The survey included seven items assessing perceptions of sexual consent. Based on responses, participants were classified into three groups according to their perception of consent: 'affirmative', 'hybrid' and 'implicit'. Associations with sociodemographic characteristics, health status, risky behaviour, exposure to violence and healthcare utilisation were examined using bivariate analyses and multinomial logistic regressions.

Findings indicate that up to 15.8% of participants held 'implicit' perceptions of sexual consent. Gender differences emerged, particularly in the definitions of rape and coercion. Multivariable analyses indicated that males (relative risk ratio, RRR=2.21), younger adolescents aged 14-15 (RRR=3.00), those with below-average perceived socioeconomic status (RRR=2.86) and youth with non-standard occupation (RRR=4.57) were more likely to fall into the 'implicit' perception group.

This study offers valuable insights to better understand adolescents' perceptions of sexual consent, which is essential for designing developmentally appropriate prevention and education strategies that support healthy sexual development-one of the key developmental tasks of this life stage.