Abstract
Little is known about how gender contentedness is related to sex-related experiences among Taiwanese adolescents. Secondary analysis of data (n = 2624, Mage = 13.3 ± 0.47 years and 51% males) on a longitudinal youth cohort was used to track the evolving development of sex-related experiences such as exposure to sexually explicit media, romantic experiences, and sexual behaviors. Hierarchical multinomial logistic regression analyses were applied to study the effects of gender contentedness on sex-related outcome variables. The results showed that nearly 10% of the subjects were not contented with their gender. As compared to peers, gender-discontented adolescents had a higher likelihood of exposures to sexually explicit media (odds ratio [OR]. = 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]. = 1.18–2.46) and risky sex behaviors (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.03–4.81). These results shed light on the impact of self-perceived gender contentedness on sex-related experiences in Taiwanese adolescents. Our findings are helpful for the development of practical guidance on sexual health issues, particularly for those who are discontented with their gender.
Highlights
Gender identity develops in early childhood and becomes more flexible and constantly shaped during adolescence, as individuals simultaneously undergo a series of physical, psychological, contextual and sexual changes, where the factors of family, peers, individuals and society play a critical part [1,2]
As compared to GC adolescents, GD adolescents were more advanced in pubertal development, less satisfied with parental relationships, and had fewer friends (Table 1)
In unadjusted regression analyses (Model 1), GD adolescents were inclined to be exposed to 3-6 kinds of sexually explicit media (OR = 1.70, 95% C I= 1.18–2.46) (Table 3)
Summary
Gender identity develops in early childhood and becomes more flexible and constantly shaped during adolescence, as individuals simultaneously undergo a series of physical, psychological, contextual and sexual changes, where the factors of family, peers, individuals and society play a critical part [1,2]. During this time, adolescents start to explore romantic relationships and seek sexual experiences, these behaviors may not be socially desirable at this stage. Risky sexual behaviors including early sexual debut and unsafe sex are reported to be associated with long-term negative impacts, especially health issues such as the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, and substance abuse (e.g., drugs, alcohol, and tobacco) that are prevailing health problems among adolescents who conduct risky sexual behaviors [9,10]
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