Sexual Perceptions Research Articles

Adolescents’ Knowledge and Misconceptions About Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study in Middle School Students in Portugal

Background/Objectives: Adolescence represents a period of heightened vulnerability to risky sexual behaviours. In Portugal, adolescents are initiating sexual activity at increasingly younger ages, making it relevant to characterise their knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases and prevention methods at an earlier stage of their development. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving the application of a questionnaire to 750 ninth-grade students from Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal. The questionnaire covered topics such as perceptions of sexuality, knowledge of sexuality and STIs, methods of transmission prevention, and sources of information. Results: The mean age was 14.4 years, with 19.9% reporting having already initiated sexual activity. Overall, the knowledge about sexually transmitted infections was low, with a score of 7.08 out of a maximum score of 18. Condoms and immunisation were well-recognised preventive measures, but many misconceptions persisted. Better knowledge is associated with better attitudes regarding the likelihood of having sexual intercourse. Conclusions: This study reveals adolescents’ limited knowledge about sexually transmitted infections, misconceptions about prevention, and reliance on peers and the internet over trusted sources, highlighting the need for comprehensive sexual education in middle school.

‘I Still Struggle to Ensure that I am Truly Listening’: Understanding Gender, Sexuality, and Sexual Violence During the Holocaust. A Conversation

ABSTRACT While perspectives on gendered and sexual experiences, practices, and norms during the Holocaust have significantly changed in recent decades, questions remain about how to understand and represent these topics, particularly gender-based and sexual violence. In this conversation, six Holocaust scholars, from varied backgrounds and representing different generations, respond to questions posed by the special issue editors, Dorota Glowacka and Regina Mühlhäuser. They discuss the current state of debates about gender, sexuality, and sexual violence during the Holocaust. Reflecting on the material conditions and distinguishable geographical and ideological coordinates in which they have conducted their work, they recount ideas and scholarly currents that have helped them generate their specific modes of understanding. They consider the challenges and obstacles to knowledge production they have faced at various stages of their work, revealing how ingrained assumptions about gender and sexuality circumscribe research questions, methods of inquiry, and the ways in which their findings are interpreted, presented, and received. While they address the impact of changing social sensibilities and perceptions of gender and sexuality on their work and point to the emergence of new themes and areas of study, they also draw attention to the subjects that remain unexamined, socially sanctioned, or excluded from rigorous examination.

Patterns of Heterosexual Sex in Popular Netflix Series: A Content Analysis of Age, Race, Face Attractiveness, and Body Type

AbstractThe portrayal of diverse ages, races, face attractiveness, and body types in sexual media content might impact societal perceptions of sexuality, delineating which individuals are deemed sexually appealing and whose sexuality is normalized. Despite extensive research on demographics within pornography, the representation within mainstream media, particularly on streaming platforms like Netflix, remains underexplored. The current study addresses this gap by employing quantitative content analysis to examine the diversity of characters in sexual contexts within seven highly popular Netflix series. We coded the age, race, face attractiveness, and body type of 91 characters (45 female characters) that appeared in mixed-gender sexual encounters (i.e., sexual encounters between a woman and a man). The study reveals a predominant adherence to stereotypical demographics and conventional beauty standards. The sexual scenes presented mostly younger individuals and revealed a notable underrepresentation of individuals aged 40 +. Racial diversity among characters was more evident. Female characters were predominantly depicted as conventionally attractive and were almost exclusively portrayed with skinny body types, while male characters exhibited a wider range of physical appearances. This study highlights a gap in the media’s inclusivity efforts and suggests a need for more comprehensive representation to reflect a broader spectrum of age and beauty ideals in the portrayals of human sexuality. While our study is limited to analyzing media representations, future research should include longitudinal experimental studies to evaluate their impact on people’s sexualities.

Sexual health interventions with social marketing approach targeting young people: a scoping review.

In a fast-paced digital and global environment, sexual education must keep up with young people's sexual health needs. Social marketing is an approach that has been used in sexual health promotion for young people. The objective of the scoping review is to identify and map the use of social marketing in sexual health promotion for young people. Specifically, the content, delivery methods and effects of interventions on sexual health were researched. Six databases were systemically searched to capture the relevant peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods articles without time restrictions that provided evidence of sexual health-related social marketing interventions targeting young people aged 11-25. An inductive and deductive content analysis was performed. Nineteen studies were included in the data. The content of interventions was dominated by sexual risks and risk prevention, focusing particularly on sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies and sexual violence. Additionally, interventions included topics of morals of sexual relationships and changes in the body. The delivery of interventions occurred through various media channels, events and activities, while the effects of interventions were monitored as improvements in sexual perceptions and sexual behaviour, limited gender-related effects, limited evidence of intervention attributed to behaviour and effects in different age groups. The social marketing approach was mostly preventive and concentrated on the risks, whereas the delivery methods were diverse and creative, combining modern and already well-established channels. Sexuality should be seen comprehensively, and interventions should respond to the full range of young people's needs.

Exploring perceptions of sexuality among youth with physical disabilities in Gweru, Zimbabwe.

Disability and sexuality are topical issues although they are not given much-deserved attention in most societies, and Zimbabwe is not an exception. The socio-cultural stigma associated with disability adversely impacts sexuality and seeps into the social existence of youth with disability. Youths with disability are assumed to be hypersexual or asexual. This article explores the sexuality views and experiences of youth with disability in the context of the negative stigma associated with disability and sexuality in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among 20 Gweru youth (18-35 years old) with physical disabilities and five key informants. Perceptions of youth with disability and socio-cultural assumptions regarding their sexuality were analysed. The study established that most youths with disability faced social closure in terms of sexuality, with sparse offerings of sexuality education in their families. One sexual education theme that emerged from this study is sexual abstinence. Some suggestions of more open forms of communication on sexuality and disability also emerged although as a minority view. It was concluded from the study that, most youth feel that they are denied information on sexuality in their families and communities, as they are wrongfully assumed to have no need for it. However, youths with disability do not passively accept the negative perceptions about their sexuality, and they demonstrate their agency in resisting such negative perceptions. The study contributes to knowledge on sexuality and disability among youths with disability in contexts where strong traditional beliefs, myths, and misconceptions exist.

Women's Perception of Sexuality and Sexual Violence in Turkish Culture - Are Women Aware of This Difficult Distinction?: A Qualitative Research

Women's Perception of Sexuality and Sexual Violence in Turkish Culture - Are Women Aware of This Difficult Distinction?: A Qualitative Research

Studying the Factors Contributing to the Sexual Harassment of Women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan: A Social Perspective

This research looked at the social causes of sexual harassment of women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, and discovered workable solutions. The study included descriptive analyses, content analysis, field-based data collecting, and a qualitative methodology. Semi-structured interviews with married women who experienced sexual harassment, offenders, and community members were used to gather qualitative data. Two hundred semi-structured interviews with a representative sample of married women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, were conducted as part of the survey research approach. This research examined the ways in which patriarchal attitudes, societal norms, dominant expectations, sexual perception, non-mahrams, cohabitation, excessive freedom, honor culture contribute to sexual harassment. The study, based on feminist theory, identified 20 societal factors contributing to sexual harassment, including social stigma, lack of knowledge, and negligent legal enforcement, and suggested preventive measures like community education campaigns and legislative changes. In Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, sexual harassment of women is a serious issue with societal contributing elements. Effective prevention of sexual harassment requires a holistic strategy that addresses societal norms, empowers women, and strengthens legal frameworks, while also considering cultural norms, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, and a culture of silence. In order to advance gender equality, provide safer surroundings, and stop sexual harassment of women in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, this paper makes specific recommendations for legislators, non-governmental organizations, and local authorities. Based on these findings, this study recommends evidence-based prevention methods. These could involve advertisements for sexual harassment awareness, legal changes for better protection, and training for law enforcement on handling complaints more effectively.

Evaluating Sexual Health in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Study on the Interplay of Disability and Quality of Life.

In the context of evolving perceptions of sexuality, particularly within the realm of health and disability, this study investigates the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on female sexual function and quality of life. A quantitative study involving 130 female MS patients aged 35 to 50 was conducted, employing measures such as The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), and The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results indicate a significant association between greater sexual dysfunction and poorer quality of sex life, alongside the correlation of increased fatigue with diminished sexual satisfaction. Specifically, the mean FSFI score was 20.8 (SD = 9.36), with 83.8% of participants experiencing severe fatigue (FSS score ≥ 36). Sexual dysfunction demonstrated a strong, negative correlation with all FSFI subscales (p < 0.01). Factors such as education level (p = 0.016), time of diagnosis (p = 0.035), and treatment regimen (p = 0.041) also significantly influenced outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of supportive interventions, including counseling, to enhance the quality of sex life for women with disabilities, particularly those with MS.

The virility-fertility tradeoff: effects of fatherhood on (precarious) masculinity, sexual esteem, and sexual depression

ABSTRACT The stress, exhaustion, and negative impacts on sexual relationships associated with parenthood are well documented, but father’s perceptions of these changes are underexplored. Since sexuality and physicality are cornerstones of traditional/hegemonic masculine norms, changes in these domains resulting from fatherhood may produce concerns about masculinity maintenance and loss of masculine status. However, fatherhood provides clear evidence of a man’s sexual capability and virility – highly valued masculine traits. Therefore, fatherhood could theoretically make perceptions of masculinity more stable. The present study compared fathers and non-fathers on perceptions of masculinity and sexuality, and explored potential predictors of sexual esteem versus sexual depression during fatherhood. A sample of primarily heterosexual, White North American fathers and non-fathers participated in an online survey (N = 564) including measures of sexual esteem, sexual depression, and precarious manhood belief. Fathers were also asked to report their perceptions surrounding parenthood. Fathers endorsed precarious manhood beliefs less than non-fathers, and reported higher levels of both sexual esteem and sexual depression. Among fathers, a high personal sex drive predicted sexual esteem, while parental stress, low partner sex drive, and low self-perceived masculinity after parenthood predicted fathers’ sexual depression.

Tango classes in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS): Impact on motor and non-motor functions

BackgroundWhile music-based therapy (MBT) has been shown to improve motor and non-motor features in multiple sclerosis (MS), benefits of tango have never been assessed. ObjectiveTo evaluate the benefits of tango classes on quality of life (QoL), mood, fatigue, gait, balance, perception of cognitive disorder and sexuality in people with MS. Methods7 participants (age 41.14 ± 14.27 years, disease duration 14.14 ± 7.6 years) and respective partners undertook one-hour weekly classes for 20 weeks. Participants had early-stage MS (EDSS<3.5). They were assessed for mood (ZUNG rating scale; Beck Depression Inventory -II); balance (Berg Balance Test; Tinetti scale), cognition (MS Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire), SD (Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) and QoL (36-Item Short Form Survey). ResultsGroup comparison of pre-post change scores showed a general improvement in all the outcome measures, which was significant in mood, SD, cognition and QoL. Discussions and conclusionTango classes provides benefits to pwMS, especially on non-motor symptoms. Follow-up assessment is required to confirm the durability of these effects.

Sexual experience in patients with coronary heart disease: a descriptive phenomenological study

Sex is an essential part of life and is a basic demand for human beings. Coronary heart disease can have an impact on patients’ sexual lives; however, not much attention has been paid to it in China, and few studies have been conducted on this topic. Therefore, this study used a qualitative approach to understand the sexual experience of patients after the illness, thus laying the foundation for the development of relevant measures. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 patients. Descriptive phenomenological methods were employed to collect data and explore the sexual experience of patients with coronary heart disease. A total of 4 thematic groups, 9 themes, and 23 subthemes were extracted. The four thematic groups were independent and cross-influenced. In these groups, alterations in the sexual experience, including the change in sexual physiology and psychological state, were affected by the lack of knowledge, age, disease, and other factors. Furthermore, the patient’s perception of sexuality affected the quality of sexual life after the illness. The sexual experience of patients with coronary heart disease and its influencing factors, such as age, disease factors, and lack of related knowledge, were described. The findings are expected to aid in formulating targeted and personalized intervention measures.

Young children’s expression of gender and sexuality a multimodal research method

ABSTRACT Despite flourishing gender studies over the last decades, gender equality continues to reflect imbalance, with the dominance of gender binary thinking, lacking an emphasis on a more fluid approach where children themselves are active participants. The aim of this study was to explore young children’s perceptions of gender roles and sexuality. The research applied a poststructural feminist theoretical framework as well as a research method inspired by the story completion method and the mosaic approach. The children’s views were underpinned by heteronormativity, but they occasionally diverged from that framework to refer to non-heteronormative families and characters. We argue that our findings demonstrate the considerable impact of heteronormativity on gender relations in preschools and the need to take that influence into account when creating a gender-sensitive pedagogy. Valuing children’s agency, supporting children’s power by listening to their perspectives might be the way forward, towards finding balance to promote gender equality in preschools.

The perceived/experienced sexism scale

PurposeThis paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsThe relationship between perceptions of sexism and job outcomes of job satisfaction and turnover intentions is mediated by perceived organizational support and trust.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Nursing students' knowledge regarding sexuality, sex, and gender diversity in a multicenter study.

Sexuality is an integral part of development and personality, and is important in healthcare. Nurses are among the most representative healthcare professionals. For holistic and inclusive nursing care practice and to improve equality, human rights, well-being, and health of individuals, the curricula of nursing courses must integrate broad knowledge about sexuality and its diversity. This study aimed to identify and analyze nursing students' knowledge of sexuality, sex, and gender diversity. The present study was part of a multicenter study conducted in Europe. Questionnaires were administered in three nursing schools to assess nursing students' knowledge (n = 75). Data processing was performed using Excel® software version 20 and IRaMuTeQ (R Interface pour les Analysis Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires) 0.7 alpha 2, allowing organization by category and subsequent thematic analysis using content analysis. The textual corpus "Nursing students' knowledge about sexuality in its diversity," was divided into two sub-corpus: "Students' perception of sexuality" and "Students' perception of gender identity," originating Class 6 "Eroticism" (14.23%) and Classes 4 "Sexual Orientation" (16.07%) and 3 "Heteronormative" (16.07%), the latter with greater proximity to each other and consequently to Class 6. Similarly, Classes 1 "Gender" (20.36%) and 5 "Cisgender" (12.14%) also presented a greater interrelationship between themselves and consecutively with Class 2 "Gender Identity" (15.36%). The analyses revealed that though nursing students possessed knowledge about sexuality and its diversity, this knowledge was elementary and did not reveal a sustained appropriation of concepts related to sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender diversity. For some questions, the absence of students' answers were noteworthy, and may be associated with their personal reservation in expressing themselves on this sensitive and intimate theme. To ensure diversity, inclusivity, and impartiality in nursing practice, it is imperative to change the curriculum plans of nursing courses to address the theme of sexuality during the training process of nurses in Europe.

Plant use and perceptions in the context of sexual health among people of Congolese descent in Belgium

BackgroundThe use of medicinal plants is integral to global healthcare systems, with Sub-Saharan Africa maintaining a robust tradition of herbal medicine alongside Western-oriented healthcare. As migrant communities tend to continue traditional herbal practices after migration, documenting this use is vital to develop culturally sensitive healthcare. This study investigates plant usage and perspectives in the context of sexual and reproductive health among the Congolese community in Belgium, particularly in the Matongé quarter of Brussels. Our research questions were: (1) What is the current knowledge of medicinal plants among the Congolese community in Belgium in the context of sexual health, and what are the applications and commonly employed administration methods of these plants? (2) What role does herbal medicine play in the context of sexual health for people of Congolese descent in Belgium and how this is influenced by perceptions of sexuality? and (3) Is there a gender bias in the use of medicinal plants, and if so, can this be related to perceived gender norms?MethodsWe conducted 22 semi-structured interviews with people of Congolese descent currently living in Belgium. Participants were selected using both snowball sampling and purposive sampling. Plant use in the context of sexual health was recorded through freelisting. Data on narratives, ideas, and perceptions of this plant use in the context of sexual health were collected. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified 17 plant species used for sexual health. Three overarching themes emerged from our data. Plants were used with a notable gender bias favoring male sexual potency enhancement. Men used these plants for both remedying potency issues and enhancing sexual prowess. In contrast, knowledge about plants for female sexual health was limited. Gender norms reinforced the importance of male sexual potency, while stigmatizing open discussions of female sexuality.ConclusionsThe use of medicinal plants for sexual health raises health, social, and conservation concerns, underscoring the need for further research in this area. This study contributes to understanding medicinal plant use within the Congolese community in Belgium and highlights the necessity for future research on herbal practices for female sexual health in this context.

Modesty, religion, and community: Therapists' perspectives regarding the treatment of child sexual abuse in the ultra-orthodox community

BackgroundReligion is a significant cultural component that impacts child sexual abuse (CSA) in various ways, including its definition, perception, and treatment. This study focuses on the Jewish ultra-Orthodox community in Israel, a strictly religious, segregated, and close-knit community with unique cultural practices and beliefs that impact children's safety and vulnerability to CSA. ObjectiveThis qualitative study aimed to explore therapists' perceptions and ascribed meanings of CSA treatment within the ultra-Orthodox community. Participants and settingThirty in-depth interviews were conducted with therapists working with the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel. MethodsThe interviews were analyzed using thematic qualitative analysis. ResultsThree central axes pertinent to the treatment of CSA in the ultra-Orthodox community were discovered: 1) religious interventions, 2) modest approach, relating to the community's taboo attitude towards sexuality; and 3) the collectivistic nature of the community. The results include specific effect sizes and their statistical significance. ConclusionsThe discussion explores the findings in light of the literature on CSA among religious minority communities and connects them to the unique underlying perception of sexuality in the ultra-Orthodox community. Specific ramifications and recommendations for practice are then considered, alongside the limitations and directions for future study.

｢술취하다｣(“Drink”)에 나타난 고통과 상처

“Drink” explores a quiet, gentle, and unassertive Tom Foster who goes unnoticed by the villagers. Tom is unable to forget the enticing expression and alluring scent he encountered when entering the room of a prostitute in his neighborhood. This experience distorts his perception of women and sexuality. Moreover, it leads him to associate personal, emotional, and intimate relationships with pain and being hurt when attempting to connect with others. Consequently, he becomes grotesque, avoiding active relationships and understanding the world only within his own thoughts. After relocating to Winesburg, Tom romanticizes his relationship with Helen White only in his thought. Despite dreaming of love with Helen in his fantasies, nothing happened, and what he wants to release through alcohol is his desire for an emotional and intimate relationship with Helen. Despite the pain, he is determined to engage in acts of love.&#x0D; Tom’s story can be viewed as his initial attempt to escape his way of life, but the adventure ends abruptly overnight. Ultimately, the question remains about the significance of Tom's story in relation to George’s growth. As the short stories in Winesburg, Ohio progress, George matures through encounters with various grotesques, expanding his perception of the world and humanity. While other episodes show a fixed pattern of grotesques visiting George at night, in “Drink,” George actively seeks out and engages with the intoxicated Tom, revealing George's proactive and mature side. Therefore, “Drink” becomes an important stage in George's growth as it marks his increasing interest and observation of the people around him, a crucial step toward becoming the writer he aspires to be.

Hypnosuggestive Therapy and Sexual-Behavioral Training in the Correction of Homosexuality. A Case From Clinical Practice

Patient V., 16 years old, studies in the 10th grade of high school. He consulted me in order to correct his homosexual desire on the initiative of his parents who, unlike him, regarded his sexual orientation as pathology. Under their strong psychological pressure he agreed on conversion therapy, since it, in his opinion, would not deteriorate him but would be better for his parents. On the moment of his visit the heterosexual component of sexual desire was entirely absent. His platonic (romantic) libido to girls was awakened at the age of 8-9, and the erotic one at the age of 10. His erotic desire to males was awakened at the age of 12-13, and the sexual desire a year later. At the age of 13 he arrived at the conclusion that he was a gay. When the patient was 14 he liked his classmate of the same age, whom he did not confess in it. They had companionship and “friendship”. He interacted with that boy during 1-1.5 years. At the age of 15 he had his first homosexual contact with a 36-year-old male. The patient had more than 20 sexual contacts with men aged 17-36. Any manifestations of gender incongruence had never been observed. His andrological status have no pathology. The provided correction was as follows: 1. Cognitive influences targeted at formation of the patient’s beliefs about advantages of the heterosexual lifestyle. 2. Hypnosuggestive correction. Programming was targeted at suggestion of futility of the homosexual lifestyle, removal of the homosexual desire and saturation with the heterosexual one, formation of associations between homosexuality and unpleasant sensations and landscapes, negative social consequences of homosexual relations, mental disorders and somatic problems observed in homosexuals. Hypnotic suggestions were also carried out aimed at changing the aesthetic and sexual perception of female and male persons, increasing sexual attraction to girls and women. A normal course of heterosexual masturbation was programmed. Besides, we performed modelling of the normal course of sexual intercourses with persons of the female sex in the hypnotic state. 3. Sexual-behavioural training (sex therapy) using masturbation of the heterosexual character with involvement of porn resources from Internet. Naturally, any use of homosexual plots during masturbation was strictly prohibited. 4. Also the patient was charged with a task to form an ideal of female beauty by focusing his attention on persons of the female sex both in the real life and in Internet. Twenty-one sessions of hypnosuggestive corrections were conducted. In the process of the provided therapy the homosexual component of libido was decreasing, while the heterosexual one was increasing. After the 18th session of hypnosis the heterosexual desire was expressed by 100% and the homosexual one by 0%. Then 3 more sessions of hypnosis were conducted in order to secure the achieved results. An inquiry of the patient 4 months later after the performed correction demonstrated their stability.

Gynecological cancer survivors' experiences with sexual health communication in nurse-led follow-up consultations.

Gynecological cancer and its treatment may cause sexual difficulties in terms of physical and psychosocial health. Considering the essential role that nurses play in cancer care, they are well positioned to be ideal providers for addressing sexual health concerns in the follow-up phase of gynecological cancer. The aim of this study was to gain in-depth knowledge of how gynecological cancer survivors experience sexual health communication in nurse-led follow-up consultations. Using a qualitative hermeneutic approach, we conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 17 women from five different hospitals in Norway between April 4, 2022, and June 2, 2022. The women participated in a large intervention study on cancer follow-up that included sexual health as one of several topics addressed by trained nurses in three consultations in the first year of follow-up. A five-stage Gadamerian-inspired research method was utilized for data collection and analysis. We identified three themes: (1) the importance of nurses listening to the women's own perceptions of sexuality, (2) post-treatment sexual challenges influence the women's need to communicate about sexual health, and (3) nursing communication can help women regain their sexual health. Women who have undergone treatment for gynecological cancer find communication with trained nurses regarding sexual health beneficial. We recommend integration of trained nurses in the follow-up team. The nurses should adjust communication according to each gynecological cancer survivor's unique understanding of sexuality and inform women with sexual health concerns at that end of treatment, that sexual health can improve during follow-up.

Nursing students' metaphorical perceptions of sexuality in older people: An example of metaphor analysis

PurposeThis study aims to describe the metaphorical perceptions of nursing students towards sexuality in older people through metaphor. BackgroundAge-related changes and health problems can adversely affect sexual functions. Sexuality is a basic physiological need that continues throughout life and it is important to eliminate the problems related to sexual life that occur in old age. Determining the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students, who will be health professionals of the future, towards sexuality in older people can make a significant contribution to providing holistic health care to older individuals. Therefore, it is important to determine the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students about the sexuality of older people to improve their professional competence. DesignThis study was conducted with metaphor analysis technique based on phenomenological method. MethodThis study was conducted in a total of 222 nursing students. The study data were collected between January and February 2022 with a questionnaire form prepared by the researchers. In the first part of the questionnaire, questions about socio-demographic characteristics were included, and in the second part, the sentence "sexuality in older people is like., because." was included to determine the metaphors developed by the students about sexuality in older people. These handwritten writings of the students were used as the main data source in this study. Content analysis was used to evaluate the metaphors. ResultsIn this study, students produced a total of 222 valid metaphors related to the concept of sexuality in older people. The metaphors revealing the students' perceptions of the concept of sexuality in older people were grouped under 5 categories; "Category related to slowing down and regression", "Category related to need or normal", "Category related to not possible", "Category related to the feeling of love, compassion and friendship" and "Unnecessary, unimportant or should not be category". In the study, it was determined that the category in which the most metaphors were generated was "related to slowing down and regression". ConclusionIn the study, nursing students provided metaphors containing both positive and negative concepts related to sexuality in older people. However, most the metaphors generated contain negative concepts. To support nursing students' positive attitudes towards sexuality in older people, to change their negative attitudes, and to increase their knowledge and awareness, it is proposed to incorporate courses on sexuality in older people into the nursing curriculum and to include sexuality in older people in courses on sexuality.