Healthy Body, Healthy Mind: Exploring the Mental Health Implications of Comprehensive Sex Education

Abstract

Healthy body, healthy mind: Exploring the mental health implications of comprehensive sex educationWithin this manuscript, we present the results of a thematic analysis of responses (N = 267) regarding perceived and anticipated mental health implications of accurate and comprehensive sex education. The superordinate theme of psychological functioning and well-being reflects participants' belief that sex education normalizes and destigmatizes diverse sexual experiences and can reduce fear, anxiety, and worry about sex. The superordinate theme of knowledge captures patterns in responses wherein participants reflected on the benefits of knowledge, including that it facilitates safety, confidence, improved decisionmaking skills, and provides awareness. Implications and applications for these themes are thoroughly discussed and outlined.