‘Teenagers are into perfect‐looking things’: Dating, sexual attitudes and experiences of adolescents with severe obesity

Walsh, Órla; Dettmer, Elizabeth; Regina, Andrea; Dentakos, Stella; Christian, Jennifer; Hamilton, Jill; Toulany, Alène

doi:10.1111/cch.12940

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 32 publications

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“…Understanding the concept of poor body image in bariatric surgery patients allows healthcare providers to provide preoperative preparation and postoperative interventions [ 46 ]. Implementing psychological care focusing on body functionality [ 28 , 39 , 47 ], promoting sex education and encouraging self-care [ 48 ], could be the key to a long-term recovery of morbidly obese women’s well-being, body image and sexuality after bariatric surgery. We concur with Lindberg et al (2022) that the partners’ preparation for the life changes that arise after bariatric surgery may not be adequate; more time and a dialogic approach are needed for each individual to be able to manage and improve their sexual health [ 31 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexuality and self-concept of morbidly obese women who are sexually attracted to men after bariatric surgery: a phenomenological study

Granero-Molina,

Jiménez-Lasserrotte,

Arias Hoyos

et al. 2024

BMC Women's Health

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Background Morbid Obesity (MO) is a public health problem that affects a person’s physical, psychological and sexual well-being. Women with MO are affected by their body image and self-concept, and obesity stigma may affect women in social and sexual relationships. Objective To describe and understand the experiences of morbidly obese heterosexual women (who are sexually attracted to men) in relation to their body image and sexuality after bariatric surgery. Methodology Qualitative study using Merleau-Ponty’s hermeneutic phenomenology as a philosophical framework. Data collection took place between 2020 and 2021 in a southern Spanish province. A total of 22 in-depth interviews were conducted using open-ended questions until data saturation was reached. Results Two main themes were identified: (1) “Escaping from a cruel environment”: weight loss to increase self-esteem; with the sub-themes: ‘I love myself now’, and ‘Body image and social relationships; a vicious circle; (2) “Now, I am truly me”: accepting my body to reclaim my sexuality, with the sub-themes: ‘The body as the focal point of sexuality’, and ‘When regaining your sex drive reignites your sex life and relationship’. Conclusion Weight loss and body acceptance radically change morbidly obese women’s sex lives after bariatric surgery. They rediscover their bodies, have increased self-esteem, and see improvements in their social relationships and sexuality. These women feel seen, loved and desired, and now value their body image and femininity. As they go through continuous improvements following bariatric surgery, they gradually regain self-esteem, acceptance of their bodies and control over their sex life. Even though the women’s partners benefit from these improvements, they seem to be afraid of being left.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexuality and self-concept of morbidly obese women who are sexually attracted to men after bariatric surgery: a phenomenological study

Granero-Molina,

Jiménez-Lasserrotte,

Arias Hoyos

et al. 2024

BMC Women's Health

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Introduction to the Section on Gender, Sexuality, and Digital Media

Maas

2024

Handbook of Children and Screens

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Sexual development is an integral part of adolescence, yet there are little efforts made (e.g., comprehensive sex education) to support adolescents in the development of sexual competencies. As a result, adolescents are sexually socialized through various media experiences, including more traditional (i.e., film and television) and newer forms (i.e., Internet pornography and social media) of media. The academic research summarized here examines how traditional and new media influence gender and sexuality development in children and adolescents. It highlights the prevalence of gender stereotypes in entertainment media and the impact of pornography on sexual attitudes and behaviors. Although sexual health websites provide a safer source of information, challenges remain in ensuring content quality and accessibility. Adolescents also use online platforms to navigate romantic relationships and sexual expression, with technology-facilitated communication and connection. However, issues such as sexting and dating app usage raise concerns about the privacy and safety of minor users. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for comprehensive sex education in schools, inclusive of digital citizenship and responsible online behavior. Therapeutic and healthcare settings must also address the intersection of media, gender, and sexuality in adolescent mental health and provide support tailored to individual needs and experiences.

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Online Sexual Communication and Partner Seeking Among Adolescents

Macapagal,

Wongsomboon,

Gordon

et al. 2024

Handbook of Children and Screens

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Contemporary adolescents engage in online sexual communication and sexual and romantic partners seeking to meet their social and developmental needs. In doing so, adolescents are afforded new opportunities to discuss sexual health in quasi-anonymous and ostensibly private settings, explore their sexual interests and identities, and gain access to peers and potential partners beyond their physical spaces. However, online environments also introduce risks for adolescents that include stigma and rejection and forms of cyberdating violence such as harassment and unwanted sexual advances. This chapter reviews the current literature on the prevalence, patterns, benefits, and drawbacks experienced by adolescents who engage in online sexual communication and partner seeking. We also offer several recommendations for future research, interventions, and best practices. To improve adolescent health, parents, educators, and healthcare providers must first acknowledge that adolescents engage in online sexual communication and relationships. Second, they must assess the positive and negative impacts of their experiences in these online spaces. Finally, interventions and education that address the potential health, well-being, and developmental impacts of online sexual communication and relationships should be developed collaboratively with adolescents to ensure relevance to their lives.

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‘Teenagers are into perfect‐looking things’: Dating, sexual attitudes and experiences of adolescents with severe obesity

Cited by 5 publications

References 32 publications

Sexuality and self-concept of morbidly obese women who are sexually attracted to men after bariatric surgery: a phenomenological study

Sexuality and self-concept of morbidly obese women who are sexually attracted to men after bariatric surgery: a phenomenological study

Introduction to the Section on Gender, Sexuality, and Digital Media

Online Sexual Communication and Partner Seeking Among Adolescents

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