Niveles de asertividad sexual en estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

Scientific research in sexual assertiveness has revealed its importance as it constitutes a key component for sexual health, given that it is a construct that allows communication of sexual preferences, needs and opinions resulting in a better sexual functioning of sexually assertive people. For these reasons, the aim of this study was to know the levels of sexual assertiveness in university students and to compare differences between sexes. In this research of quantitative approach participated 374 students aged between 18 to 29 years old of several faculties of the University of Cuenca. Participants responded to a scale that is based on three dimensions of sexual assertiveness described by Morokoff. (1997): initiative, refusal and negotiation of contraceptive methods. As a result of statistical analysis it was found that in the dimension of negotiation of contraceptive methods the levels of sexual assertiveness are the highest, while in the dimension initiative the levels are the lowest. It was identified significant differences between men and women with regard to the dimensions refusal and negotiation, while in the dimension initiative there were no significant differences. As a conclusion of this study, it is stated the necessity to continue academic efforts to know sexual assertiveness in Ecuador and in the city of Cuenca, and to contribute to actions towards the promotion of sexual and reproductive health.