Perceção do impacto dos meios de comunicação e informação digitais na sexualidade : estudo exploratório misto

Abstract

Digital Information and Communication Media (DICM) are used daily for multiple purposes, including access to institutional information and health interventions (e-health) as recommended by the APA. One of the areas of greatest concern among health and education professionals is the use of the DICM in the context of sexuality and the impact this use can have on sexual health throughout the life course. In the present work, we intended to describe the frequency of use of DICM for effects related to sexuality, as well as to explore, using a qualitative methodology, the perception that people have about the impact of DICM on sexuality, with a sample collected online of 167 participants between 19 and 75 years old who answered the following research question: " What is the impact of DICMs on sexuality?". Answers were analysed following the assumptions of Braun & Clarke's reflective thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: “Yes, it's sex, so what?”, “I'm more vulnerable now!” and “Sexual expansion.”. The themes identified refer to individual, interpersonal and social aspects. This knowledge makes it possible to perceive that the DICM constitute an indisputable resource in sexual health, in line with what happens with other dimensions of health, but which enables the exposure to contexts of aggression with a harmful impact on mental health, especially for young people. Clinical and Health Psychology professionals are in a privileged position to use DICM to promote sexual health, but also to minimize the negative impact they can have on health.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	Portuguese
Supervisor	Patrícia M. Pascoal (Supervisor) & ANA FILIPA GORDINO BEATO (Supervisor)