ASSERTIVENESS AS A FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTHY SEXUALITY AMONG MODERN YOUTH: A GENDER APPROACH

Abstract

The article examines the formation of healthy sexuality among youth in the context of assertiveness, defined as an individual's ability to openly and confidently advocate for their rights, feelings, and needs while maintaining respect for the boundaries of others. The aim of the study is to provide a theoretical substantiation and empirical investigation of the relationship between levels of assertiveness and healthy sexuality in university students, as well as to identify specific gender characteristics.
The empirical research was conducted during the spring and summer of 2025 across three higher education institutions. The sample consisted of 278 respondents (114 males and 164 females) aged 16 to 22. Data collection involved an original questionnaire for assessing healthy sexuality (covering self-acceptance, knowledge of consent, communication, and contraceptive literacy) and a standardized questionnaire for diagnosing personal assertiveness. Mathematical and statistical processing was performed using Fisher's exact test (angular transformation) and Pearson's correlation coefficient.
The data analysis revealed a predominance of the average level of assertiveness among the youth (71% in males and 57–70% in females), indicating the situational nature of confident behavior. Significant gender differences were identified: males demonstrate higher explicit assertiveness, suggesting a greater readiness for external advocacy of their positions, while females are characterized by higher levels of implicit assertiveness, reflecting internal confidence in their rights.
The research found that the level of healthy sexuality for the majority of respondents (64–66%) is average, with only 21% of both genders possessing a high level of psychosexual maturity. A moderate positive correlation between the indicators was proven. This confirms the hypothesis that the development of assertive skills—specifically the ability to say "no" to unwanted contact and to discuss safety and pleasure openly—is a key factor in the establishment of healthy sexuality. The results prove that assertiveness is a fundamental component of sexual health, as it facilitates the formation of partnerships based on equality and mutual consent.