This thesis investigates young people's understandings and experiences of 'good sex' and sexual pleasure, documenting the resources young people use to make sense of these meanings in the context of their everyday lives and relationships. The study uses a situated approach to explore the methodological possibilities for researching sexual pleasure with a diverse group of young people in one urban location and to examine the ways in which pleasure is embedded, mediated and gendered in young people's sexual cultures. The research is used to contribute to debates about the inclusion of pleasure in sexual health services for young people and make suggestions for future research/practice. Drawing on data from survey, focus group and interview methods the thesis documents the diversity of young people's understandings of 'good sex' and sexual pleasure, suggesting that young people have access to a range of competing discursive and affective frameworks for making distinctions between what counts as 'good' and 'bad' sex. Analyses suggest that sexual meanings and values are contested and contingent on young people's shifting sex and relationship experiences and social locations. Timeliness and reciprocity emerged as key contested areas, shaped by enduring gender arrangements and participants' evolving sexual biographies. The thesis provides a reflexive account of the practice of researching sexual pleasure with young people, reporting on each method to argue that the findings are situated, shaped by interactive and material context. The research documents the benefits of using critical feminist reflexivity to interrogate how researcher/practitioners can create safe spaces for engaging young people in work around sexual pleasure and concludes that possibilities for realising the 'pleasure project' in practice will depend on local, institutional and political context.

Background: It is estimated that adolescent offenders account for 65% of contact child sexual abuse. A range of explanatory theories and models of intervention have been proposed. These are mainly based on cognitive theories with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and psycho-education remaining as the dominant models of treatment intervention. This research explored the issue of harmful sexual behaviour from the psychosocial perspective, drawing on attachment theory and social constructionism. Aim: The research explored attachment strategies among young people with harmful sexual behaviour. It examined young people’s understanding and explanations regarding their sexually abusive behaviour. This included an exploration of how the participants’ accounts and defensive strategies were shaped by wider family and cultural discourses regarding masculinity and sexual activity. In selected cases, the family intergenerational patterns of attachment and emotional regulation were analysed. Furthermore, the research explored the prevalence of harmful sexual behaviour in the study area. This included an exploration of statutory responses and services which were offered to people who engaged in harmful sexual behaviour. Methods: The research employed three interconnected research methods: a) a quantitative audit data of fifty cases which had been reported to the Children’s Services; b) qualitative and descriptive quantitative exploration of eight Transition to Adulthood Attachment Interviews and semi-structured interviews; c) qualitative exploration of the family context and trans-generational patterns of defensive strategies by conducting an Adult Attachment Interview in three cases. The analysis of the attachment and open-ended interviews utilised a combination of the structured ‘discourse analysis’ developed for the Adult Attachment Interview and Critical Discourse Analysis. Findings: The research found that there was no clear and consistent pathway of social care for young people who engaged in harmful sexual behaviour. The analysis of psychological defensive processes found that all of the participants presented with complex insecure attachment strategies alongside intrusions of unresolved traumas or losses. The exploration of intergenerational patterns of attachment strategies identified that all parents showed complex avoidant attachment strategies with intrusion of unresolved trauma and loss. The qualitative study identified a range of discourse themes and strategies in the accounts the young people offered in order to explain their actions and to maintain their sense of self. The dominant discourse themes shared by the young people were: a) life is hard and violence is normal; b) a sense of powerlessness; c) sexual entitlement, d) bravado and denial of vulnerability. Conclusion: Complex insecure attachment strategies with intrusion of trauma and loss play a significant role in the development of harmful sexual behaviour. In addition, the study suggests that the complex relationship between care, comfort and sexual behaviour should be a central focus of clinical interventions with this group of young people and should be investigated further in future research studies.

Master of Public Health - MPH / Adolescents' sexual activity is associated with maternal and child health problems, and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to assess the sexual behaviour patterns of adolescent schoolgirls and the level of knowledge they have with regard to the prevention and transmission of HIV infection, as well as to determine which factors are associated with their various sexual behaviour patterns. A cross-sectional descriptive survey of 420 adolescent schoolgirls aged 15 to 19 years, from 3 of the 9 secondary schools situated in Petauke District, in rural Zambia, was conducted. The sample of schoolgirls was obtained using a multi-stage systemic sampling technique. / South Africa

Fatherlessness is a problem that affects a majority of African families in South Africa. African fathers become absent in the home due to various reasons such as, death, divorce, separation, imprisonment and distant work commitments. Father figures such as older brothers, uncles and stepfathers are a prominent feature in the African the community. The literature study revealed that adolescence is a period of transitioning from childhood into adulthood. During adolescence, adolescents experience physiological, psychological, cognitive and social changes. This is the time when adolescents begin to move away from their parents and seek independence. Adolescence is also a time when romantic interests begin and adolescents worry about whether they are attractive and if others will accept them. Literature also revealed that fathers and father figures are essential in defining masculinity and socialising young boys. African male adolescents can be socialised into manhood through traditional male circumcision and mentorship. The literature study also questioned whether there is a crisis in masculinity and society’s role in redefining masculinity. The goal of the research study was to explore paternal influences on the sexual behaviour of African male adolescents. The intention of the researcher was to search for a deeper understanding of paternal influences by functioning biological fathers and father figures on the sexual behaviour of African male adolescents. The iv researcher also sought to identify how social services can improve service delivery to families, fathers and male adolescents. The research focused on the role fathers and father figures play on the sexual behaviour of young males who are currently in the developmental phase of adolescence, which can also be described as the period of transition into adulthood. The researcher used applied research and the qualitative research approach to conduct the study. The study was conducted with a sample size of 15 participants between the ages of 15 to 17 years. The researcher collected data by means of means of semi-structured interviews and the use of an interview schedule. The empirical findings of this study suggest that African male adolescents believe that African male adolescents are affected negatively by father absence. African male adolescence perceive a good father or father figure as a father who is more than just a breadwinner, a father who is able to provide guidance, advice and care as well as spend time with his son. African male adolescents also believe that a ‘real man’ knows how to treat women; he is faithful, trustworthy, considerate, decisive, assertive and honest. African male adolescents expect their fathers and father figures to teach them about relationships, sexuality, the consequences of unsafe sex and the importance of delaying sexual début. Some African male adolescents feel that their fathers and father figures often share little or no detailed information about sexuality, sexual behaviour and relationships with them. Some African male adolescents noted that additional sources of information about sexuality, sexual behaviour and relationships come from school and other male relatives in the family such as uncles. The empirical findings further revealed that some male adolescents are concerned about the sexual behaviours modelled by their own fathers and father figures, they observe that their fathers and father figures change partners too often and that creates confusion in their lives. However other African male adolescents expressed that their fathers and father figures model appropriate sexual behaviours that give them something to aspire to. African male adolescents shared that there are lessons about sexual behaviour that they have learnt from their fathers and father figures that are worthy of being passed on to their own sons one day. A few felt that they would rather pass on their own knowledge to their sons one day. The empirical findings confirmed that fathers and father figure are influential on the sexual behaviour of African male adolescents. Both the literature review and v empirical findings further confirmed that paternal influences or lack thereof influence the choices of African male adolescents about the kinds of fathers they want to be in the future. The study contains an in-depth literature review, research methodology, followed by empirical findings that answer the research question. The last objective of the study will be to draw conclusions and make recommendations on paternal influences on the sexual behaviour of African male adolescents to inform social services professionals’ service delivery to families and the youth, within the social work profession. / Dissertation (MSW)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Social Work and Criminology / MSW / unrestricted

The transition to adulthood is a significant period in the lives of many young people throughout the world. HIV/AIDS continues to attract much attention from researchers as it is a matter of particular concern for young people. Recent data suggests that the HIV prevalence among females aged 15-24 in South Africa is 12.7%, and 4% among males. Increasingly there has been a major outcry especially among international donor agencies that despite widespread HIV/AIDS campaigns in South Africa behaviour change has not been realised. Given the fact that in South Africa HIV/AIDS is fuelled by heterosexual intercourse, it is imperative to monitor trends in sexual behaviour among young adults in order to be able to identify and understand those sexual behaviours that fuel the epidemic. This study uses the Cape Area Panel Study (CAPS) data conducted in the Cape Town Metropolitan between 2002 and 2005. It tracks trends in sexual behaviour, and determines the predictors of risky sexual behaviour among these young adults. The study reveals that condom use is extremely high among all population groups, except among Coloured males whose condom use actually declined between 2002 and 2005. The study also reveals that the percentage of young adults engaging in risky sexual behaviour, such as having multiple sexual partners has declined between 2002 and 2005. Early sexual onset determines risky sexual behaviour later in life. This suggests that in order to equip young adults to act in a sexually responsible manner later in life, protective factors such as family involvement, schooling, peer influence and selfesteem must be strengthened before sexual onset. The conclusion drawn from this study is that in order to curtail rising trends in inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual partners and to increase the age at first sex, early intervention programs are necessary. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

The health risks of unsafe sexual behaviour among young people aged 15-24, the stage when sexual activity including risky sexual behaviour is likely to begin, has been receiving growing attention. Researchers are attempting to identify factors which influence young people’s sexual behaviour so that meaningful prevention and intervention programmes can be developed. Using the 2005 Zambia Sexual Behaviour Survey, this study examines the level and determinants of sexual behaviour measured according to age at first sex, age at first childbearing, and condom use at first sex, among young people in Zambia. A total sample of 2,813 young people, representing 57.16 percent females and 42.84 percent males, was chosen for the analysis. The study employed survival analysis techniques to examine the timing and determinants of first sex and first childbearing. In addition, logistic regression models were used to predict the drivers of condom use at first sex. The analysis established that age at first sex, age at first childbearing, and condom use at first sex among young people in Zambia differ by cohort, gender, urban/rural residence, marital status, educational attainment, and province of residence. The results show that more young women (69.15 percent) than young men (57.84 percent) had initiated sex aged 15-24 years; whereas 47.89 percent of young women aged 15-24 years reported having had a first birth. The level of condom use at first sex was less than a quarter for young men (23.63 percent) and young women (24.34 percent), posing serious health challenges. There was evidence that the strongest predictors of sexual debut among young men were current age, residing in Lusaka or Northern provinces, and living in a household with television; while current age and higher education were positively associated with condom use at first sex among young women. The important determinants of first childbearing were age at first sex, and educational attainment. Finally, being unmarried, with some level of education, residing in Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka or Northern provinces, and living in a household with piped water or flush toilet, were found to be critical predictors of condom use at first sex among young people. It was concluded that although Zambia has shown progress in delaying sexual debut and first childbearing, other areas such as condom use at first sex, show little change – indicating a need for renewed efforts in HIV and AIDS prevention and family planning programmes. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether or not South African adolescent boys between the ages of 16 and 18 make use of heuristics when thinking about heterosexual relationships. Currently, some of the greatest challenges facing South Africa are that of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the high rates of violence, especially against women and children. These issues are closely linked with cognitions about masculinity and the male and female gender roles in men and boys. The methodology was qualitative and focus groups were utilized as the method of data collection. The results of this study indicate that adolescent boys do make use of a variety of heuristics and also engage in the process of splitting when thinking about heterosexual relationships. Keywords: Masculinity, adolescents, heuristics, gender roles, heterosexual relationships, HIV/AIDS / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Using lessor's psychosocial framework of risk behaviour, this study examined the impact of variables within a number of risk domains on condom use at last sex. The sample was 587 sexually active male and female black youth between the ages of 16 and 20 years old from the township areas of Soweto (Johannesburg), Umlazi (Durban) and Khayelitsha (Cape Town). Binary logistic regression models were used in the analysis. Within the biological risk domain, gender was a significant predictor of condom use at last sex. None of the proximate social context variables, viz. parental education, family structure, and parent-adolescent communication, were significant predictors. Health services' promotion of condom use was a significant predictor within the distal social context. Within the perceived environment in relation to the self, perception of risk and perception of barriers were significant predictors of condom use at last sex. None of the variables within the perceived environment in relation to peers domain, viz. perceived peer attitudes to condoms and peers suffering the negative consequences of unprotected sex, were significant. The personality domain contained measures of self-esteem, future time orientation, locus of control and fatalism. Locus of control was the only significant predictor within this domain of condom use at last. Engagement in other risk taking behaviour, such as smoking cigarettes, alcohol and drug use, was a significant predictor within the general behaviour domain. Within the sexual behaviour domain, partner discussion and contraceptive use were significant predictors of condom use at last sex. 2 In the final model, the significant predictors in order of importance, were the perception of risk, the promotion of condom use by a health professional, locus of control, discussion with a partner, the perception of barriers, the use of contraceptives, and risk taking behaviour. The only interaction in the final model of condom use at last sex was between the promotion of condom use by a health professional and concurrent use of other forms of non-barrier contraception. / Thesis (M.A.)- University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

Gender is inherent in all patriarchal cultures given that women and girls in these societies are relegated to a significantly lower status than men and boys. Many researchers acknowledge the importance of addressing gender inequality in order to adequately understand and address HIV and AIDS transmission and prevention. However, there remains in this area a more direct focus on the specific cultural attitudes and practices that expose women and girls to HIV infections. Professionals in the educational field need to specifically address gender norms and roles and their influence on young people’s sexual behaviour, particularly, with regards to risky behaviour that often has consequences for women and young girls. Sexuality is part and parcel of young girls’ experiences through adulthood which is manifested in personal friendships, relations and social interaction. These encounters constitute sites within which sexual identities are developed, practiced and actively produced through processes of negotiation. As a result of societal influences, these encounters vary immensely between boys and girls because gender inequality has a significant impact on choices available to women and girls, which are often constrained by coercion and violence. Drawing on qualitative research conducted in a high school in KwaMashu, North of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, the study investigated ways in which young girls (16-17) give meaning to sexuality, sexual risks and how gender is embedded within these meanings. The study answered three critical questions: What do young girls regard as risky sexual behaviour? Why do young girls engage in risky sexual activities? How is gender connected to sexual risk? Data came from participants’ focus group discussions and indepth interviews with 12 young girls. The study revealed that through social and cultural practices some young girls construct complex gendered relations of domination and subordination that position boys and girls differently, often creating gender inequalities and sexual vulnerability for those gendered as girls. Young girls’ vulnerability is characterised by confusing experiences coupled with silences from their parents’ side about sexuality. The distinctive experiences are complex tensions and contradictions surrounding constructions of sexuality that are predicated upon unequal power and gender relations characterised by coercion, ukuthwala and the control of young girls’ sexuality and gendered experiences that put young girls at risk of contracting HIV and AIDS. The study recommends that parents must communicate with young people (boys and girls) about sexuality. There should be policies that are put in place by all the education stakeholders to address issues of sexuality and gender imbalances within schools. This will help young people to develop the skills needed to adequately negotiate safe sex, avoid risky behaviour and coercive situations, help young people to maintain healthy relationships and address vulnerabilities and promote gender equality and equity in our society. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2011.

Research with individuals who practise consensual Bondage, Discipline, Domination, Submission, Sadism, Masochism (BDSM) has revealed a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon which serves various functions for its practitioners. Historical associations of BDSM practice with underlying psychopathology, despite empirical evidence to the contrary, may lead to misunderstanding among practitioner psychologists and potentially biased or culturally insensitive psychological treatment of BDSM-oriented individuals. This Q-methodological study investigated subjective understandings of BDSM among practitioner psychologists and whether these understandings were shared with or separate from those who practise BDSM. Forty practitioner psychologists and 40 BDSM practitioners completed a q-sorting task and brief questionnaire online. Comparable majority understandings of BDSM – as a complex phenomenon concerned mainly with power and pleasure – emerged between the psychologist and BDSM practitioner groups. Psychologists generally did not consider themselves particularly knowledgeable on the subject of BDSM, partly due to having received limited teaching and training. There is a need for raising awareness among practitioner psychologists of BDSM as a non-normative, minority sexuality.