Young women’s experiences with sexual assertiveness in Cuenca, Ecuador: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Sexual Assertiveness (SA) is important as it fosters healthy sexual and intimate relationships as it enables the individual to directly express sexual needs, limits and desires. This study aimed to promote an in-depth understanding of women’s experiences in their day-to-day negotiation of sexual activity. Six young women in the city of Cuenca (Ecuador) participated in semi-structured interviews that focused on women’s experiences with SA. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Data analysis led to the construction of four themes: (1) SA is experienced as a dynamic process: (2) relationship quality is an indicator for SA; (3) women’s struggles with SA; (4) SA is beneficial within a partner relationship. Findings are discussed in light of the literature addressing issues of women’s SA and social discourse covering gender scripts that drive women’s behavior.