1.1 Socio-Ecological Influences on Sexuality

What is sexuality and how is it influenced? Using a socio-ecological model, sexuality is influenced by multiple levels of sources that impact individual attitudes, beliefs, and behavior, including relationships, community, and society. Larger systems include the media, culture, societal norms, and policy. Organizational impacts include formal sexuality education, school, and faith. Finally, familial and peer sources also influence the individual. Each individual can acknowledge their own influences and how they’ve influenced these various sources.

Socio-Ecological Influences on Sexuality Learning Objectives

• Explain how the interaction between the five dimensions of sexuality influence attitudes, values, and beliefs about sexuality.
• Discuss how human rights are connected to sexual and reproductive rights.
• Describe how the different layers of the Socio-Ecological Model influence personal values, beliefs, and behaviors regarding sexuality.
• Identify the key components of comprehensive sexuality education which make it an effective public health approach.
• Describe the current state of sexuality education in the United States.
• Explain why it is important for individuals to clarify personal values and beliefs about sexuality.