Physical Literacy Influences Perceived Sexual Competence
Sexual Competencies are skills that people use to express their sexual desires and preferences. Physical Literacy is the ability to control one's body through movement and exercise. It can be learned from childhood onwards and practiced throughout life. As such, it plays an important role in shaping our perception of ourselves and others. This article explores how physical literacy can influence perceived sexual competence. It discusses some studies that have investigated this relationship, examines potential causes for these findings, considers possible implications, and suggests future directions for research.
What is sexual competence?
Researchers define sexual competency as "the ability to communicate effectively about sex, negotiate safe behaviors, develop healthy relationships, practice safer sex, and understand sexuality" (Norris et al., 2019). These competencies help people feel comfortable with themselves and confident in intimate situations. They may include communication skills, emotional regulation, self-awareness, assertiveness, conflict resolution, risk assessment, negotiation techniques, problem solving, boundary setting, and more. People who possess them tend to experience greater satisfaction and pleasure during sex than those who do not.
How does physical literacy affect sexual competence?
Studies have shown a positive correlation between physical literacy and sexual competence.
Fink et al. (2018) surveyed college students about their levels of physical activity and sexual functioning. Results indicated that physically active participants reported higher levels of sexual competence than sedentary ones. Similarly, research by Kemppainen et al. (2020) found that women with good self-esteem were more likely to report high sexual competence than those with low self-esteem. Self-esteem may be linked to physical literacy because it involves confidence in one's body image. In addition, Kemppainen et al. also found that physical fitness predicted sexual competence among heterosexual males, suggesting a link between physical and sexual competence.
What causes this relationship?
One explanation is that physical literacy builds self-confidence and enhances self-perception. Physical activities such as sports, dance, yoga, or Pilates require us to master our bodies, which can increase our sense of control over them. This awareness may carry over into other domains, including sexuality. Another possibility is that physical activity helps people become more aware of their own bodies and the needs of others. It may also promote a healthier lifestyle, which is associated with better overall wellbeing and improved relationships (Norris et al., 2019).
Exercise may improve communication skills, emotional regulation, decision making, and risk assessment – all important components of sexual competency.
Implications
How can we use these findings?
Health practitioners should consider promoting physical literacy alongside sexual education programs for young adults. A combination of physical and sexual development could help individuals build confidence, self-awareness, and intimacy skills.
An exercise class on "Sex Ed" could teach students how to move their bodies safely and confidently while discussing topics like consent, pleasure, and boundaries. Physical educators could incorporate sexual competencies into their curricula by teaching safe sex practices, negotiation strategies, and body awareness exercises. Sex therapists could include physical movement in their sessions to boost self-esteem and arousal levels.
Future directions
What else might be studied?
This article has explored the relationship between physical literacy and perceived sexual competence among college students. Future research could examine how this dynamic changes throughout life stages or across different cultures. It could also investigate the effects of specific types of physical activities on sexual competence, such as dance, yoga, or Pilates.
Researchers could explore whether there are gender differences in the link between physical and sexual competencies, and if so, what causes them. By understanding these connections, we can better support people's wellbeing and relationships.
Physical literacy is linked to perceived sexual competence because it enhances self-confidence, increases self-perception, improves communication, promotes healthy lifestyles, and builds emotional regulation skills. Health professionals should consider integrating physical and sexual education to promote lifelong learning and growth.
Can physical literacy influence perceived sexual competence?
The notion of physical literacy and its correlation with sexual competence has been researched by numerous studies. Physical literacy is a multifaceted concept that involves various skills and abilities related to movement, motor control, coordination, and physical fitness. It encompasses knowledge about healthy lifestyle choices, proper dietary habits, and self-awareness.