Sexuality in the experience of fat adolescents: analysis of university students reports

Abstract

Human sexuality is a broad concept socially constructed; it is influenced by normative patterns that stigmatize deviant bodies. This study is a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory investigation on the sexual experience of 23 women and 19 men, aged 18 to 25 years, who self-described as being fat during their adolescence. Data collection was carried out using an online questionnaire composed of closed-ended and semi-open questions. The responses to the closed-ended questions were quantified numerically, and the remaining responses were categorized using the L. Bardin systematization. The results were described along two thematic axes: (1) Experience as a fat adolescent and (2) Sexuality Experience as a fat adolescent. Participants cited "laziness" as the stereotype that was mostly associated with fat individuals and the fat body was reported as having a negative influence on the sexuality experience. The fat individuals perceived themselves as fat when taking into account the current aesthetic and beauty standards; they also reported dissatisfaction with their own bodies. A small group highlighted that sexual experience had been unpleasant during adolescence; others rated their first romantic experiences as "neutral" and "pleasurable." The feelings that prevailed were "insecurity," "shame," and "denial" of their own bodies. The youngsters also experienced situations of prejudice and fatphobia and had to face the difficulties in this connection on their own. It is concluded that many fat young people did not receive social support in their adolescence, and their fat body interfered with their self-perception and their relationships in general. Further studies encompassing other variables are suggested.