Influence of Verbal Persuasion on Sexual Relationship Self-Efficacy in Young People.
Keywords:
Verbal persuasion, sexual self-efficacy, sexual negotiation, safe sexual behavior, university studentsAbstract
Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect adolescents and young adults. Verbal persuasion has been identified as an influential factor in sexual self-efficacy and the ability to negotiate safe sexual practices. This study examined the relationship between verbal persuasion and self-efficacy in safe sexual relationships among Mexican university students. Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional, and prospective study was conducted with a simple random sample of 97 students aged 18 to 24 from a public university. Six validated instruments were used to assess sociodemographic variables, verbal persuasion, sexual attitudes, and sexual self-efficacy (penetrative, non-penetrative, and negotiation). Data were analyzed using SPSS v.26 with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and chi-square tests. Results: The findings showed a positive and significant correlation between verbal persuasion and all dimensions of sexual self-efficacy. The strongest association was observed with perceived obstacles to negotiating with a partner (r = .850, p < .01). No significant associations were found between sociodemographic variables and verbal persuasion. Discussion/Conclusions: Verbal persuasion emerges as a key predictor in strengthening safe sexual negotiation among young people. It is recommended to include communicative strategies focused on persuasive skills and critical gender reflection in sexual health interventions targeting university populations.
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