Perceived Usefulness of Sex and Relationship Education and Sexual Minority Men’s Relationship Outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual minority men face unique challenges in navigating relationships due to stigma and exclusionary policies. Research suggests that comprehensive sex education can support healthier relationships. The present study examines the association between the perceived usefulness of different sources of sex and relationship education and relationship functioning among sexual minority men. Method: A 2023 survey of 582 partnered sexual minority men in Australia assessed the perceived usefulness of seven sources of sex and relationship education: family, official information sources, peers and friends, popular culture, pornography, school, and social media and the internet. Relationship measures included emotional intimacy, sexual intimacy behaviours, sexual satisfaction, and couple flourishing. Results: Men who found peers and friends, social media and the internet, and official information sources useful were slightly more likely to engage in sexual intimacy behaviours, which was associated with greater sexual satisfaction and couple flourishing. Conversely, those who found pornography useful engaged in fewer sexual intimacy behaviours and reported slightly lower relationship outcomes. Conclusions: Only certain sources of sex and relationship education show weak indirect associations with relationship outcomes. The perceived usefulness of school, family, or popular culture does not appear to be associated with relationship outcomes. Policy Implications: More research is needed to explore the link between sex and relationship education and relationship outcomes. If education can benefit relationship outcomes, enhancements in educational approaches are needed.