SOCIAL INFLUENCE

ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

Prepared by:
Virgilio B. Matias Jr., PhD
CATCH-UP FRIDAY: HEALTH
CONTENT AREA (GRADE 12)
3RD Quarter Theme, Topic and Issues

Understand the political, cultural,

social, and religious factors
influencing attitudes towards
sexuality
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 OBJECTIVES
At the end of the discussion, the students will be
able to:

• define social influence and sexual behavior;

• develop understanding on the different social
factors that influence sexual behavior;
• explore the various ways social factors influence
sexual behavior and decision-making among
adolescents; and
• reflect on their personal experiences or
observations related to social factors that
influence sexual behavior.
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 SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Refers to the efforts of others
to change our attitudes, beliefs,
perceptions, or behaviors. It occurs
when one’s emotions,
opinions, or behaviors are affected
by others.
 TYPES OF SOCIAL
INFLUENCE
Conformity: is a type of social influence involving
a change in belief or behavior in order to fit in with
a group. Conformity can also be simply defined as
“yielding to group pressures” (Crutchfield, 1955).
Compliance: A type social influence where an
individual does what someone else wants them to
do, following his or request or suggestion.
Obedience: A change in behavior in response to the
command of others.
 SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
Refers to sexual identity, and
discusses the major components
of sexual identity, including
biology, gender identity, gender
roles, and sexual orientation.
DIFFERENT SOCIAL
FACTORS THAT
INFLUENCE
SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
1. Peer pressure
2. Media influence
3. Family dynamics
4. Cultural norms and values
5. Education and knowledge 7
 PEER PRESSURE
Refers to the influence exerted by
peers on an individual's attitudes,
behaviors, and decisions. In the
context of sexual behavior, peers can
play a significant role in shaping
adolescents' perceptions and actions.

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 PEER PRESSURE
Positive Impact:
Supportive peer groups can provide a sense
of belonging and acceptance, which can
promote healthy sexual decision-making.
Positive peer influences may include
friends who encourage communication,
mutual respect, and safer sex practices
within relationships.
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 PEER PRESSURE
Negative Impact:
Negative peer pressure can lead to risky sexual
behavior, such as unprotected sex or engaging in
sexual activity before one is ready, due to fear of
social rejection or desire to fit in.
Peer pressure to conform to societal norms or
expectations regarding sexual behavior can
undermine individual autonomy and lead to
regrettable decisions.
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 MEDIA INFLUENCE

Media, including television, movies, music, and

social media, can shape adolescents' perceptions
of sex, relationships, and societal norms. Media
often portrays idealized or unrealistic portrayals
of sexuality, which can influence adolescents'
attitudes and behaviors.

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 MEDIA INFLUENCE

Positive Impact:

• Media can serve as a platform for promoting positive

messages about sexual health, consent, and respectful
relationships, fostering greater awareness and
understanding among adolescents.
• Educational media content can provide accurate
information about sexual health and contraception,
empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
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 MEDIA INFLUENCE
Negative Impact:

• Unrealistic portrayals of sex in media may create false

expectations or pressure to conform to idealized standards
of beauty, performance, or frequency of sexual activity.
• Exposure to sexualized content or harmful stereotypes in
media can desensitize adolescents to the consequences of
risky behavior or perpetuate harmful attitudes toward
gender and sexuality.

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 FAMILY DYNAMICS
Family plays a crucial role in shaping
adolescents' attitudes, beliefs, and
behaviors regarding sex. Family
dynamics, including parental attitudes,
communication styles, and the presence of
role models, can influence adolescents'
sexual decision-making.
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 FAMILY DYNAMICS
Positive Impact
• Supportive family relationships characterized by
open communication, trust, and respect can
provide a foundation for healthy sexual decision-
making and positive self-esteem.
• Parents who provide accurate information about
sexual health and relationships can empower their
children to make informed choices and seek
support when needed.
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 FAMILY DYNAMICS
Negative Impact:
• Dysfunctional family dynamics, such as lack of
parental involvement, communication barriers, or
exposure to parental conflict, may contribute to
confusion, shame, or misinformation regarding sex
and relationships.
• Strict or authoritarian parenting styles that emphasize
control or punishment may inhibit adolescents' ability
to express their needs, seek guidance, or make
autonomous decisions about sexual behavior.
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 CULTURAL NORMS AND
VALUES
Cultural norms and values shape societal
attitudes toward sex, relationships, and
gender roles. These norms can vary
significantly across cultures and may
influence adolescents' perceptions of
appropriate sexual behavior, as well as the
consequences of deviating from these norms.

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 CULTURAL NORMS AND
VALUES
Positive Impact:
• Cultural norms that promote values such as mutual
respect, consent, and commitment can reinforce
healthy attitudes toward sex and relationships
within a community.
• Cultural practices that prioritize communication,
education, and support around sexual health can
contribute to greater awareness, acceptance, and
access to resources for adolescents.
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 CULTURAL NORMS AND
VALUES
Negative Impact:
• Cultural taboos or stigmatization of sex outside of
marriage, LGBTQ+ identities, or reproductive health
may create barriers to accessing information, support, or
services for adolescents.
• Traditional gender roles or expectations regarding sexual
behavior may limit individuals' autonomy, self-
expression, or ability to negotiate safer sex practices
within relationships.
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EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE​

Access to comprehensive sexual education and

accurate information about sexual health can
empower adolescents to make informed decisions
about their sexual behavior. Conversely, lack of
education or misinformation can contribute to risky
behaviors and negative outcomes.

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EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE​
Positive Impact:
• Comprehensive sexual education programs that provide
accurate information about anatomy, contraception, consent,
and healthy relationships can empower adolescents to make
informed choices and protect their sexual health.
• Access to sexual health resources, including counseling,
contraception, and STI testing, can promote greater awareness,
prevention, and management of sexual risks and concerns.

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EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE​
Negative Impact:
• Inadequate or abstinence-only sex education programs may
omit critical information about contraception, consent, and
LGBTQ+ identities, leading to misinformation, stigma, or
unplanned pregnancies among adolescents.
• Lack of access to sexual health services, including barriers
related to cost, confidentiality, or cultural stigma, may prevent
adolescents from seeking necessary support, guidance, or
medical care.
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1. Peer Pressure
2. Media Influence
3. Family Dynamics
4. Cultural Norms and Values
5. Education and Knowledge

By understanding these social factors and

their impact on sexual behavior, adolescents
can develop the skills and resilience needed to
make healthy choices and navigate peer
pressure, media messages, family dynamics,
cultural norms, and educational influences. 23
 CASE STUDY
Scenario:
John regularly watches a TV show where characters frequently engage in casual
sex without any mention of consequences or discussions about consent. He
starts to believe that this is how relationships and sexual encounters should be,
and he feels pressure to mimic these behaviors to fit in with his peers.

Discussion Points:
• How might John's exposure to media portrayals of sex influence his attitudes and
expectations regarding sexual behavior?
• What are some potential risks or negative consequences of basing his
understanding of sex and relationships on media representations?
• What strategies could John use to critically evaluate and challenge unrealistic or
harmful messages about sex in the media?
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 CASE STUDY
Scenario:
A group of friends is planning to attend a party where alcohol will be served. One
of the friends, Sarah, is feeling pressured by her peers to hook up with someone at
the party. She's unsure about her feelings for the person and whether she wants to
engage in sexual activity, but her friends keep insisting that it's no big deal and
everyone does it.

Discussion Points:
• How might Sarah's friends' attitudes and behaviors influence her decision-making
regarding sexual activity?
• What are some potential consequences for Sarah if she gives in to peer pressure and
engages in sexual activity without being fully comfortable or ready?
• What strategies could Sarah use to assert her boundaries and resist peer pressure in
this situation? 25
 CASE STUDY
Scenario:
Maria comes from a conservative family where sex is a taboo topic, and discussions
about sexuality are avoided. She feels uncomfortable talking to her parents about her
questions or concerns regarding sex and relationships. As a result, Maria relies on
information from her peers and media, which may not always be accurate or reliable.

Discussion Points:
• How might Maria's family dynamics and lack of open communication about sex influence
her understanding and decision-making regarding sexual behavior?
• What are some potential consequences of not having access to accurate information and
guidance from her family?
• What resources or support systems could Maria seek outside of her family to obtain reliable
information and guidance about sexual health and relationships?

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GUIDED REFLECTION
Ask students to take a few minutes to reflect on the following questions:

• How should you respond when you experience peer pressure related to sexual
behavior? If so, describe the situation and how you responded.
• How do you think media messages about sex and relationships have influenced
your perceptions or attitudes?
• What role does your family play in shaping your views on sex and relationships?
Are there any specific experiences or conversations that stand out to you?
• In what ways do cultural norms or values impact how you think about sex and
sexual behavior?
• Reflect on your sexual education experiences. Did you feel adequately
informed? Were there any topics that were missing or could have been addressed
differently?

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 SHARING & DISCUSSION
•Invite volunteers to share their reflections with the class. Encourage an open
and respectful discussion where students can share their experiences, insights,
and questions related to the social factors influencing sexual behavior.
•Facilitate the discussion by asking follow-up questions to deepen
understanding and encourage empathy. For example:
• How did you feel in that situation?
• What do you think influenced your decision-making?
• How do you think others might have perceived the situation differently?
• What strategies do you use to navigate social pressures or influences
related to sex and relationships?

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THANK YOU!

Virgilio B. Matias Jr.​, PhD

SHS - Master Teacher I

 Pangasinan National High School​

 [email protected]​