The influence of peers on the experience of sexuality in adolescence: a scoping review

Introduction In adolescence, the interaction of young people with their peers has been identified as an influencing factor in responsibility, maturity and healthy development, and in particular experience of sexuality, which can lead to risky behaviours. We try to answer the following question: How does peer influence reflect in the experience of sexuality in adolescence? Objetives To identify peer influence in the experience of sexuality in adolescence. Methods Conducted a scoping review in ProQuest and PubMed using the search expression ‘‘Peer Influence And Adolescent And Sexuality Or Sexual Behaviour’’. Inclusion criteria: Population (the adolescents), concept (Peer influence and Sexuality) and context (adolescence). Types of studies: qualitative and quantitative. Used a 5-year chronological frieze (January 2014-2019). For the evaluation of the methodological quality, the PRISMA flowchart 2009 was used. There were six articles for analysis. Results There is great vulnerability in adolescents; they are in a phase of social, emotional and cognitive development. They make inappropriate decisions that increase sexual risky behaviour. Their behaviours are to satisfy their sexual partners, sacrificing their wants in order to keep their partners interested. The most popular young people have a significant influence on the behaviour of the outer adolescents. Adolescents refer that the discipline of Sexual Education in schools is beneficial. Conclusion Adolescents are influenced by their peers in decision making to romantic/sexual relationships. Peers are the main source of information about sexual health, which means they are possibly getting ‘‘not trustworthy’’ information. It is important to perceive their necessities so that the interventions made in the sexual education programs are adequate, so that adolescents become more resistant to peer pressure. Thus, the nurse is central to the changes in the adolescents’ lifestyle through empowerment strategies that promote health.