Strangulation during sex among undergraduate students in Australia: Toward understanding participation, harms, and education

Abstract

Strangulation is becoming a more common sexual practice despite its potentially fatal consequences and associated short- and long-term sequelae. This research provides a preliminary examination of participation and perception toward strangulation during sex among Australian undergraduates. The study utilised a confidential, cross-sectional online survey collected in 2022–2023 with 168 undergraduate students. The analysis explored their awareness of the harms of strangulation, understanding of criminalisation, and the impact of education on these attitudes. Results indicated that 56% reported ever being strangled during sex and 51% ever strangling a partner. Participants generally did not perceive strangulation to be harmful and had limited knowledge about its criminalisation. A brief education intervention on strangulation harms revealed reductions in positive perceptions of strangulation, particularly among women. These findings highlight the need for education on strangulation harms to improve awareness and change perceptions of this behaviour.<br><br><ul> <li>56% of undergraduate students reported being strangled during sex, and 51% reported strangling a partner.</li> <li>Participants generally did not perceive strangulation to be harmful and had limited knowledge about its criminalisation.</li> <li>A brief education intervention on strangulation harms revealed reductions in positive perceptions of strangulation, particularly among women.</li> <li>Higher frequency, wanting, and positive perceptions of strangulation were associated with more liberal sexual attitudes.</li> </ul>