Work

Choking/Strangulation During Sex: Understanding and Negotiating “Safety” Among 18-35 Year Old Australians

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Despite its potentially fatal consequences, sexual choking/strangulation is an increasingly common sexual practice. Existing research suggests that its growing prevalence is partly a consequence of its popular construction as "risky yet safe." Few studies have directly examined how people frame and engage in choking/strangulation in terms of "safety"-what people think it means for strangulation to be (or not be) "safe" and how people think safety during strangulation can be achieved. Drawing on qualitative text responses from a survey collected in 2023, this paper examined whether and how Australian adults aged between 18-35 perceived choking/strangulation in terms of "safety." We identified and discussed four main themes arising from the data: choking/strangulation during sex can be safe; pressure/intensity is a safety mechanism; consent is a safety mechanism; and trust and communication are necessary. In consideration of these themes, we suggest that many Australian young people are not aware of the risks of choking/strangulation during sex and frequently equate pressure/intensity and consent, within a trusting relationship, with safety. Given the significant risks and harms associated with any sexual choking/strangulation and the resultant difficulty in achieving safe use, we concluded that appropriate education and information should be provided to young people.

Source: Archives of Sexual Behavior

DOI: 10.1007/s10508-025-03097-3

Authors: Isabella Conte, Leah S. Sharman, Heather Douglas

Institutions: The University of Melbourne, The University of Queensland

Language: English

Topic: Marriage and Sexual Relationships

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,090