The Perceptions of Generation Z on Adolescence, Privacy, and Sexuality: A Qualitative Study with University Students

Authors : Ozcan Palavan, Zeynep Sude Uçaral

Pages : 711-744

Doi:10.19171/uefad.1597832

View : 153 | Download : 518

Publication Date : 2025-12-27

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aims to explore university students’ perceptions of adolescence, privacy, and sexuality from a qualitative perspective, within the context of today’s rapidly digitalizing society. Through semi-structured interviews with 21 Generation Z individuals, the research examines the personal experiences and social interactions of young people regarding these concepts. The interview data were evaluated using content analysis; themes were coded by the researchers and validated through expert reviews, achieving an inter-coder reliability rate of 85%. The findings were grouped under eight themes: (1) Perception of Body and Identity in Adolescence, (2) Emotional and Behavioral Experiences in Adolescence, (3) Sources of Information on Adolescence, (4) Problem-Solving Methods in Adolescence, (5) Perception of Privacy, (6) Perception of Sexuality, (7) Views on Sexuality Education, and (8) Behaviors Avoided at Home but Freely Performed at University. Participants primarily associated adolescence with physical changes, while its psychological and social dimensions were often overlooked. Privacy was frequently linked to bodily restrictions shaped by traditional and religious norms, particularly by female participants. Others viewed privacy through the lens of blurred personal boundaries in the digital age. Sexuality was perceived both as a natural need and as an area constrained by societal pressures. Due to the limited open communication and pedagogical inadequacies, many participants turned to unreliable sources of information. The roles of family and school were described as both supportive and restrictive. The university was seen as a more autonomous, identity-forming space. The study highlights the need for a scientifically grounded, culturally responsive, and multi-stakeholder educational approach to privacy and sexuality starting from an early age, to support healthy identity development. The findings offer valuable insights for improving education policies, family guidance, and psychosocial support services for adolescents.
Keywords : Mahremiyet, Cinsel eğitim, Z kuşağı, Ergenlik, Üniversite öğrencileri

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