Lewis, Michelle H. (2024) Young Queensland Women’s Perceptions of Sexual Choking: A Qualitative Study. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
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Abstract
Sexual choking involves applying pressure to the throat during sexual encounters, restricting blood and/or airflow to the brain. This practice, although increasingly common, carries significant health risks. Although studies have explored experiences of being choked, research into perceptions of sexual choking, especially among young Australian women, is limited. This study aimed to explore young Queensland women’s perceptions of sexual choking within intimate partnerships and the factors that influence perceptions on consensual versus non-consensual experiences as violent or non-violent. Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 women aged 18–25 years. Through reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were developed and framed within Heise’s ecological framework. Findings reveal that perceptions vary and shaped by relational dynamics, education, media portrayals, consent, and emotional and psychological factors. These factors contribute to an ecological model specific to sexual choking, illustrating how interpretations extend beyond a binary framework of consent and violence. These insights highlight the need for education strategies that promote open communication, media literacy and sexual choking risks in a non-stigmatising manner. Collectively, these strategies may empower young women to navigate the complexities of sexual choking with greater agency and safety in intimate partnerships.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Wellbeing (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Professor Mullens, Amy; Professor Gildersleeve, Jessica; Dr Bryce , India |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Psychology) |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Jan 2026 03:34 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Jan 2026 03:34 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | sexual choking, non-fatal strangulation, intimate partnerships, young women |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520304 Health psychology |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53095 |
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