Jones, Elisabeth R (2024) Social Media Made Me Do It: Understandings Attitudes Towards Non-Fatal Strangulation in Queensland’s Young Women. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
The frequency of non-fatal strangulation (NFS) in consensual and non-consensual sexual encounters between young people is increasing, despite being a dangerous form of pleasureseeking with potentially fatal physical and mental health outcomes. Previous research has found frequencies of young people engaging in NFS, reported feelings regarding experiences of NFS, and charted knowledge of potential outcomes, but most focus primarily on American populations or in intimate partner violence contexts. The current study identified self-reported influences upon attitudes of young women in Queensland towards sexual strangulation. The role of social media as a potential influence was of specific interest. Themes were developed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis from interview transcripts and mapped against research questions: what do young people know about NFS; how are they introduced to NFS; and why might they engage (or not) in NFS. Developed themes identified (1) pornography is bad publicity; (2) social media and the internet are resources; and (3) young people are talking about it. Suggested reasons for engagement included (4) curious people may try it; and (5) partner desire and/or pressure contribute to likelihood to try. Finally, responses suggested (6) knowledge and personal experiences impact decision-making. Attitudes towards NFS were reportedly being shaped in a variety of contexts, through both media and interpersonal relationships. Results also suggest social media interventions regarding safer NFS practice may be especially effective due to the significant role media plays in attitude formation, potentially improving young people’s sexual health and safety.
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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 |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Jan 2026 02:32 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Jan 2026 02:32 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | non-fatal strangulation, sexual choking, sexual health, social media |
| 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/53092 |
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