The Expression of Gender, Sexuality and Relationships in Young People

A research article exploring the diverse ways in which young people understand and express gender, sexuality, relationships and sex.

Key Information

Creators

Sam Clark

Editors

BACP

Date

2026

Subjects

Gender, Sexuality & Relationships, Young People

Extract

A research article exploring the diverse ways in which young people understand and express gender, sexuality, relationships and sex.

The article explores why it’s important for therapists working with children and young people to stay curious about the cultural worlds they inhabit — including the television, social media and popular culture through which ideas about relationships, sex, intimacy and gender are being formed and negotiated.

It also considers the diverse ways in which young people understand and express gender, sexuality, relationships and sex, and the importance of therapists being able to engage with these experiences with curiosity rather than assumption or judgement.