Yarning as a method for building sexual wellbeing among urban Aboriginal young people in Australia

Joanne Bryant, Reuben Bolt, Kacey Martin, Mitchell Beadman, Michael Doyle, Carla Treloar, Stephen Bell, Dean Murphy, Christy Newman, Annette Browne, Peter Aggleton, Karen Beetson, Megan Brooks, Jessica Wilms, Bronwyn Leece, Linda Stanbury, Jessica Botfield, Ben Davis, Simon Graham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper describes the strategies used by Aboriginal young people to build positive relationships and sexual wellbeing. It does so to counter the risk-focussed narratives present in much existing research and to showcase the resourcefulness of Aboriginal young people. We used peer-interview methods to collect qualitative data from 52 Aboriginal young people living in western Sydney, Australia. Participants reported a strong desire to stay safe and healthy in their sexual relationships and to achieve this they relied heavily on oral communication and yarning strategies. Participants viewed communication as a way to gain or give advice (about bodies, infections, pregnancy, relationships); to assess the acceptability and safety of potential partners; to negotiate consent with partners; to build positive relationships; and to get themselves out of unhealthy relationships. Participants also discussed ‘self-talk’ as a strategy for building sexual wellbeing, referring to narratives of self-respect and pride in culture as important in establishing Aboriginal young people’s positive views of self and as deserving of respectful and safe sexual relationships. These findings suggest that future programmes and interventions based on yarning could be well-regarded, given it is a cultural form of pedagogy and a strategy Aboriginal young people already use to build positive relationships and identities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)871–886
Number of pages16
JournalCulture, Health and Sexuality
Volume26
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aboriginal
  • Australia
  • sexual health
  • yarning
  • young people

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