Abstract
Purposes: To clarify the trends in research on sexual consent and future challenges
Method: A literature review was conducted using keyword searches in Igaku Chuo Zasshi (ICHUSHI) and CiNii. Keywords
included: ① sexual consent, ② consent/sexual intercourse, ③ non-consent/sexual intercourse. The literature was limited to
Japanese sources. Relevant papers on “sexual consent” were selected. Using Berelson’s content analysis, descriptions were
coded and classified into subcategories, categories, and core categories, with their frequency calculated.
Results: The searches yielded eight relevant studies. Content analysis identified four core categories: 【Elements of Sexual
Consent】【Processes of Sexual Violence and Victimization】【Expression of Sexual Consent and Self-Determination】
【The Need for Empowerment】.
Conclusion: 1. Research on sexual consent is still developing. 2. Sexual consent is linked to sexual violence and victimization.
3. Difficulty in recognizing harm arises from concerns about social status. 4. Sexual consent education is lacking in Japan, focusing
mainly on interpersonal relationships. 5. Comprehensive sexuality education addressing cognitive, emotional, physical, and
social aspects remains underdeveloped.
