What is sexual wellbeing?
The Sexual Health and Wellbeing (SHAW) research group at University of Glasgow, is leading research to conceptualise, measure and improve sexual wellbeing.
Sexual wellbeing is defined as:
…… feeling respected, safe, at ease and supported, while also having a sense of self-worth and agency, in relation to sex and sexuality. Sexual wellbeing is integral to consensual, healthy and pleasurable sexual experiences and relationships. A person’s sexual wellbeing is shaped by the people around them and their environment, including sexual partners, family, friends, education and health systems, media, laws, faith-based and cultural norms. (Lewis et al., 2026)
The sexual wellbeing framework
The framework of sexual wellbeing below, was designed via a Delphi consensus process involving experts from Scotland and internationally. The full process is described in this paper.
This framework brings together elements of psychological wellbeing that are most relevant to sexuality. Importantly, it recognises that sexual wellbeing is relevant at all stages of life, regardless of age, sexual experience or relationship status. Sexual wellbeing is not a fixed state, it reflects about how people think and feel about sex and their sexuality over time. These thoughts and feelings can change, improving or worsening in response to life events, relationships and interventions.
The concept of sexual wellbeing helps us to understand the connections between sexual behaviour, sexual health and mental health.
Learn more
You can read more about the development of this conceptual framework of sexual wellbeing here, and about qualitative research exploring sexual wellbeing among adults in the UK here.
For Natsal-4, the SHAW group developed and validated a brief 13-item measure of sexual wellbeing for adults aged 16 and over (Natsal-SW). You can read about how the measure was developed and validated here.
The group also developed the Adol-SW brief 13-item measure of sexual wellbeing for adolescents. The measure was co-produced with young people and psychometrically validated, and designed for adolescents with and without sexual experience. You can read about how the measure was developed and validated here.
If you would like to use the Natsal-SW or the Adol-SW in your study, or for a copy of the measure and scoring information, please contact sexualwellbeing@glasgow.ac.uk for permission.
Applying sexual wellbeing in practice: framework and resources
A framework of sexual wellbeing for Scotland
In collaboration with Public Health Scotland and in consultation with national Sexual Health and Blood Born Viruses (SHBBV) stakeholders, the SHAW team at University of Glasgow designed indicators to track progress on sexual wellbeing in Scotland.
These indicators are included in the SHBBV National Monitoring plan. As part of the 2023-2026 SHBBV Action plan for Scotland, the SHAW team and Public Health Scotland undertook a National Survey of Sexual Wellbeing for Scotland 2025, which provides a population-baseline for monitoring future progress.
The SHAW team is currently working with NHS, third sector and private sector in Scotland and across the UK to apply sexual wellbeing approaches in practice.