Influence of adolescent sexual communication on respect for sexual and gender diversity and its impact on the meaning of life

Abstract This article, which addresses the relationships between the meaning in life, sexual communication in adolescence and respect for sexual and gender diversity, is based on theories that suggest connections between the underlying constructs. The methodology employed uses microdata from the National Survey on Sexual and Gender Diversity ENDISEG 2021, conducted by INEGI in Mexico, which are analyzed through structural equation modeling. When the structural model was validated using the bootstrapping technique, the results showed that the estimate of the relationship between sense of life and sexual communication in adolescence was 0.642, indicating that this relationship is not statistically significant. Similarly, the relationship between respect for sexual and gender diversity and sexual communication in adolescence showed a value of 0.099, reflecting that this relationship is not statistically significant. In contrast, the relationship between sense of life and respect for sexual and gender diversity obtained a value of 0.000, showing the existence of an effect, that is, that the relationship is statistically significant. In conclusion, the tensions inherent in adolescence, as well as cultural and social factors, introduce important debates that need to be considered when addressing these phenomena. This complexity highlights the need for a holistic approach that distinguishes the diversity of experiences and contexts that influence adolescent development and impact on adulthood.