Promiscuity 'damaging for women'

Emily McKenzie. Photo / Supplied

A young woman has spoken out in light of publicity portraying New Zealand women as "the most promiscuous women in the world".

Emily McKenzie, 22, is "incredibly passionate" about the issue.

"I have seen the effects of promiscuity on my peers, and I am a strong advocate against such actions," she said.

Miss McKenzie, in her fourth year studying psychology, is confident such behaviour has only negative effects on the women involved.

"What I've seen is young girls that are sleeping around to try and find love and boost their self-esteem."

Miss McKenzie said many modern women saw sex as "something to boast about".

Her stance has been backed up by sex therapist Robyn Salisbury.

Mrs Salisbury, director of Sex Therapy NZ, agreed promiscuity could be damaging psychologically.

"Certainly when people talk to me about promiscuous pasts, it's usually with regret. They are reflecting on a lack of confidence they had, or their belief that they would get love through sex or feel good about themselves."

Mrs Salisbury agreed that promiscuity had increased in her 25 years in the profession.

"It's really sad. These girls are under pressure to wear make-up and short skirts in order to feel pretty.

"It makes them seem older and then the males are treating them like they are.

It's confusing their self-identity and sets up unhealthy patterns for later in life."