Abstract
Purpose: Healthy sexuality is an important issue in the transition to adulthood. To maintain healthy sexuality, contraceptive self-efficacy could be the most significant predictor of safe sexuality. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between gender roles and the healthy sexuality of South Korean college students. Method: A cross-sectional study through self-report questionnaires was administered to college students in South Korea. In total, 499 students completed the demographic information questionnaire, the Sexual Attitudes Scale, Sexual Autonomy Scale, and Condom Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: A multiple regression analysis indicated that the contraceptive self-efficacy of male students was predicted by their junior year and sexual autonomy, while that of the females was predicted by their senior year and sexual autonomy. Conclusion: Sexual education focusing on sexual autonomy should be provided for the safe and healthy sexual expression of college students.
Highlights
Healthy sexuality involves sexual wellness—a concept subjectively and individually defined.The World Health Organization notes that “sexual health requires a positive approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence” [1]
Female students tended to have higher sexual autonomy and contraceptive self-efficacy while male students have higher sexual attitudes, meaning they are more active and have an open tendency toward sexuality. These results are consistent with previous studies that sexual autonomy [23] and contraceptive self-efficacy [22] are higher in women than men, and sexual attitude is higher in men than women [24]
This study shows that educational interventions promoting sexual autonomy must be implemented in order to increase contraceptive self-efficacy and to have safe and healthy sexuality
Summary
Healthy sexuality involves sexual wellness—a concept subjectively and individually defined.The World Health Organization notes that “sexual health requires a positive approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence” [1]. The perception of healthy or harmful sexual experiences should be examined from the perspective of different genders and the cultural context where individuals live [2]. It is important to elucidate the underlying gender differences in the sexual attitudes, autonomy, and contraceptive self-efficacy of young adults who are transitioning to adulthood. Since an individual’s behavior is generally determined by one’s perceived self-efficacy, existing literature has established evidence about the relationships between contraceptive self-efficacy and contraceptive behavior [5]. In this context, healthy sexuality implies positive attitudes, high sexual autonomy, and contraceptive self-efficacy
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