T03-P-03 Empirical evidence for the conditional persistence of the traditional sexual double standard and implications for men and women's sexual self-efficacy

Abstract

Objective Within the USA, a traditional sexual double standard (SDS) granting greater sexual privilege to males relative to their female counterparts has historically enforced behavioral conformity to distinct sexual scripts. These gendered prescriptions may differentially impede both men and women's confidence in asserting themselves in various sexual contexts to the extent that such assertions violate assigned gender roles. The purpose of the current study was to examine the pervasiveness of the SDS and its impact on sexual self-efficacy (SSE). Design and Method A total of 71 male and 73 female undergraduate students were surveyed using Internet technology. A within-subjects measure of the SDS included questions about standards held by participants and perceived standards held by participants’friends and partners regarding multiple aspects of sexuality. In addition, participants reported their general and partner-specific SSE related to refusal of unwanted sex, initiative in achieving sexual satisfaction, and participation in safer sex behavior. Results Overall, reported attitudes supported the continued existence of a SDS allowing men greater sexual freedom, particularly among male participants. However, itemby-item analyses suggested the strength of the double standard varied substantially by sexual domain. Regression analyses revealed that perceived partner endorsement of the SDS was associated with decreased SSE among males, whereas personal endorsement and perceived friend endorsement of the SDS were associated with decreased SSE among females (p Conclusions Findings suggest that the traditional SDS continues to prevail in provisional forms within the USA, and that this set of attitudes may negatively impact both men and women's SSE.