Early Sexual Experiences Research Articles

Sexual experiences and behaviours of the parents in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Childhood (ALSPAC)

The aim of this data note is to describe the sexual experiences, functioning and behaviour data collected from the parent cohorts of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) occurring during their childhoods and up to 19 years after the birth of the index child. ALSPAC is an ongoing birth cohort which enrolled 14,541 pregnant women living in Avon, an area of southwest England, with expected dates of delivery between April 1991 and December 1992 inclusive. It continues collecting data on these mothers (age range at delivery <16–41 years), their partners (age range at delivery <16–65), and their offspring, so far resulting in 100,000+ phenotype variables. During the index pregnancy the mothers were asked (and at 8 months post-delivery for partners) about their early sexual experiences to identify sexual abuse, the age at which an event first occurred, along with the type of perpetrator (e.g. stranger, relatives, boy/girlfriend). There are also data on these parents’ experiences of sexual assault as adults. Both parents were asked also about sexual abuse within a battery of questions identifying Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs). Further longitudinal data described here includes satisfaction with sexual and non-sexual sides of their relationship; sexual functioning; and at seven years post-delivery, both parents were asked to describe their sexual orientation as well as the sex of their partners. These data provide the ability to compare generational differences between parental sexual experiences and behaviours with those of their offspring, as well as allowing comparisons with other longitudinal surveys where similar (or identical) information has been collected such as the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (NATSAL-3). This paper forms a companion to a further data note describing similar data collected on the offspring cohort.

Older Gay Men's Sexual Experiences as Boys with Men: An Empirical and Narrative Analysis.

A dominant view among researchers is that boys' sexual interactions with adult men are traumatizing. In contrast, many gay men recall childhood sexual experiences with adult males as positive. The current study tested for both of these outcomes by examining recalled boyhood sexual experiences of older gay men. Interviews were conducted in the 1970-1980s, and thus, before the public view became popular that child-adult sexual interactions must be traumatizing. Quantitative analyses suggested that gay men with boyhood sexual experiences with adult males (n = 7, mostly aged 11-16 at first experience with men aged 20s to 50s) were as well adjusted as those without these experiences (n = 10), and these experiences were usually viewed positively (71%). Narrative analyses indicated that adjustment problems in adulthood were not related to these early sexual experiences but to other factors such as parental abusiveness, societal intolerance, internalized homophobia, or social isolation.

Intimate partner violence among LGBT+ university students

The present article describes the different dynamics present in romantic relationships through life stories. Adopting a qualitative approach, it retrieves the experiences of 7 participants belonging to the LGBT+ community regarding their romantic relationships through individually conducted semi-structured interviews. The results reveal that from the early romantic and/or sexual experiences, manifestations of aggression arise and then evolve into more serious forms such as intimidation, harassment, and distrust towards the partner. This suggests that violence is not exclusive to heteronormative relationships but also affects couples within sexual dissidence, often in a context of social and emotional vulnerability.

Early sexual experiences of adolescent men who have sex with men

Background There are limited studies examining the early experiences of adolescent men who have sex with men (MSM), and the magnitude of changes in sexual practice among adolescent MSM is unclear. Therefore, we compared the sexual practice and trajectory among adolescent men who are MSM aged 16–20 years in two cohorts, 5 years apart in Melbourne, Australia. Methods A total of 200 self-identified same-sex attracted men aged 16–20 years were recruited in each of HYPER1 (2010–2012) and HYPER2 (2017–2018) using similar methodology. Men completed a questionnaire about their sexual practices. Men were also asked to report the age of first sex with different sexual activities with men and women. Results Compared to HYPER1, the median age at first sex with men was slightly increased in HYPER2: receiving oral sex (17.2 years in HYPER2 vs 16.5 years in HYPER1), performing oral sex (17.3 years vs 16.4 years), receptive anal sex (18 years vs 17.0 years) and insertive anal sex (18 years vs 17.3 years). Similar patterns were also observed in sexual practice with women: performing oral sex (17.0 years in HYPER2 vs 16.8 years in HYPER1), receiving oral sex (17.0 years vs 16.3 years) and vaginal sex (17.0 years vs 16.7 years). Conclusions In general, there was a small delay in first-sex activity among adolescent MSM between two cohorts 5 years apart. Most adolescent MSM started their sexual practices before the age of 18 years and have engaged in activities that are at risk of HIV and STI. Health education and promotion, including regular sexual health check-ups, are important for HIV and STI prevention and intervention in this population.

Sexual experiences, behaviours and attitudes in the parents in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Childhood (ALSPAC)

The aim of this data note is to describe the sexual experiences, behaviours, and attitudes data collected from the parent cohorts of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) over a 30-year period. ALSPAC is an ongoing birth cohort which enrolled 14,541 pregnant women living in Avon, a county of southwest England, with expected dates of delivery between April 1991 and December 1992 inclusive and continues collecting data on these mothers (age range at delivery <16–41 years), their partners (age range at delivery <16–65), and their offspring, so far resulting in 100,000+ phenotype variables. During the index pregnancy the mothers were asked (and at 8 months post-delivery for partners) about their early sexual experiences to identify sexual abuse/assaults and the age at which an event first happened. Both parents were asked also about sexual abuse within a battery of questions identifying Adverse Childhood Events (ACE). Further longitudinal data described here includes satisfaction with sexual and non-sexual sides of their relationship; sexual functioning; and at seven years post-delivery, both parents were asked to describe their sexual orientation as well as the sex of their partners and cohabiting partners. These data provide the ability to compare generational differences between parental sexual behaviours and attitudes with those of their offspring, as well as allowing comparisons with other longitudinal surveys where similar (or identical) information has been collected such as the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (NATSAL-3). This paper forms a companion to another data note describing similar data collected on the offspring cohort.

Prevalence and correlates of hazardous alcohol drinking and drug use among female sex workers and men who have sex with men in Mozambique

BackgroundHazardous drinking and drug consumption are associated with an increased risk of HIV due to the complex interplay of factors influencing decision-making capability, stigma and social marginalization. In this study, we explore the patterns of hazardous alcohol and drug use and correlates of risk factors among female sex workers (FSW) and men who as sex with men (MSM) in Mozambique.MethodsWe conducted a secondary data analysis of bio-behavioral surveys (BBS) among FSW and MSM using a respondent-driven sampling methodology conducted in five main urban areas of Mozambique from 2019 to 20. The survey included a standardized questionnaire, where hazardous drinking was assessed (using AUDIT-C scores ≥ 4 for men, ≥ 3 for women) and drug use in the last year (FSW). Chi-squared test was used to analyze the association between socio-demographic and behavioral variables, and multivariate logistic regression measured the impact of the associated factors.ResultsThe prevalence of hazardous alcohol drinking was 47.1% (95% CI:44.8–49.5) for FSW and 46.5 (95% CI: 44.0–49.0) for MSM. Current drug use was reported in 13.3% of FSW. FSW engaging in hazardous alcohol drinking reported more sexual partners in the last month than those no reporting hazardous alcohol use (55.3% vs. 47,1%, p < 0.001), higher rates of self-reported STIs in the last year (62,5% vs. 48,2%, p < 0.001), physical (53.5% vs. 46.7%, p < 0.0001) and sexual violence (54.7% vs. 44.2%, p < 0.001), and HIV prevalence (55.2% vs. 44.2 p < 0.001). Among MSM with hazardous alcohol drinking, there was a higher prevalence of self-reported STIs (52.8% vs. 45.4%, p < 0.001), experiences of sexual violence (18.0% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.001), and HIV prevalence (53.0% vs. 46.3%, p < 0.001). In addition, FSW who reported illicit drug use were more likely to self-reported HIV own risk (14.2% vs. 9.7%), early start sexual activity (15.4% vs. 5.3%), self-reported STIs (17.9% vs. 10.2%), and experiences of both physical (17.4% vs. 7.0%) and sexual violence (18.6% vs. 8.9%).ConclusionThere is an immediate need for the introduction and integration of comprehensive substance use harm mitigation and mental health interventions into HIV prevention programs, particularly those targeting key populations in Mozambique.

The Impact of Anticipated Factors in Childhood and Adolescence on the Development of Sexuality

Sexuality during childhood and adolescence is a complex and delicate topic, requiring a deeper understanding. This study investigates the hidden aspects of sexuality in these growing stages, approaching various perspectives, challenges and proposing integrative approaches. The study acknowledges the severity and the taboo status associated with discussions on sexuality in the context of children and adolescents, emphasizing the urgent need for a profound understanding of the internal dynamics that shape intimate lives in these critical stages of development. The study analyzes the acknowledgement of the mental states, the representations, the thinking and the valued and emotional attitudes from childhood and adolescence, emphasizing their role in shaping/the formation of the sexual experiences in adulthood. By examining a diverse sampling, the research illustrates the diverse range of factors from childhood and adolescence that influence the sexual well-being and health, highlighting the necessity for a holistic and integrated approach. The challenges associated with discussing sexuality among young people are explored considering the social norms, the educational strategies and the role of parents and caregivers. The study also addresses on the potential long-term impacts of early sexual experiences on mental health and well-being. In conclusion, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the hidden aspects of sexuality in childhood and adolescence. It advocates for open and informed discussions, challenging social taboos and promoting integrated approaches that consider the complexity of human development at these crucial stages of lives. The findings aim to inform the decision factors, educators and health professionals to better support young people’s health and sexual well-being.

Gender diversity, gender liminality in French Polynesia

Background: The phenomenon of the māhū and raerae of French Polynesia represents a long-standing historical recognition of a third gender status that makes space for a level of respect and integration within a broader society. Raerae is a more recent type of māhū who more overtly express themselves as women in society. Aim: This article describes the gender identity, gender expression, sexual behavior, and sexual orientation of gender diverse individuals in French Polynesia, including the Society, Tuamotus, and the Marquesas Islands. By studying cultures with protective factors, this research seeks to contribute to the development of effective approaches to sexual and gender health promotion, including HIV/STI prevention. Method: Our analysis is based on ethnographic work, field observation, in depth interviews, and survey data. The focus of this study was specifically on the māhū and raerae (gender diverse individuals). Results: We collected data from ten islands in French Polynesia and included 47 participants. The results include demographics, information about self-identification, gender identity development and family and social acceptance, current gender identity, expression, early and current sexual experiences, relationships, involvement in sex work, and health status, including HIV risk and status. Conclusion: While not a utopia for gender variant individuals living in French Polynesia, this cultural recognition serves as a protective factor as compared to other cultures that greatly stigmatize transgender and gender diverse individuals or those who transgress socially defined roles for men.

Applying the Social-Ecological Framework to Link the Drivers of Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in the Caribbean and Their Risk for HIV Infection.

For countries with a high prevalence of HIV such as in the Caribbean, intimate partner violence (IPV) may increase the chances for acquiring HIV infection.Using secondary data, we compared findings from studiesconducted in five Caribbean countries measuring the prevalence of gender-basedviolence among women in Grenada, Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The Social-Ecological Framework was usedto categorize women's dualrisk for intimate partner violence and HIV. We found thatyounger age, lower education, childhood experiences of abuse, income dependency, controlling behaviors of partners, non-disclosure of violence, and early sexual experiences were associated with intimate partner violence. Thesefactors also predisposewomenin the Caribbean to HIV infection. The Social-Ecological Framework is applicable to understanding the drivers of intimate partner violence and HIV infectionat multiple levelsand for the design and promotion of combined prevention interventions.Our study also demonstrated the applicability of the Social-Ecological Framework as an analytical and predictive model underscoring the need for increased coordination across multiple actors tostrengthen advocacy, given the pervasiveness of harmful social norms and gender inequalities whichundermine IPV and HIV control efforts.

Personality, Sexuality, and Beauty Standards: A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Canadian and German Women's Cosmetic Surgery Behaviours and Attitudes

This study investigated the impact of various psychosocial factors on behaviours and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery among Canadian (n=97) and German (n=115) women, considering cultural differences and beauty standards. The primary objective was to provide valuable insights for physicians and psychologists when selecting suitable candidates for elective procedures, as current pre-surgical assessments often fail to integrate the psychological perspective. A correlation analysis was undergone and revealed that neuroticism moderately influenced interest and motivation for cosmetic surgery in both populations. Additionally, the Canadian group exhibited a moderate negative correlation between motivation for cosmetic surgery and early sexual experiences, effectively destigmatizing cosmetic surgery as a social indicator of early sexual behaviours. However, this correlation was not observed in the German cohort. Notably, Canadians reported a higher overall motivation for undergoing cosmetic surgery compared to Germans, as confirmed by a t-test. Surgeons should inquire about sexuality and personality in pre-surgical consultations to determine candidates who may benefit from the procedure and minimize harm. Future research should develop a standardized test for replication and include diverse demographics.

Usage of cervical cancer screening services among HIV-positive women in Southern Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo assess the usage of cervical cancer screening services and associated factors among HIV-positive women on antiretroviral treatment in Southern Ethiopia in 2020.DesignA multicentre cross-sectional study.SettingThe study was conducted in...

(021) Earlier Age of First Sexual Activity Predicts Women’s Higher Sexual Pleasure, but also Higher Sexual Shame

Abstract Introduction Despite calls for greater focus on sex-positive frameworks for understanding adolescent sexuality (Harden, 2014), the majority of research on early puberty and sexual debut has primarily focused on negative outcomes such as body shame (McKenney &amp; Bigler, 2016; Schooler et al., 2005), sexual or vulvar pain (Bergeron et al., 2011; Latthe et al., 2006), risk for STIs (Sandfort et al., 2008; Upchurch et al., 2004), and unwanted pregnancy (O’Donnell et al., 2001; Mosher &amp; McNalley, 1991). However, some studies suggest that early puberty is also associated with positive outcomes such as higher sexual desire (Fortenberry, 2013) and greater intimacy in early sexual relationships (Kaltiala-Heino et al., 2003). Possibly, this contradiction arises as researchers have not often distinguished between the effects of puberty – and pubertal timing – on partnered vs. solitary sexual experiences. Objectives The current study was designed to improve providers’ understanding of women’s early sexual experiences and later sexual wellness. Specifically, we sought to clarify associations between early puberty and partnered vs. solitary sexual debut and add to the scant literature addressing the effects of early puberty on positive outcomes such as sexual pleasure and functioning. Methods 92 women recruited from a large university in the Midwest (Mean age = 20.51, SD = 2.7) participated in an online survey about sexual wellness. We ran a series of Pearson correlations between women’s age at puberty, menses, first masturbation, first partnered sexual activity, and their adult levels of sexual shame, sexual pleasure, and sexual functioning. Results Early puberty was significantly correlated with higher reported sexual shame in adulthood, whereas early partnered sexual debut was significantly correlated with higher reported sexual pleasure in adulthood. Of note, early masturbation was significantly correlated with both higher sexual shame and higher sexual pleasure in adulthood. Correlations with overall sexual functioning were not significant. Conclusions Results suggest that the experiences of early puberty and early masturbation are each associated with increased sexual shame, and that these experiences may be particularly important targets for intervention to decrease sexual distress in adulthood. Moreover, although early partnered sexual debut has been largely stigmatized as a sexual health risk across sexual science literature, our findings suggest that earlier partnered sexual debut may enable women to experience greater sexual pleasure, perhaps as a result of earlier negotiation of their sexual desires and sexual communication (Sprecher et al., 2019). If replicated, these findings would suggest the need for targeted sexual education for patients experiencing early adolescence to prevent development of sexual shame in adulthood. Disclosure No.

Service provider interpretations of childhood sexual experiences among sexual minority men.

In this study, we report findings from a directed content analysis of service provider (SP) interpretations of early sexual experiences depicted in vignettes created from retrospective interviews with Black sexual minority men. Specifically, we explore whether SP recognize circumstances of abuse in the vignette narrators' sexual histories. Data for this analysis come from in-person qualitative interviews conducted with 35 providers working in substance abuse treatment and allied health service settings (e.g., mental health, HIV prevention and outreach) across the New York City area. The interviewees were asked to evaluate each of five vignettes depicting a range of early sexual experiences as described by the narrators [e.g., unwanted experiences with a male or female consistent with definitions of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), consensual sex with an older male or female]. Based on analysis of provider responses to the vignettes, we found that most recognized differences in age and authority as abuse indicators. Many of the providers struggled with assertions by vignette narrators that they had consented to the encounters-specifically those that could be considered abusive. Findings highlight areas to focus on in developing additional provider training, including the challenges of defining CSA, age and other factors that influence consent, and how cultural background and sexual minority status may shape men's appraisals of their experiences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Time to First Sexual Experience and Its Determinants among Female Youths in Ethiopia: Survival Analysis Based on EDHS 2016.

Background The first sexual experience is the most significant event in a woman's life. Early sexual experience has short- and long-term health and behavioral risks. Studying the estimated time for a female to have her first sexual debut is important to reduce its health, demographic, and socioeconomic consequences. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the time to first sexual experience and its determinants in Ethiopia. Methods A survival analysis of time to first sexual experience was conducted among 6143 weighted study subjects. The data were extracted from EDHS 2016 using STATA version 16 software. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was computed to estimate the time of first sexual experience. A log-rank test was used to compare the difference in survival curves. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify significant predictors. On multivariable analysis, variables having a p value of ≤ 0.05 are considered statically significant. Results The overall median survival time was 16 years. The significant determinants of time to first sexual experience are educational level (no education (AHR = 2.72, 95% CI: 2.16, 3.39), primary education (AHR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.79, 2.63), and secondary education (AHR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.77)) and wealth index (poor (AHR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.32)). Conclusion About 50% of female youths have a sexual experience for the first time before their 16th birthday. The timing of the first sexual experience in Ethiopia was mainly influenced by educational level and wealth index. Universal access to education and poverty reduction should be the area of concern.

Vulnerability and variability: Associations between various early forms of nonconsensual sexual experiences and later sexual experiences of young adults

Early nonconsensual sexual experiences (NSEs) in childhood or adolescence have been linked to elevated risk for adjustment problems and later victimization in some research, whereas others find little or no associations between NSEs and later sexual experiences. The current study examined how a range of early NSEs are linked to both consensual and nonconsensual sexual experiences among young adults, as well as consideration of the familial versus non-familial nature of the perpetrator—victim relationship, an often-overlooked factor. A sample of 520 young adults (68% female; 18–25 years) completed anonymous surveys that assessed sexual experiences before and after age 16. Our results demonstrated that 6.9% of participants reported at least one episode of NSEs under the age of 16 with family members, 3.5% with non-familial adults, but far more (39.2%) with same-age peers. Early NSEs with family members and non-family adults were linked to experiences of sexual assaults after age 16 for both male and female participants. Early NSEs with peers were linked to later sexual assaults for female participants only. Careful consideration must be given to identifying types of early sexual experiences in efforts to understand their differential links to young adults’ experiences. Implications for improving scientific communication and operationalizing NSEs more precisely to advance research in this area are discussed.

Sexual Victimization in Adulthood and Associated Factors Among Men and Women: Cross-Sectional Evidence from Mainland China

Limited empirical research addresses sexual victimization and related factors among the general adult population in China. To address this gap, we explored the association between sexual victimization in adulthood and associated factors (unwanted sexual experiences [USE] before age 18, binge drinking prior to sex, hooking up, violent pornography use, awareness and perceived behavioral control of consent, and sexual refusal assertiveness) among a convenience Chinese sample. A cross-sectional study was performed in September 2020 among 898 screened men and women from 29 provinces in mainland China. Overall, 52.5% of men and 57.9% of women experienced sexual victimization at least once in adulthood. Men and women differed in the severity of sexual victimization in adulthood, with the mean severity scores of women being significantly higher than those of men. Hierarchical ordinal logistic regression revealed that, after considering control variables, correlates of severity of sexual victimization in adulthood included gender (OR 3.17, 95% CI 2.30-4.40), severity of USE before age 18 (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.92-2.73), binge drinking prior to sex (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.83-3.49), hook-up history (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.49-3.39), violent pornography use (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.09), lack of perceived behavioral control of communicating consent (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07), and sexual refusal assertiveness (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.95). These findings indicate that early adverse sexual experiences, potential risky sexual behaviors, violent pornography use, and beliefs about consent and refusal may play an important role in predicting sexual victimization among Chinese adults.

The quick shift: Orthodox Jewish women’s early marital sexual experience

Orthodox Jewish women experience a major shift in permitted and expected sexual activity when they marry. For many of these women, their first experience of a sexual relationship with a male partner takes place within marriage. Moreover, members of the Orthodox Jewish community observe rituals, laws, and practices specifically related to sexual relations within marriage. This mixed methods study explored the early marital sexual experiences of self-identified married Orthodox Jewish women through an anonymous online survey and guided written narrative. Utilizing a feminist lens and building on research around sexual scripts, findings include themes of experiencing early marital sexual activity as a “quick shift” and experiencing a change in sense of self and sexual agency. Other themes include navigating changes in sense of modesty, disappointment, empowerment and entitlement; and reflections on the complexity of this transition. Findings have the potential to inform clinical practice, education, and program development to address Orthodox Jewish women’s needs, while contributing to the broader conversation regarding female sexuality, particularly within this cultural context.

Analisis Hukum Terhadap Anak Sebagai Korban Tindak Pidana Perdagangan Orang

Point of this study is as follows: (a) What are the legal rules for the protection of children as victims of trafficking in persons, (b) What are the factors causing the crime of trafficking in women and children in North Sumatra, (c) What are the policies carried out by the women's empowerment office? and children in North Sumatra in preventing and overcoming traffickers against children. The type of research in this writing is normative legal research. Normative or doctrinal legal research, namely legal research that uses secondary data source research. The results of the research and discussion in this study are: The Legal Rules for the Protection of Children as Victims of Trafficking in Persons are as follows: (a) Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection; (b) Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 21 of 2007 concerning Eradication of the Crime of Trafficking in Persons; (c) Law No. 35 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law No. 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection; (d) North Sumatra Province Regional Regulation Number 3 of 2014 concerning the Implementation of Child Protection. Factors Causing the Crime of Trafficking in Women and Children in North Sumatra: Several factors that cause child trafficking include the following: (a) Poverty; (b) Low Education Level; (c) Victims of Parental Divorce; (d) Early Sexual Experience; (e) Job Seekers. Policies in overcoming criminal acts of protecting people are carried out in three ways, namely: (a) Primary Prevention, (b) Secondary Prevention, (c) Tertiary Prevention.

Association of sexual behaviours and premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common reported sexual complaint in men. It is believed that PE is associated with sexual behavior such as early sexual experience, novelty of partners or frequencies of intercourse. Therefore, to examine the association of PE and sexual behaviors in men, a case-control study was conducted with a total of 418 clients Subjects were interviewed for general health status, sexual behaviors, IELT and requested to complete the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT). DSM-IV-TR criteria were applied for the diagnosis of PE. Those who diagnosed with PE(+) and PEDT score ≥ 11 belonged to the PE group; those diagnosed with PE(-) and PEDT &lt; 11 belonged to the non-PE group. The results indicated that no significant difference was noted regarding demographic features in the 2 groups. Normal men had a more frequent sexual life compared with PE patients (9.71 ± 6.09 and 6.62 ± 5.44 episodes of sexual intercourses per month, respectively with p &lt; 0.001. Subjects who were single or circumcised had higher prevalence of PE than married or uncircumcised men. Multivariable logistic analysis elucidated that circumcision, number of lifetime sexual partners and sexual frequencies were associated factors of PE. In conclusion, PE is a common sexual dysfunction in men. It was found to be significantly associated with circumcision and frequencies of sexual intercourse. Medical history taking of PE patients should include these sexual behavior factors.

Are Women Still Judged by Their Sexual Behaviour? Prevalence and Problems Linked to Sexual Double Standard Amongst University Students

Recent research has focused on determining whether men and women are judged differently for the same sexual behaviour (sexual double standard, SDS). Using quantitative and qualitative analysis, we examine the prevalence and changes in gender stereotypes between 2015 and 2019 amongst young university students. Our results, compared to those obtained previously in other countries, show that women's sexual behaviour is still viewed restrictively by men, although the differences between genders are equalizing (period 2018–2019), and the most extreme scores obtained from the applied scale (Sexual Double Standards Scale) in the first year have disappeared. In particular, we have found that men are more permissive, e.g., regarding their promiscuous behaviours or their early sexual experiences, than with the same behaviour in women. The latter do not show admiration for such behaviours, which they value equally in both sexes. Students highlight that the SDS topic is highly relevant today, still taboo, that it causes problems in their daily life, and that it hinders their interpersonal relations. These problems are more noticeable amongst women, who often face judgements concerning the ideal number of partners. Students remark that updated evaluation instruments are needed in order to include, e.g., different sexual trends (LGTBI) or open relationships. Our research shows that despite the still high levels of SDS amongst the young, these levels can be reduced creating frameworks for educational reflection from an early age to promote equality, sexual health and prevent new forms of violence.