Premarital Sexuality: Attitudes, Relationships, Behavior.

Abstract

The premarital sexual behavior of young adults was the subject of the research presented. Single men and women aged 18 to 23 both students and nonstudents were studied. Past research is reviewed. It is found to be limited in scope because the 2 major types of social influences are dealt with separately. The 2 types are the impact of society as a whole and of its major institutions and the influence of people with whom the individual interacts. A more comprehensive model is presented here. Research methods are generally described. In appendices measures of basic variables employed are described and the results of a series of experiments are presented. Basic findings of the research are discussed. 4 chapters consider in detail the data involving the following groups of variables and their interrelationships with the measures of sexuality: 1) lifetime sexual behavior 2) sociopsychological characteristics (self-esteem self-image body image internal-external control role definitions) and sexual ideology 3) family social characteristics (i.e. religious affiliation and attendance) and peers 4) influences of the persons current relationship. A regression analysis which includes all of the relevant variables in the model summarizes the findings of the study and tests the relative importance of the relationships identified. Interrelationships between sexuality and contraceptive use are considered. An overview of the research is provided along with some conclusions.