Sexuality Educational Course and Effects on College Students

Undergrads who attend a college university in the southeastern portion of the United States participated in a study that looks at material related to a sexuality course completed by college students.  The course touched on different subjects with most students feeling they were able to take away useful information.  Researchers wanted to focus more on the positive benefits of the course.  Because college sexuality courses offer vast amounts of information, many feel they may be able to help reduce common concerns related to sexual activity including pregnancy and sexual abuse.

Many understand how sex education can help inform students so they can make better choices when and if they decide to engage in sex.  There are different studies similar in nature but this one specifically focuses on attitudes in relation to tolerance of different unfamiliar sexual behaviors.  Basically, the study made a few points on past studies conducted on this subject matter, with some suggesting there have been changes among sexual attitudes over the years.  In short, different aspects are in need of an update assessment to show the shift and where it occurred.

For this study, 85 college students enrolled in separate sections of a Human Sexual Behavior class.  Most that enrolled were female with the average age being 22 years old.  Seniors, juniors, sophomores and post-bachelors took part in the course.  Their majoring backgrounds include Psychology, Communications, Criminal Justice and Spanish to name a few.  Most students were Caucasian and identified themselves as being bisexual, homosexual and heterosexual.  The course itself is taught each year and it examines different aspects of human sexuality such as gender roles, birth control, sexuality development, sex & media, pornography, erotica and other subjects of interest.   Each session lasts for 50 minutes 3 times a week for a semester.

In class the students were given measures to complete that included 23 items related to sexual behavior.  Acceptability of casual sex, purpose of enjoying sex and how it is close form of communication between 2 people were a few concepts examined.  Students were asked if they agreed or disagreed with certain statements.  The questionnaire used was the BSAS (brief sexual attitudes scale).  Personal attitudes about sec were asked through the TSAQ (true blood sexual attitudes questionnaire.  The TSAQ asked about bisexual and homosexual sexual behaviors, sex variations such as cross-dressing and commercial sex such as erotica.

Each questionnaire measured different sexual behaviors with students completing it at the beginning and again at the end of the course.  Since the questions were answered mostly by females, there wasn’t enough data to compare genders.  After comparing results from both questionnaires it appears students have a greater tolerance for sexual variations at the end of the course.  Some of the results were consistent with previous findings from earlier studies.  The students who received a grade for completing the course did so on completing required work and not for completing the 2 questionnaires.  Students also claimed they felt they received more knowledge and better understanding of different sexual concepts.

Acts of Violence Facing Westminster Sex Workers

A recent research study reviews health and wellbeing risks facing prostitutes (also known as sex workers) in the Westminster area.  The Sex Worker task force has found additional evidence that suggests more violence is being experienced among sex workers that has become a local and national concern.  Such evidence suggests sex workers are more likely to experience violent robbery attempts, sexual assault and rape. The task force also believes that such violence is being committed at higher rates, yet victims may be too afraid to report it after it happens.

The task force was developed in July 2012 with a purpose in conducting exercises to help understand the wellbeing and health of sex workers in different areas such as mental and sexual health, substance abuse, trafficking, violence, and exploitation risk.  One aspect of this study was to review how to reduce the violent crimes being committed against sex workers and how can it be done on a wider scale?  In this sense, researchers had to understand the nature of sex work being done, get an idea of how to prioritize health needs and wellbeing of sex workers, gain views on the subject matter from authorities such as the London Metropolitan Police and Westminster City Council to name a few, and research and develop recommendations.

Most sex workers engage in sexual activity for exchange for payment, either in money or drugs.  Different areas of Westminster were reviewed to understand the types of sex services were being practiced.  Some were street-based sex work with women being between 30 and 40 years old. Their backgrounds varied with some being homeless or gang-related, while being of British or Romanian decent.  Off street sex workers were also reviewed.  In this case, they may be an individual who performs sex services in the privacy of their home, a rented room, or as a “maid.” Off street sex workers may offer more services, but researchers learned that many have reduced their costs in recent years.  This may be in attempt to gain more clients who can’t afford to make higher payments.   Such workers may be putting themselves at a higher risk of danger by accepting more clients for less money.  Male and transgender workers were also part of the research, while sex workers of this nature are somewhat rare in Westminster.

Research showed 22 percent of transgender sex workers experience violence; 13 percent of non-transgender female sex workers may experience violence.  Many sex workers who choose not to report a violent act have lack of trust in the police, fear being identified by the public, uneasy about the court process, fear getting arrested and have mounting fears about daily survival (reporting the crime may not be a priority).

While there are help opportunities for sex workers, research shows sex workers need more encouragement in order to prevent violent acts against them.  Forming a partnership with multi-agencies, continued awareness of the issue, empowering sex workers through language courses for migrant workers, and learning more about police policies may help provide clarity and motivation for sex workers. Certain areas of Westminster have seen improvement in sexual violence reporting with conviction rates rising, but the task force feels more action should be explored.  Additional measures are being explored to prevent offenders from re-offending after serving time.

Responses Made by Female College Students Regarding Sexuality

A recent study reviews survey responses of female college students who completed Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire (MSQ) and Heterosexual Contact Scale (HCS) questionnaire.  The questions were completed by women who may or may not initiate sexual contact with men.  Women who didn’t initiate sexual contact scored lower on the MSQ in relation to factors such as sexual self-esteem and satisfaction.  Factors such as geographic variations, anxiety and depression may be reasons why some scored lower than others.

A reason behind why this study was conducted includes getting a better understanding of sexual aggression experienced by college students.  This includes reviewing hostility and how it is directed toward peers and those of the opposite sex.  Some researchers claim the issue may have been a problem for some as early as adolescence.

The MSQ measures different factors and how they relate to sexuality such as anxiety, assertiveness, fear, satisfaction and more (12 factors are measured in total).  Women often scored higher on fear while males who complete a similar questionnaire score higher on aspects such as self-esteem, motivation and assertiveness. The HSC reviewed sexual experiences or relationships from an individual’s past.   The study also helped to gain some understanding of how relationships were affected depending on a person’s location, age when they first had sex and how many partners they have had during their lifetime.

The idea was to learn if whether a woman’s past sexual experiences may or may not have an influence on how she initiates sexual contact with another person.  Women who used persuasive strategies were thought to have scored higher on certain areas of the questionnaire such as satisfaction and self-esteem.  Women who participated in the study were from rural and southern college universities, with over 500 taking part. The women were married, divorced, cohabiting or single.

The questionaries’ help researchers learn the tendencies of the women in how they become absorbed with sexual thoughts.  Other factors they were asked about include what kind of desire they had to be in a sexual relationship, tension toward sexuality, public impression of sexuality, whether or not human sexuality can be controlled from an outside source and fears in relation to engaging in sexual relations with another person.  Sexual strategies were also explored including persuasive, forceful, physical and non-physical types (massages, dancing, perfume, etc.).

The questionnaire was given to participants as a packet they took home to complete.  There were differences in different subject areas with those using force scoring higher on factors such as sexual esteem and sexual consciousness.  Those who claimed to use non-physical coercion scored higher on sexual preoccupation, anxiety and motivation.  In the end, researchers felt that women who didn’t initiate sexual contact scored lowered on motivation and sexual preoccupation factors.  It may be perceived that women who scored lower in this area may forgo personal satisfaction.  Yet, certain aspects of this study were shown to be inconsistent with a similar study conduct in the past.  Researchers have agreed that factors such as women’s motivation and sexual preoccupation should be studied on its own.

Sex Behaviors of College Students

Researchers conducted a study that reviews recreational sexual activities engaged by college students.  The study included reviewing sexual behaviors done for leisure verse pleasure.  Data collected may help provide intervention methods to help young adults, such as college students, reduce risky sexual activities.  Professionals such as sex educators, healthcare providers and even the general public may provide valuable information and awareness.

A public health concern includes people engaging in sexual activity before marriage.  Young people getting pregnant and dealing with sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) are issues with alarming statistics. It has been noted that young individuals are likely to begin experimenting with their sexuality during college.  More students are likely to have a desire or interest to engage in sex.

Undergraduate university students were asked several questions about their sexual behaviors.  The school is located in the United States in the southeastern region with over 17,000 enrollees.  The questions were part of a self-report questionnaire. Students were able to remain anonymous while submitting their information.  Males and females participated in the study with a variety of ethnic backgrounds included. Students under the age of 25, considered either homosexual or single were asked to participate.  A higher percentage of females submitted data.

The questionnaire was developed to learn attitudes and behaviors related to recreational sex.  Some of the information on the survey was similar content asked in previous surveys conducted. 18 elements in the survey attitudes toward sex as recreation and 11 elements were used to help measure sex as satisfaction.  Depending on statements asked on the survey students would agree or disagree.

Statements asked based on considering sex as recreation included learning whether a student makes time for sex-related activity and if they felt their peers knew more about sex in general compared to personal knowledge.  They were also asked if they liked to enjoy new sensations or experiences.  When asked about sex satisfaction subject matter such as how satisfying is their orgasms to how their partner makes them feel.  There was a separate scale for leisure satisfaction with 24 items used to measure. This included asking about leisure activities in general, if they help reduce stress and skills used in completing these activities (not sexually related). Other sexual behaviors such as protection measures, masturbation, intercourse, erotic material use and strip clubs were asked about.

Students who were enrolled in health education courses participated in cross-sectional research.  Close to 500 students provided information for the study.  Recreational sex may have a positive influence on sexual satisfaction, data showed.  Studies also showed males and females who participated in recreational sex experienced enhanced satisfaction.  The study was completed for multiple reasons: little scientific literature explores this subject, understanding the impact of sexual behaviors in regards to satisfaction and leisure and measuring impacts experienced among young people. In some cases, females preferred certain activities more than others with similar findings in males.

In short, sex continues to have a big influence on college campuses mostly for enjoyment. Further studies will likely continue on the subject to get more understanding of different concepts to help develop healthy alternatives to reduce sexually-related risks.

Attitudes Relative to Partnered and Other Sexual Behavior

Understanding of Sexual Needs

Research data collected from Southern California University participants’ reviews needs of sexual intimacy. The study is also known as NSIS (Needs for Sexual Intimacy Scale).  Different sexual issues were reviewed during the study including sexual desires, sexual attitudes and sexual awareness.  Males were viewed to have higher levels of sexual needs and desires compared to females, but the study takes a look at different concepts on a broader scale. This is due to sexual intimacy being seen as more than just meeting desires and motivations, according to researchers.

Over 400 male and female college students from Southern California University took part in the study. Most students who were part of the study claim they had sexual intercourse at least once. The students ranged from different ethnic backgrounds with many claiming to have had multiple sexual partners between the ages of 18 and 46.  Most of the students who participated were female.  Several admitted to being in a casual relationship while taking part in the study.

The study included rating over 20 sexual needs and they were rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1disagree definitely and 5 agree definitely.  The survey content featured phrases and descriptions that detailed sexual needs or general ideas.  Participants would rate each of these concepts accordingly.  Examples included “…to have more sex” and “…a partner I can manipulate.”  Certain areas related to dominance, sex. And affiliation saw higher scores.  The study also reviewed sexual orientation to get an idea if individuals would engage in sexual events without commitment.  Sexual awareness topics such as sexual monitoring, sexual assertiveness and sex appeal were also reviewed.

Details from different parts of the study were compared to earlier research findings to get an idea of shifts and changes.  Attitudes and relationships were also accessed such as “friends with benefits.” The study also reviewed intimacy-related measures including a game-playing love style that many claimed they enjoyed engaging in when sexual desires were present.  Males reported higher needs for sex than females, yet the findings revealed that men and women seemed to be aware of sexual needs quite often.  Those who claimed to not see a problem with having friendships with benefits seemed to have higher sexual desires or a greater sexual need.

Certain sexual behaviors seemed to have different connections. Some who felt the need for dominance may or may not have an unrestricted sexuality or openness to sex.  Romance didn’t always have a positive effect or association when it came to sexual needs. Content from the study may help researchers understand human sexuality, its relationship to intimacy and associated behaviors that result.  In the past, sexual needs and desires were found to be related to risky sexual behaviors such as failing to disclose an STD (sexual transmitted disease) to their partner prior to sexual activity.  Yet, results related to this study have researchers believing people may not practice safe sex as often or be tested for STDs regularly.  Those who may report having fewer sexual partners were less likely to use protection.

The diagram below shows participant answers where 65.4% were female from 18-46 year-old when another 34.6% were male 18-46 year-old.

Oral Sex Void Study

Researchers survey close to 6,000 people regarding personal views on oral sex.  People surveyed included married men and men who are in a relationship. When it comes to the subject of oral sex, some men believe other couples may do it more or less than others.  About 34 percent of men who took part in the study claim they would seek a secret partner if they were not getting oral sex.  Close to 8 percent of men claim they would pay someone for oral sex.  While men who participated in the study are married or in a relationship, men of the same status who wouldn’t considered seeking oral sex from someone outside of their relationship was also part of the study (referred to as the controlled group).

Some of the males who took part in the study are members of the controversial online dating site Ashleymadison.com.  The site helps married individuals find a date.  Women were also part of the study with those being between the ages of 35 and 49.  Men who took part in the study were between the ages of 40 and 59.  Data collected from the study shows men who are members of the adult dating site were 2 times more likely than those in a controlled group to seek a secret lover if their spouse claims they didn’t want to engage in oral sex.  Close to 40 percent of males who are members of Ashleymadison.com admit to having an affair.  Close to 22 percent of male members surveyed claim they would consider an affair.

Some of the females who took part in the study are members of Ashleymadison.com as well.  Yet, researchers felt women who were engaging in online dating activity with the site were more experienced when it came to having an affair.  Some of the men who use the site may not be as experienced in having an affair; they see the site as a tool to fuel the fantasy or explore the possibility.  Some women who use the site may even say it helps sustain their marriage or committed relationship.

The research study also reviewed possible connections of infidelity in the United States, including media reactions from political figures and celebrities who were caught cheating.  Supposedly, the study claims more than 80 percent of cultures from around the world support polygamy.  At the same time, there seems to be a growing interest in having an affair or more people considering one.

The survey titled “Sex and Relationship Happiness Survey,” was completed by participants between summer 2010 and spring 2001.  Over 4,600 people from Ashleymadison.com completed the survey in spring 2011 alone.  Just over 1,000 people part of the controlled group submitted a survey.  Half of those who responded to the survey claim they are monogamous.  Other areas of interest the research study reviewed included sexual activities regarded as a necessity for a successful relationship, attitudes toward oral sex, the happiness of their marriage or relationship and personal sexual activities.

Results

Attitudes Toward Sex Oral

Relationship Agreements

Contraceptives at US College Health Facilities

Researchers collected data from various college universities throughout the United States to learn about contraceptive availability among college campus health centers.  The study included reviewing available types of contraceptives, emergency contraceptives and service availability for sexually transmitted infections.  Different factors were considered including college population, types of sexually transmitted diseases, demographics and more.  The findings may help develop additional health solutions for college campuses across the United States in the future.

Over 350 college campuses and universities were included in the study.  Before data was collected researchers obtain special permission from colleges and universities to obtain information.  This included mailing and emailing questionaries’ to over 1000 colleges and universities.  358 of the questionaries’ were returned to researchers.  Information collected from colleges and universities that participated in the study included a wide range of topics regarding sexual health services provided through their student health center. Topics assessed included prescription and non-prescription contraceptives, sexual transmitted infection (STI) vaccines offered (such as Hepatitis B and HPV), testing availabilities for STI’s, and post-sexual assault services.

The types of colleges and universities that participated in the study include those that offer master, associates, professional, doctoral and baccalaureate degrees.  Several of the institutions were all female, historical black colleges and universities and medical schools. Demographics of the schools included different backgrounds including suburbs, rural and small town information.  Types of schools included private and public institutions.

Data collected from the schools show a variety of contraceptives are made available to college and university students including vaginal rings, emergency contraceptive pills, oral contraceptives, cervical caps, diaphragms and more. Some schools may only choose to provide certain forms of contraceptives based on faith beliefs.   School populations seemed to have an effect on types of sexual health services offered according to research data.

For instance, a school with a student body population less than 10,000 may not offer as many different types of HIV testing as a school with 25,000 or more students.  Researchers have learned a variety of factors and came up with pertinent key points.  Data collected shows colleges and universities across the United States are adapting well to change when it comes to providing sexual health services.  Many schools have adapted to innovative solutions where sexual health is concerned. There were some findings researchers felt was below or less than what is expected.  Some health centers provide a limited amount of STI services and a higher than expected amount of schools provide mostly oral contraceptives such as the pill.  Less than half of the schools provide a considerable amount of non-hormonal contraceptive solutions.

Data collected provided significant insight regarding a number of sexual services being provided.  This study was in line with findings made from similar studies conducted in the past. There are big differences noticed in which schools offer condoms and how many are distributed annually.  In recent years the Supreme Court has passed prevention provisions for colleges and universities; findings from studies such as this one will provide benchmarks in making sure contraceptive and STI services are made available to students.

According to this research, more than 70.8% of college students have had vaginal, oral and anal sex with at least one partner over the last 12 months. Among these active students 60.6% used birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. 16% of participants had used emergency contraceptive pills within the last 12 months.

Hormonal, and Non-Hormonal Contraception Prescriptions

Introduction

A research study reviews graffiti content that was created by men and women found on bathroom walls in nine area bars in a Midwestern city.  Yet, the study takes a look at psychological connections including sex and love that may be hidden within the context.  Graffiti art has been studied in the past. This study is one of the most recent conducted with data focusing on other aspects that differ from studies completed years ago.  The data from men and women were compared to note differences and similarities in the presence of graffiti art.

Method

Nine bars with stall walls were chosen to be reviewed for the study. The walls were of medium size. The bars are located in Midwestern city that is considered a college town.  Some of the patrons may have been homosexual, yet the bathroom stalls part of the study was not unisex or shared; they were typical separate stalls for women and men.  Single-toilet stalls with closable doors had graffiti art on interior walls.  Digital photos of the art were collected early during the day to analyze.  Upon analysis the photos were reviewed and details were separated or coded by category including entertainment, religion, sexual relations/romance, insults and commemorative art when a person’s name was used.

Some of the art was reviewed in sexual context; this may include different situations such as a person leaving their phone number or making sexual references such as masturbation, promiscuity and etc.  These were also coded as being heterosexual or homosexual depending on art content.  Graffiti that made sexual preferences, identified identity and considered homosexual content were likely created by males.  Researchers felt that males were more likely to compose graffiti images that included stand-alone figures.

On the other hand, females who created graffiti art were more likely to create romantic and interactive art context.  Certain results of female graffiti art were similar to study results of earlier research conducted years ago.  Data with female content seemed to be more relevant with evolutionary psychology. The graffiti art explored social sexual phenomena and how it has become more developed and sporadic in recent years.  Studies varied quite a bit from data collected when graffiti art was studied during the 1970s.

Results

Conducting studies on graffiti art was influenced by early studies of cave art that was researched.  The studies are basically detailed finding of how humans use words, symbols, and pictures on surfaces other than paper.  This is partly why graffiti art is found on different objects today including tress, picnic tables and rocks. Studies on graffiti art that were conducted in 1970s focused only on three aspects including prevention of graffiti art, sexual differences and sexuality.  86 percent of art created by males were of erotic nature compared to just 25 percent composed by women of the same nature.

The recent study had interesting results because female graffiti was present more than male graffiti.  50 female bathroom stalls were part of the study with only 17 male bathroom stalls being reviewed.  Females were noted for creating more art that was insulting.  In the end, researchers believe women create more graffiti art than men with over 700 being produced by females and over 400 being produced by males in this study.

Dominant Frame of all Graffiti

Graffiti By Gender

Sexual Orientation of Graffiti by Gender

A recent study conducted by British researchers suggests men who find themselves in stressful situations may be more likely to seek comfort in women who have a fuller body size.  The study included reviewing stressful experiences of men and how it may have an influence on how they view attractiveness in women, especially of those of size.  While this takes a scientific look at reasons why, many feel that men often find women to be more attractive when they have a variation of curves instead of being skinny.

Men who participated in the study were divided into groups and took part in certain tasks created to increase their stress levels.  The participants included over 80 males who are heterosexual undergraduates.  The men are all British white and were invited to take part in the study.  Their ages ranged from 18 to 42.  Some men took part in tasks while others did not in order to gain definitive comparisons.  After tasks the men were asked to rate women based on attractiveness with women varying in size.  Some were obese while others were emaciated.  Body mass indexes (BMI) were also measured.

The stressful situations seemed to be long term and short term.  Researchers felt the effect on men didn’t seem to change no matter how stressful their situation was.  One reason researchers claim men may prefer or likely choose a woman of size may depend on their environment, meaning where they live and their lifestyle.  For instance, men who were in an environment that seemed to have scarce resources such as food, they were more likely to shift and change to another woman.  Basically, if your lifestyle presents numerous elements of stress it is likely you’re stress levels will be higher.

When the men were broken into groups, one group of men had high levels of stress.  The other group of men was not stressed at all.  The situations they participated in included public speaking and interviewing.  The BMI preferences of the men were also compared.  So in turn, when the men’s environment changed their preference in women changed but more seemed to prefer heavier women or considered women who varied in body size.  Researchers feel the study may support other findings that are related economically and physiological linked to stress and lifestyle.

Data from the study may suggest that changes in one’s environment may alter common perceptions of what is considered the ideal body size.  The results of the study show that both groups of men seemed to be on the same page as far as choosing women of size.  Yet, men who were stressed felt heavier women were more attractive than those who were not.  It has been believed that heavier women may pose more as a motherly figure or offer more comfort during times of need.  Such thoughts may be perceived more by stressed men.  While the study may offer an interesting perception on the idea, some men claim their personal preference in women remains the same whether or not their experiencing stressful times.

Method

Research part of this study reviewed how American college students may be perceived.  Many who start college often engage in high amounts of social interaction including parties and events.  It is believed that students who delay or don’t have an interest in having a relationship may look to hookup or engage in casual sex.  This may be with or without sexual physical contact.  Hook ups may be more likely in college due to less adult supervision for students on campus.  Many feel this is a good time to explore casual sexual experiences. Such data in this area is limited but it may give an idea of sexuality emerging among these transitioning adults.

Hook ups often occur between two strangers or acquaintances with or without sexual intercourse.  They often don’t have an expectation of developing into a relationship with many couples only meeting one time (may also be known as a one night stand if intercourse occurred).  One statistic claims that about 78 percent of college students admitted to hooking up at least one time while in college.  Many of these sexual encounters happened during the first trimester of college. It has been recognized that differences between male and female sexual behaviors may vary more than we understand.

Research has noticed similar attitudes about hook up experiences in men and women.  Both sexes agree to several reasons why they engage in hook ups including being attracted to other person, wanting sexual pleasure and experience and the simple fact that it feels good (Meston and Buss 2007).  Research from this study present a brief idea that many college students feel sex is no big deal, but if they value casual sex they are more likely to engage in hook ups.  Males are more likely than females to endorse permissive sexual attitudes (Peterson & Hyde, 2010).  When it comes to permissive attitudes they may be more likely in students who are in their first year of college.

While some feel women are more likely to develop a negative reputation that may include being called names when they are not committed to one partner, the concept seems to diminish overtime (Crawford & Pupp, 2003).  In some cases it is acceptable to hook up but many are unclear as to why women would continue to hook up when they may be perceived in a negative light in continuing to do so.  It may be a way of trying to be accepted as a new student on campus, the same may be true for males.

Women seem to experience bad hook ups more often than men.  Yet, there were high rates of unwanted sex between both men and women.  Unwanted sex meant that a partner would engage in a sexual act but not having a true desire to do so.  They engaged in it because their partner made them feel attractive or desirable.  Some students felt the best sex was when no strings were attached.  Meaning they felt they had better experiences knowing they were not in a committed relationship.

Results

Average ages of those who participated ranged from 18 to 20.  About 76 percent were females (N=134). The majority of the students where Caucasian with over 60 percent claiming they were not dating at the time of the study.  65 percent claimed to have already engaged in some form of sexual contact before starting college.  Social acceptability was another aspect reviewed in this study which had an effect on sexual behaviors of both men and women.

The end result included nearly 35 percent admitted to hooking up during the study. There were reports of students who were dating to also hook up outside of their relationship.  Researchers feel that new students are likely to endorse hook up behavior along with sexually permissive attitudes which include multiple types of physical intimacy such as touch above and below the waist and oral sex.  Researchers concluded that while men and women engage in hook ups, women may be more likely to encounter additional challenges aside from challenges that come with starting college.