This study investigated
feelings, reasons, pressures, and previous sexual experiences reported by
students who have not had sexual intercourse and how these factors are
associated with self-rated likelihood of having sex during the next year.
Using
data from the Fifth National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual
Health (n = 783), this study found, in general,
students had positive feelings about not having sex. Reasons for not having sex
such as being proud to say no and not being ready were rated higher in
importance than fear of potential outcomes or religious/cultural beliefs.
Students reported limited pressure from parents and friends and, despite not
having sexual intercourse, more than half of the sample had experienced some
form of sexual activity. Stronger likelihoods of having sex during the next
year were reported by students who had previously engaged in other sexual
practices, reported more pressure from friends to have sex, and had negative
feelings about not having sex.
Sexuality educators can use these findings to
guide approaches to sex education, emphasizing feelings, intentions, and
reasoning over fear tactics. Discussion of a range of sexual practices will address
more closely the experiences of young students as they begin their sexual lives.
Purchase full article at: http://goo.gl/hBaltm
By: Wendy Heywooda*, Kent Patricka, Marian Pittsa & Anne Mitchella
- a Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University
More at: https://twitter.com/hiv_insight
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