Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: : Researchers have studied sources of socialization and satisfaction levels regarding first sexual intercourse experiences. Carpenter (2002) developed three cognitive frameworks of virginity loss: gift, stigma, and process. However, researchers have yet to correlate these areas. Purpose: This quantitative study examined if socialization about sex and sexuality influenced undergraduate females ’ cognitive frameworks and subsequent decisions about and interpretations of first sexual intercourse. Methods: One hundred fifty eight female participants, recruited from a mid-sized Midwestern university, completed a 20-item online survey. Multiple linear regression and Chi Square Test of Independence were conducted to determine where females were socialized regarding sex and sexuality, if socialization helped create females ’ virginity cognitive frameworks, if females ’ cognitive framework and decision making scores impacted the age at which they engaged in first sexual intercourse, and if there was a difference in overall satisfaction of first sexual intercourse. Results: The data provided evidence that school was the primary source of socialization and participants with a gift cognitive framework were significantly older at the time of first sexual intercourse than those with a stigma or process framework. Regardless of cognitive framework, participants all reported very low emotional, mental, and physical satisfaction levels regarding their first sexual intercourse experience. Conclusions: The data supports the importance of female socialization about sexuality related topics, and suggests the need for improved parental communication about sexual topics.
Authors: Lisha Amin, Faculty Mentor Karen Traxler
Institution: University of Northern Colorado
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
SDG: Gender equality
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1751558625