Gender-specific Normative Misperceptions of Risky Sexual Behavior and Alcohol-related Risky Sexual Behavior

Abstract

This research examined gender-specific perceptions of risky sexual behavior norms among college students and their relationship with one's own sexual behavior. We expected that students would misperceive the risky sexual behavior of their peers and that these perceptions would positively relate to their sexual behavior. Undergraduate students from the United States (N=687; 57.6% female) completed measures assessing perceived sexual behavior, sexual behavior, and other behaviors (e.g., marijuana use, alcohol consumption). Findings demonstrated that students perceived that others engaged in more risky sexual behavior than they do and that perceived norms were positively associated with one's own behavior. The incorporation of personalized normative feedback regarding risky sexual behavior into brief interventions aimed at reducing risky sexual behavior is discussed.Keywords Normative misperceptions . Social norms . Risky sexual behavior . Alcohol-related risky sexual behaviorCollege students talk to one another and about one another regarding behaviors, including partying, romantic relationships, and sexual behavior. These discussions shape students' perceptions about what is normative behavior amongst their peers (Perkins 2002). Several influential theories have considered why individuals engage in risky health behaviors. A common theoretical component is perceived peer behavior and peer approval of behavior (Ajzen 1991;Bandura 1986;Fishbein and Ajzen 1975). Normative perceptions of sexual behavior may be an important influence in college students' decisions to engage in risky sexual activities, including sex with multiple and/or casual partners, sex without using condoms, and alcoholrelated risky sexual behavior. These issues are particularly important because of the negative consequences of risky sexual activity, which include unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs; American College Health Association [ACHA] 2005). The purpose of the present research was to examine gender-specific normative perceptions of risky sexual behavior and alcohol-related risky sexual behavior and their relationship with one's own risky sexual behavior and alcohol-related risky sexual behavior. Risky Sexual Behavior and Alcohol-related Risky Sexual Behavior among College StudentsMost college students have had sex by the end of their university years, during which some students commonly engage in risky sexual behavior, including sex with multiple sexual partners, sex with casual partners, and unprotected intercourse (Cooper 2002). Among sexually active college students, 13.4% of females and 17.8% of males have had sexual intercourse with three or more Sex Roles (2007) 57: [81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90]

Boys Just Want to Have Fun? Masculinity, Sexual Behaviors, and Romantic Intentions of Gay and Straight Males in College

“…When respondents reported alcoholic intake in association with their sexual activity, however, straight men reported drinking twice the amount that gay men did in association with nonrelationship sex. This supports prior scholarly claims of the alcohol-fueled nonrelationship sex for straight men (Bogle, 2007(Bogle, , 2008Flack et al, 2007;Grello et al, 2006;Lewis et al, 2007;Paul & Hayes, 2002;Paul et al, 2000) but calls into question whether such a norm can be assumed for the sexual scripts of gay men. If neither alcohol nor parties are as instrumental in facilitating sex for gay men, these conclusions continue to suggest that the normative college student sexual script and opportunity structures for gay and straight men differ in substantial ways.…”

“…These two consume alcohol to a point of intoxication, go to an agreed-upon location, and participate in a range of behaviors from kissing to intercourse, with men receiving more sexual gratification. This sexual encounter is normally considered "no strings attached" Bogle, 2007Bogle, , 2008Glenn & Marquardt, 2001;Grello, Welsh, & Harper, 2006;Lambert, Kahn, & Apple, 2003;Lewis, Lee, Patrick, & Fossos, 2007;Paul & Hayes, 2002;Paul, McManus, & Hayes, 2000). Whereas sexual behavior for gay males is largely depicted through risk paradigms, the academic framing of straight nonrelationship sex on college campuses generally follows two competing schools of thought: risk or romantic intimacy.…”

“…Viewed through the risk paradigm, straight college student sexual scripts are associated with dangerous sexual behavior that results in negative mental and/or physical health ramifications, and is often described as the consequence of substance use (Flack et al, 2007;Lewis et al, 2007;Paul & Hayes, 2002;Paul et al, 2000). Paul and colleagues (2000), for instance, define the act of college student nonrelationship sex as "a sexual encounter, usually lasting only one night, between two people who are strangers or brief acquaintances" (p. 76).…”

“…The risk paradigm likens nonrelationship sex to one-night stands and frames studies of college student sexual culture as important to risk prevention and health promotion (Paul & Hayes, 2002). Through this research, we know that alcohol influences sex between straight Downloaded by [Jennifer Lndquist] at 08:05 08 October 2012 college students (Flack et al, 2007;Grello et al, 2006;Lewis et al, 2007;Paul & Hayes, 2002;Paul et al, 2000), condom use varies (Paul & Hayes, 2002;Paul et al, 2000), partners are often anonymous, and a majority of college students have participated in nonrelationship sex (Paul et al, 2000). Scholars also find that college students overestimate the amount of sexual behaviors their peers partake in while on campus (Lambert et al, 2003;Lewis et al, 2007).…”

Commentary on Melson et al. (2011): Pluralistic ignorance is probably real but important questions remain about its relation to drinking and role in intervention

“…Many studies, mostly involving US college students, ostensibly show that young people tend to believe that more of their peers engage in heavy episodic drinking [1], illicit drug use [2] and risky sex [3] than actually do so. College students are also found to misperceive injunctive norms, thinking that their peers are more permissive of certain risk behaviours than they really are [4].…”