Self-Efficacy and Sexual Autonomy among University Students

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify correlation between sexual autonomy and self-efficacy and provide preliminary information for use in development of a sex education program for university students. Method: This study employed a descriptive research design. Data were collected from 357 university students. Subjects completed questionnaires on the following: demographics, sexual autonomy, and self-efficacy. Results: A total of 112 subjects (31.3.%) had experienced sexual intercourse and 126 subjects (35.3%) regarded it as an acceptable level of sexual behavior. The mean of sexual autonomy was 3.49 and significant differences were observed in gender, grade, department, and acceptable level of sexual behavior. The mean of self-efficacy was 4.08 and significant differences were observed in gender, department, and acceptable level of sexual behavior. In addition, significant correlation was observed between sexual autonomy and self-efficacy. Conclusion: Development of a sex education program for university students, which includes information on reinforcement of sexual autonomy and self-efficacy, is needed.

Gender Difference in Mediating Effects of Self-Efficacy for the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) among College Students' STD Knowledge, Susceptibility, and Sexual Autonomy

“…As a result, male and female college students' perceptions and attitudes regarding sexuality differ [14,15]. However, most studies of college students' sexuality conducted to date have not considered gender separately [1,5,14]. Although self-efficacy as a cognitive mediation role connected to various variables and behaviors is emphasized for sexual health and prevention of sexual diseases [12], few studies have investigated the effects of self-efficacy on sexuality related variables.…”

“…Given that sexual autonomy is a power to assert oneself [10], people with high sexual autonomy can maintain safe sexual health [5]. Sexual autonomy can be affected by knowledge of and susceptibility to STD and self-efficacy for STD prevention [1,5,11]. Self-efficacy for STD prevention, which includes self-confidence when using condoms and other measures to prevent STD, is considered as an important concept as it enables sexual autonomy as well as responsibility for dating, and allows desirable child birth and parenting [12].…”

“…As a result, multilateral academic and social efforts to help college students make responsible decisions are required [5].…”

“…College students who entered adolescence without appropriate sex education during junior high school and high school often do not have thoughts focused on human relationships during dating, and may experience sexual confusion [5,6]. As a result, college students often experience problems associated with sex [7,8].…”

“…To accomplish this, they should be educated appropriately. Given that sexual autonomy is a power to assert oneself [10], people with high sexual autonomy can maintain safe sexual health [5]. Sexual autonomy can be affected by knowledge of and susceptibility to STD and self-efficacy for STD prevention [1,5,11].…”