Turkish University Students’ Beliefs in Sexual Myths

Abstract

Sexual myths are exaggerated and unscientific ideas on sexual topics that people mistakenly believe to be true. Sex education is the most cost effective intervention to prevent sexual problems and to promote high standards concerning the quality of sexual life. In this study, the sexual beliefs of Turkish university students were evaluated. A 33-question survey form was administered to 290 females and 308 males (total of 598) senior university students. A greater proportion of females than males had received formal education about sexuality. Approximately one-third of the males believed that providing sex education encouraged sexual behavior. More than half of the students believed that marrying a virgin increased sexual satisfaction and that circumcision was important for cleanliness of the penis. The percentages of students who accepted or rejected these myths were similar regardless of whether they were studying social sciences, physical science, and health sciences. Studying the sexual beliefs of adolescents and young people will be beneficial in planning sex education programs as well as determining their content within academic and medical environments.

Sex Education – Why Bother? The Contribution of a Sex Education Course in a Multicultural College for StudentTeachers

“…Abu-Baker et al [32] also pointed out more conservative attitudes among Arab teachers in Israel, in comparison to Jewish teachers. These findings are compatible with the arguments of Kukulu et al [6], that attitudes toward sexuality are determined primarily by cultural traditions and societal norms.…”

The Determination of Health School Students' Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors on the Matter of Sexual Health in Eastern Turkey

“…They also differ for developed and developing countries. The studies show the age of sexual activity changes from 16 to 19 and the ratio of sexual experience is between 10 and 94% (12,13,15,(22)(23)(24). Studies show that the percentage of university students having premarital sexual intercourse is about 30%, and the average age of the first sexual experience is 17 (8,19,20,25).…”

“…This leads young people to get information on sexuality from hidden, insufficient and deceptive resources. Additionally, it is known that parents who are expected to give the first sexual education do not have sufficient knowledge themselves (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13). Sexual education is a life-long process of developing knowledge, attitude, belief and values.…”

Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs of Romanian Women (Mothers and Daughters): An Intergenerational Approach

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