The distribution of selected sexual attitudes and behaviors among the adult population of the United States∗

The data reported here were collected incidentally as part of research on another topic conducted under contract between the U.S. Commission on Obscenity and Pornography and Response Analysis Corporation, Princeton, N.J., and the Institute for Survey Research, Temple University.

Abstract

The paper presents a fairly precise description of the distribution of selected sexual attitudes and behaviors in the U.S. based on the responses of 92% of a national probability sample of 2,486 adults in the contiguous 48 states. Data regarding the validity of these responses are presented; and selected descriptive findings from this study are compared with Kinsey's data from the 1940's. The results confirm for the total adult population observations made on selected non‐representative groups: differences in sexual attitudes and behaviors are associated with difference in gender, age, and education. In general, our society today is far from being dominated by a fun morality regarding sex; fantasies are more openly acknowledged today, but behavior is still very much constrained by social values and psychological inhibitions. The differential incidence of attitudes and behavior suggest real but gradual changes in the sexual realm in the future, and a general societal approval of these changes as healthy and good.

Notes

The data reported here were collected incidentally as part of research on another topic conducted under contract between the U.S. Commission on Obscenity and Pornography and Response Analysis Corporation, Princeton, N.J., and the Institute for Survey Research, Temple University.