A Retrospective Study of First Sexual Intercourse Experiences among Undergraduates

Abstract

Survey data concerning the first sexual intercourse (FSI) experiences of 272 undergraduate students revealed that 6% had experienced FSI against their personal wills (victims); 1% had experienced FSI against the will of the other person (offenders); 81% had experienced FSI at the will of both participants (consenting); and 11% were virgins (does not add up to 100% because of rounding). Examination of the students' perceptions of the various factors contributing to nonconsensual sexual intercourse (NSI) showed that fewer than 50% of the students agreed that situational and psychological factors contribute to NSI. Results also indicated that being a woman and perceptions about the factors that reduce victims' resistance were significant predictors of who would be the victim of FSI. Religious background, the reasons for having a date, and perceptions regarding the factors that enhance motivation to have NSI were significant predictors of FSI offenders. Personal risk behaviors were the strongest predictors of students who experienced FSI at the will of both participants, and risk factors were inversely related to being a virgin.

Key Words:

• date rape
• incest
• nonconsensual sexual intercourse
• offenders
• rape
• sexual intercourse
• victims