“Normative Gaps„ in Sexual Behaviors among A National Sample of College Students

Abstract

Social norms theory has been used to stimulate dialogue and promote change with alcohol but not sexual behavior. The primary purpose of this study was to characterize "normative gaps" between perceived and actual sexual behaviors to facilitate the design of sexual norms interventions for college students. Participants (n=20,869) were 18–24 year old, sexually active, U.S. college students who completed the National College Health Assessment during the spring 2002 or 2003 semester. Substantial normative gaps existed for Number of Partners, Sexual Activity, and Condom Usage. Normative gaps persisted after adjusting for actual behavior among Black, Hispanic, and Asian students; students living with parents; freshmen females; and both bisexual and gay students. These findings are not without limitations but suggest that these normative gaps may serve to apply pressure with risky sexual behaviors in the above groups. Health promotion professionals are cautioned to consider individual campus characteristics before designing and implementing a sexual norms intervention.