Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Longitudinally Predict College Students’ Communication of Affirmative Sexual Consent

Abstract

This study longitudinally explored antecedents to college students’ affirmative sexual consent behaviors. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), hypotheses predicted that time one (T1) attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) would predict students’ T1 intentions to communicate affirmative consent to their partner. Also, this study predicted that at time two, intentions to communicate consent from T1 would predict college students’ communication of affirmative consent to their partner during their most recent sexual encounter. Results support hypotheses for all affirmative consent behaviors, and demonstrate that subjective norms and PBC are strong determinants of students’ affirmative sexual consent.

Keywords:

• Longitudinal Design
• Sexual Communication
• Sexual Consent
• Theory of Planned Behavior

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lori Bednarchik

Lori Bednarchik, Ph.D., is a renowned national speaker on sexual consent, dating violence, and healthy relationships. She currently holds a teaching position at Arizona State University.

Mark Generous

Mark Generous, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor within the Department of Communication at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Paul Mongeau

Paul Mongeau, Ph.D., is a Professor within the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University.