Having sex with partners met online among bachelors in China: application of the theory of planned behavior

Abstract

Due to a sex ratio imbalance and marriage squeeze in China, many males of marriageable ages cannot find wives. To meet their sexual needs, those bachelors tend to use the internet to find sexual partners in recent years. However, studies on the psychosocial mechanisms underlying having sex with partners met online are scarce. This study examined the relationship between attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and having sex with online partners based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of bachelors (with rural household registration, at least 28 years old and never married) (N = 735) in several regions of China. Logistic regression models show that attitudes and subjective norms were significantly associated with having sex with online partners. The mediation analysis further indicated that the intention of seeking sex partners online partially mediated the relationships across attitudes, subjective norms, and having sex with partners online. This study provides a better understanding of factors associated with having sex with partners met online. It also extends research concerning a population that is understudied. Additionally, it shows the applicability of the TBP model in explaining the factors associated with having sex with partners.

LAY SUMMARY

This study explores the psychosocial mechanism of having sex with partners met online among Chinese bachelors, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior. We found that bachelors who hold more positive attitudes and subjective norms are more likely to have sex with partners met online. The findings extend knowledge from the studies of MSM and adolescents in western societies to bachelors in China.

Keywords:

• Bachelors
• Theory of Planned Behavior
• sexual behaviors
• sex with online partners
• internet

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank all participants of the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Notes on contributors

Ying Wang

Dr. Ying Wang is an assistant professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University. She received her doctorate in Administration Management from Xi’an Jiaotong University. Her current research interests include the sexual behaviors, and aging and health.

Huijun Liu

Dr. Huijun Liu is a professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University. Her research interests focused upon healthy aging, and gender imbalance and public health.

Yaolin Pei

Dr. Yaolin Pei is a postdoctoral at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her research interests focus on aging and mental health, advance care planning.

Bei Wu

Dr. Bei Wu is a dean’s professor in global health and director of global health and aging research at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Her research areas cover a wide range of topics related to aging and global health, including oral health, long-term care, dementia, and caregiving.