Beyond Risk: Examining College Students’ Sexual Decision Making

Abstract

Sexual health education often focuses on prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, but the decision to engage in sexual activity is equally important. This cross-sectional study examined the decisions of college students (n = 422) to engage in oral sex, vaginal sex, and other sexual behaviors. Regression analyses revealed physical gratification as the most consistent predictor of a decision to engage in sexual activity, whereas concern for risk was a predictor for only one decision. Differences were identified for males and females. As sexual health programs are often co-educational and do not address pleasure, these findings are critical considerations for educators.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual decision making
• sexual health
• college students
• social cognitive theory
• physical gratification