First sexual intercourse experiences of men and women: a feminist analysis

• Main Author: Green, Jill
• Other Authors: Hess, Gretchen (Educational Psychology)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: first intercourse; gender differences
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10048/565

First experiences of sexual intercourse were examined among university students. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their sexual behavior and reaction to first sex. In the first paper, sexual health indicators were reported, such as age at first intercourse, contraception and protection against sexually transmitted infections (STI), and rates of STI and pregnancy as a result of first sex. In the second paper, gender similarities and differences were explored on reported aspects of first sex within a social constructionist framework. The third paper is a poster, which was presented at the 9th European Society of Contraception Seminar in 2007, and highlights gender differences in emotional reaction to first sex. Results indicate a relatively positive view of sexual behavior and a possible convergence of social scripts for men and women. However, gender differences still occur for affective reactions to first intercourse. Overall, results reflect the dominant cultural and political climate within Canada. === Counselling Psychology