Predicting Sexual Behaviors Among African American College Students: The Role of Gender, Family Context and Sexual Attitudes

• Other Authors: Thorpe, Shemeka Y. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Public health
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_2016SP_Thorpe_fsu_0071N_13097

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between family structure, SES, and condom use and hookup rates among a sample of N=1,346 African American college students. In addition, the moderating role of sexual attitudes in the association between the relationship of family structure and sexual behaviors and also between SES and sexual behaviors was examined. Gender differences in sexual behaviors and attitudes were also explored. There were significant gender differences in the number of hookup partners, sex attitudes and condom usage. SES was a strong predictor of the number of hookup partners men and women had as well as condom usage. With women from higher SES reporting hooking up with more partners that they knew prior as well as lower condom use. Family structure was not a significant predictor of sexual behaviors. Women were 1.2 times more likely to use condoms than men. Men also reported over three times as many hookup partners compared to women. Women reported more conservative sexual attitudes than men. Overall, sexual attitudes buffered the association between family structures and hookup partners and SES and hookup partners. This study found that African American college students are partaking in normative sexual behaviors and that several factors work together to influence their sexual behaviors and attitudes. Future implications are discussed. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Family and Child Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Spring Semester 2016. === March 23, 2016. === african american, college students, condom use, hookups, sexual attitudes === Includes bibliographical references. === Melinda Gonzales-Backen, Professor Directing Thesis; Marsha Rehm, Committee Member; Karin Brewster, Committee Member.