Type of Document	Dissertation
Author	Byno, Lucille Huffard
URN	etd-03212006-161342
Title	Sexual Behavior, Sexual Knowledge, Self-Esteem, and Sexual Attitudes Among Emerging Adult Females
Degree	Doctor of Philosophy
Department	Family and Child Sciences, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Ronald L Mullis Committee Chair Ann Mullis Committee Member Gary Peterson Committee Member Mary Hicks Committee Member Nicholas Mazza Committee Member
Keywords	sexual knowledge sexual attitudes sexual behavior emerging adults
Date of Defense	2005-11-04
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract ABSTRACT Emerging adults, between ages 18 and 25, experience changes in interpersonal relationships, sexuality, world view, and for some, changes in living arrangements that include college (Arnett, 2001; Lefkowitz, 2005). For many college students, this period of intense exploration and change may include increased susceptibility to engage in high-risk behaviors, including sexual behaviors. (Arnett, 1992; Bradley & Wildman, 2002). Social cognitive theory was used in this study to examine relationships among personal aspects of female emerging adults and their sexual behavior such as sexual attitudes, self-esteem, race, age, and high-risk behaviors in addition to environmental influences such as perceived parental sexual attitudes. Social cognitive theory was a useful framework because it not only considers internal factors involved in individual decision making; it also considers interactions between an individual and their environment. The most prominent predictor of female college students engaging in sexual behavior was engaging in other high-risk behaviors. Risk behaviors also related to sexually permissive attitudes and attitudes relating to safe sexual practice. The sexual knowledge among emerging adult females was not a good predictor of their sexual behavior, nor was self-esteem. Parental attitude related to sexual behavior for sexual permissiveness and sexual practice. Therapists and educators would benefit from a depth of understanding the interpersonal reasoning for sexual decision making. Better assessment tools could be developed, specific treatments could be employed, and educational materials modeled on a more clear understanding of what works and what does not work in understanding sexuality related issues.
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