A Qualitative Investigation of the Socio-Cultural Influences on Sexual Development

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of social context on sexual development and behavior. Adolescent sexuality research often relies on de-contextualized explanations of youth sexual behavior, particularly in relations to teen pregnancy and STDs. This qualitative study will take an ecological approach (Bronfenbrenner, 1992) by examining interactions between sexual development and social contexts. The intent of the proposed study is to move away from an individualized risk factor analysis and towards an approach that investigates the interaction between social context and youth sexual behavior. In-depth interviews will be conducted with 10 male and 10 female emerging adults (18-25). Interview questions will focus on sexual socialization including community level norms (e.g., community's approach to sexual health issues), religion, education, personal decision making, familial influences, peer influences, and media influences. Results of the study will suggest new and more effective directions for policy and sexual health promotion programs.

Scholars @ ECU