How do contextual factors and gender differences influence college students' safer sex practices?

Young adults in the 1990s are faced with potentially severe consequences for engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases have influenced sexual decision-making for many years, but today the newer risk of contracting the HIV/AIDS virus adds a life- threatening consequence. This research project tested a comprehensive model of sexuality using a sample of late adolescents. We surveyed 291 students enrolled in an undergraduate college course. Participants were administered a package of self-report instruments to collect demographic information and measure the following: self-esteem; locus of control; ego identity; sexual attitudes; sexual behavior; peer influence; and family relationships and functioning. Results support the strategy to examine models of influence separately for undergraduate men and women because there were differences within and between categories. We discuss implications from these findings for sexuality education programs.