Publication Date

4-2004

Abstract

This study, conducted at a liberal arts college in the Midwest, utilizes qualitative data gathered through focus group discussions to examine the factors associated with sexual abstinence among female undergraduate students. Most studies on protection against sexually transmitted infections (STls) among youth have focused on condom usage and monogamy, and have been conducted mostly among high school students, with very few among undergraduate students. Since sexual abstinence is the best protection against pregnancy and STls, this study examines the factors that influence female undergraduate students to remain sexually abstinent or become secondary virgins. It also examines the challenges these sexually abstinent students encounter before and during college, as well as the type of assistance they require to uphold their decision.

Disciplines

Sociology

Included in

Sociology Commons

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