Predicting contraceptive behavior among college students: the role of communication, knowledge, sexual anxiety, and self-esteem

Abstract

Undergraduate students were surveyed about their sexual behavior and contraceptive behavior. In addition, measures of their self-esteem, knowledge about contraception, communication with their dating partners, communication about sexual matters with their sexual partners, and sexual anxiety were taken. Consistent with Byrne's (1983) model of effective contraception, it was found that general and sexual communication with one's partner were significant predictors of contraception use. Directional, but statistically weak, support was obtained for the predictions that knowledge about contraception and sexual anxiety would be related to contraception use. No support was found for the prediction that general self-esteem would be associated with contraceptive behavior.

PIP: This paper reports findings of a survey of the sexual and contraceptive behavior of US male and female undergraduate students; measures of self-esteem, knowledge about contraception, communication with dating partners, communication about sexual matters with their sexual partners, and sexual anxiety are also compiled. Byrne's 5 step model outlining the effective contraception behavior sequence includes: 1) acquisition of accurate contraceptive information, 2) acknowledgment of likely sexual intercourse, 3) obtaining contraceptive devices, 4) communication with one's partner about contraception, and 5) using the chosen method of contraception. Results of the survey measured sexual behavior by 4 measures: 1) age at 1st intercourse, 2) number of partners, 3) total number of conditions for intercourse, and 4) total number of sexual acts participated in. The 2 measures of contraception calculated were: 1) percentage of time subjects estimated that they used contraception when they engaged in sexual intercourse, and 2) percentage of times subjects used each contraceptive method, multiplied by the average effectiveness rating for that method. The general communication level with the partner is the best predictor of contraceptive behavior for male subjects. For females, sexual communication with one's partner is the best predictor of contraceptive behavior. Overall, sexual communication and sexual anxiety are related to many of the sexual behavior measures for both sexes. Results provide partial support for some of the Byrne model steps for understanding effective cotnraception behavior among college students. The 4th step, communicating with one's partner, received the greatest amount of support. Discussing contraception and low sexual anxiety are positively related to contraception use, but these correlations were weak. Self-esteem was found to be a poor predictor of contraceptive behavior. Sexual behavior, including contraceptive behavior is influenced by many divergent sources; this may help explain the problem of increasing numbers of unwanted pregnancies.