Reports of female initiation of sexual contact: male and female differences

Abstract

Women's reports of initiating sexual contact and men's reports of experiencing female initiation were compared. 128 male and 212 female college students were recruited from sexuality classes at three institutions. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant difference between women's reports of initiating sexual contact and men's reports of experiencing female initiation. A chi-square test of significance at the p < 0.05 level with an alpha rate adjustment (p < 0.002) using the Bonferroni technique was implemented. Of 26 questionnaire items, 15 registered significant differences between male and female reports (p < 0.002). Overall, males reported experiencing female initiation more frequently than females reported initiating. Traditional gender roles may influence male and female perceptions of female initiation of sexual contact in a way that contributes to significant differences in reporting.