| Description |
This study examined how people define having sex as a function of the specific behaviors (e.g., penetrative vs. nonpenetrative acts; whether or not orgasm occurs) and the context in which the behaviors occur (i.e., engaged in by self vs. other). Utilizing a more complex and sensitive research design than in previous studies in this area, 267 men and 367 women rated their degree of confidence that each of 21 physically intimate behaviors (e.g., penile-vaginal intercourse) counted as sex. Separate ratings were made for each behavior when engaged in by (1) the respondent and (2) his/her partner with someone else.Results showed that, for both sexes, some behaviors (e.g., penile vaginal intercourse) were far more confidently rated as having sex than were others (e.g., oralgenital stimulation). Further, both men and women were significantly more certain that a behavior counted as "having sex" when engaged in by their partner (with someone else) than when they engaged in the behavior. Finally, the order in which the two scenarios (i.e., self vs. partner) was presented significantly affected participants' ratings (e.g., partner's behaviors were more confidently rated as "having sex" when these rating were made before rather than after rating one's own behaviors). These findings are discussed in the context of participants' qualitative explanations for their ratings. The methodological and sexual health implications of the results are explored. |
