Citation

Lindgren KP, Schacht RL, Pantalone DW, Blayney JA. J. Coll. Stud. Dev. 2009; 50(5): 491-503.

Affiliation

Psychology at the University of Richmond.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, American College Personnel Association)

DOI

10.1353/csd.0.0095

PMID

20502624

PMCID

PMC2874912

Abstract

A qualitative study was conducted to understand college students' experiences and perceptions of sexual communication and sexual goals, and how they were affected by the transition from high school to college. Participants were heterosexual college students (N = 29). Single-sex focus groups were conducted and analyzed for themes. Major themes included gender differences in communication of sexual interest, with men reportedly perceiving more sexualized intentions than women intended to communicate. Gender similarities were observed related to preferring indirect and nonverbal communication and to having more freedom to pursue sexual goals in college. Men focused more intently on casual sex goals, whereas women reported more relationship goals and concerns about reputation.

Language: en