A Study on Sexual Behavior and Attitudes among College Students in Seoul

일부대학생의 성의식 및 성행동에 관한 연구

This study examines knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward sexual activity among 412 college students in Seoul. An 127-item questionnaire is used in order to understand and consider alcircumstances involved in decisions about sexual activity, and to reflect to the course on healthy sexuality. The major findings are as follows: 1. ‘Books/media’ and ‘friends’ are the primary source of sexual knowledge. 2. Despite the increased number of sxeducation programs, peers apparently remain the major source of information and the counsellor of the sexual problems(71.6%). 3. About ninety percent of males and 14.2 percent of females masurbate. Although mastubation is anormal response to pleasurable bodily feelings, students feel ‘unnatural’, ‘bad’ or ‘guilty’. 4. For some students, sexual intercourse is perceived as the natural outgrowth of love. More than thirty oercent of males and 8. 1 percent of females are engaged in inter -course. 5. Asking parents or teachers to be specific in talking about sex makes it uncomfortable to discuss sex. 6. Sex education should begin in the family and in school in early childhood and continue throughout life. 7. Sexual feelings and emotions are stirred up differently between male and female by sexual sensations. 8. Half of the intimate relationship with opposite sex shows a love relationship with sexual closeness and pleasure. Unguided reading or peers remain the primary source of information about topics like masurbation and sexual technique. Thus, schools should be responsible for the more value-laden subjects (such as birth control, homosexuality, and sexual techniques). And inclusionof a peer education componebt that modified college students' perceived peer norms may be the intervention method of choice. The prevention of health problems is far more desirable than treatment. The earlier the knowledge and skill to make healthful decisions are instilled, the greater the chance a healthful lifestyle will be adopted. School is the logical place in our society to provide the college students learning opportunities essential to developing the knowledge and skills to choose a healthful life course.