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Self-esteem and sexual behavior: Exploring gender differences

Sex Roles volume 25, pages 441–450 (1991)Cite this article

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that the relationship between sexual permissiveness and self-esteem fluctuates with the social climate. The present study found that high self-esteem males and females had a significantly greater number of sexual partners than low self-esteem subjects. The relationship is particularly strong for males. The greatest difference in self-esteem levels was found between male virgins and nonvirgins. Self-esteem levels did not differ between female virgins and nonvirgins. Sensation seeking, marital status, and age were also found to be significantly related to number of coital partners.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Boise State University, USA

    Anthony Walsh

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  1. Anthony Walsh
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Walsh, A. Self-esteem and sexual behavior: Exploring gender differences. Sex Roles 25, 441–450 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292533

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292533

Keywords

  • Gender Difference
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Marital Status
  • Social Psychology
  • Sexual Partner