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Sexual activities and preferences in a United Kingdom sample of 16 to 20-year-olds

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Abstract

Data are reported on the sexual behavior of a random sample of 2171 youth, 16–20 years old, in two locations in the U.K. Lower bound prevalence estimates for a range of specific sex acts are presented with discussion of the likely biases in the data. Given concerns about the spread of HIV through the heterosexual population, emphasis is given to the nontrivial estimates of a number of potential transmission risk behaviors, in particular, heterosexual anal penetration. Data are also presented suggesting that experience with particular sexual acts is associated with maintenance of a desire to do these acts in the future. The implications of these findings for health education policy are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, GU2 5XH, Guildford, Surrey, England

    Glynis M. Breakwell Ph.D. & Chris Fife-Schaw Ph.D.

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  1. Glynis M. Breakwell Ph.D.
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  2. Chris Fife-Schaw Ph.D.
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We thank the Economic and Social Research Council of Great Britain for funding this research.

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Breakwell, G.M., Fife-Schaw, C. Sexual activities and preferences in a United Kingdom sample of 16 to 20-year-olds. Arch Sex Behav 21, 271–293 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01542997

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