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Predicting contraceptive behavior among college students: The role of communication, knowledge, sexual anxiety, and self-esteem

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Abstract

Undergraduate students were surveyed about their sexual behavior and contraceptive behavior. In addition, measures of their self-esteem, knowledge about contraception, communication with their dating partners, communication about sexual matters with their sexual partners, and sexual anxiety were taken. Consistent with Byrne's (1983) model of effective contraception, it was found that general and sexual communication with one's partner were significant predictors of contraception use. Directional, but statistically weak, support was obtained for the predictions that knowledge about contraception and sexual anxiety would be related to contraception use. No support was found for the prediction that general self-esteem would be associated with contraceptive behavior

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, 27109, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA

    Jerry M. Burger Ph.D. & Heidi M. Inderbitzen

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  1. Jerry M. Burger Ph.D.
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  2. Heidi M. Inderbitzen
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This article is taken from the second author's Honor's Thesis, conducted under the supervision of the first author.

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Burger, J.M., Inderbitzen, H.M. Predicting contraceptive behavior among college students: The role of communication, knowledge, sexual anxiety, and self-esteem. Arch Sex Behav 14, 343–350 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01550849

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