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Religiosity, Spirituality, Sexual Attitudes, and Sexual Behaviors Among College Students

Journal of Religion and Health volume 51, pages 601–614 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether religiosity, spirituality, and sexual attitudes accounted for differences in sexual behaviors among college students. The sample included 960 college students enrolled at four northeastern colleges. Results indicated differences in sexual attitudes, religiosity, and spirituality by gender. Moreover, sexual attitudes, religiosity, and spirituality were associated with sexual behaviors among college students. Sexual behaviors among males were influenced by their sexual attitudes, religiosity, and spirituality, while for females, their sexual behaviors were mostly influenced by their sexual attitudes. College health professionals can use these findings when discussing sexual practices with students.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a Research Council Grant provided by Penn State Harrisburg. Authors wish to thank Amina Gilyard, Megan Fulmer, and Michele Robinson for their tremendous support as research assistants during this project.

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Affiliations

  1. Health Education Program, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, Penn State Harrisburg, W314 Olmsted Bldg, 777W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA, 17057, USA

    Raffy R. Luquis

  2. Psychology Program, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, Penn State Harrisburg, W311 Olmsted Bldg, 777W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA, 17057, USA

    Gina M. Brelsford

  3. Department of Health Promotion and Education, 506 Teachers College, School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, PO BOX 210068, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0068, USA

    Liliana Rojas-Guyler

Authors
  1. Raffy R. Luquis
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  2. Gina M. Brelsford
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  3. Liliana Rojas-Guyler
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Correspondence to Raffy R. Luquis.

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Luquis, R.R., Brelsford, G.M. & Rojas-Guyler, L. Religiosity, Spirituality, Sexual Attitudes, and Sexual Behaviors Among College Students. J Relig Health 51, 601–614 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9527-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9527-z

Keywords

  • College students
  • Religiosity
  • Spirituality
  • Sexual attitudes
  • Sexual behaviors