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Are Traditional Gender Role Attitudes Associated With Risky Sexual Behavior and Condom-related Beliefs?

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Abstract

Traditional gender role attitudes, which emphasize an unequal distribution of power in the family and stereotypical norms about masculinity, may be associated with unsafe sexual behavior and beliefs in young men and women. This study was designed to examine associations between gender role attitudes including gender-based family role attitudes and masculinity ideology, sexual behaviors, and condom-related beliefs in a sample of sexually active college students (N = 154). Family role attitudes were related to risky condom-related beliefs but not to risky sexual behavior. Masculinity ideology was related to both sexual behaviors and condom-related beliefs but, in some cases, in a direction opposite to that predicted. These unexpected findings and the utility of examining masculinity ideology among women are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania

    Cindy L. Shearer, Meghan M. Gillen & Eva S. Lefkowitz

  2. Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

    Shelley J. Hosterman

  3. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State University, S-113 Henderson Building, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802

    Cindy L. Shearer

Authors
  1. Cindy L. Shearer
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  2. Shelley J. Hosterman
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  3. Meghan M. Gillen
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  4. Eva S. Lefkowitz
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Correspondence to Cindy L. Shearer.

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Shearer, C.L., Hosterman, S.J., Gillen, M.M. et al. Are Traditional Gender Role Attitudes Associated With Risky Sexual Behavior and Condom-related Beliefs?. Sex Roles 52, 311–324 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-005-2675-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-005-2675-4

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