Abstract
The focus of this exploratory study was to investigate the experience of male virginity loss involving a sexually experienced (non-virgin) female with an inexperienced (virgin) male. Specifically, this qualitative research focused on the analysis of 237 stories collected from college students. While the stereotypical image is of the experienced male with his inexperienced (virgin) female partner, this study looked at the reverse. Stories described both partners’ experience and were coded for common themes. The three most prevalent themes to emerge from the analysis centered around: disclosing his virginity, emotions surrounding the experience, and issues related to gender role expectations. This exploratory study of male virginity loss provides new insight into young people’s assumptions, feelings, and gender role expectations. The results provide a greater understanding of the issues young people face while navigating their early sexual experiences. The themes offer guidance for sexuality education programs, as well as directions for future research.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Brown, J. D., L’Engle, K. L., Pardun, C. J., Guang, G., Kenneavy, K., & Jackson, C. (2006). Sexy media matter: Exposure to sexual content in music, movies, television and magazines predicts Black and White adolescents’ sexual behavior. Pediatrics, 117, 1018–1027.
Carpenter, L. M. (2001). The ambiguity of “having sex”: The subjective experience of virginity loss in the United States. Journal of Sex Research, 38, 127–139.
Carpenter, L. M. (2005). Virginity lost: An intimate portrait of first sexual experiences. New York: New York University Press.
Carpenter, L. M. (2009). Virginity loss in reel-real life: Using popular movies to navigate sexual initiation. Sociological Forum, 24, 804–827.
CDC. (2009). Youth risk behavior surveillance—United States. Surveillance Summaries, MMWR, 59 (No. SS-5), June 4, 2009, from www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ssss5905.pdf.
Chandra, A., Martino, S. C., Collins, R. L., Elliott, M. N., Berry, S. H., Kanouse, D. E., et al. (2008). Does watching sex on television predict teen pregnancy? Findings from a national longitudinal survey of youth. Pediatrics, 122, 1047–1054.
Collins, R. L., Elliott, M. N., Berry, S. H., Kanouse, D. E., Kunkel, D., & Hunter, S. B. (2004). Watching sex on television predicts adolescent initiation of sexual behavior. Pediatrics, 114, e280–e289.
Higgins, J., Trussell, J., Moore, N., & Davidson, J. (2010). Virginity lost, satisfaction gained? Physiological and psychological sexual satisfaction at heterosexual debut. Journal of Sex Research, 47, 384–394.
Holland, J., Ramazanoglu, C., Sharpe, S., & Thomson, R. (2000). Deconstructing virginity: Young people’s accounts of first sex. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 15, 221–232.
Kelly, M. (2010). Virginity loss narratives in “teen drama” television programs. Journal of Sex Research, 47, 479–489.
Martino, S. C., Collins, R. L., Elliott, M., Kanouse, D. E., & Berry, S. H. (2009). It’s better on TV: Does television set teenagers up for regret following sexual initiation? Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 41, 92–100.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook (2nd ed.). Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications.
Sprecher, S., & Regan, P. (1996). College virgins: How men and women perceive their sexual status. Journal of Sex Research, 33, 3–15.
Wells, B. E., & Twenge, J. M. (2005). Changes in young people’s sexual behavior and attitudes, 1943–1999: A cross-temporal meta-analysis. Review of General Psychology, 9, 249–261.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Caron, S.L., Hinman, S.P. “I Took His V-Card”: An Exploratory Analysis of College Student Stories Involving Male Virginity Loss. Sexuality & Culture 17, 525–539 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-012-9158-x
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-012-9158-x