Identifying the Top Sexual Myths of Selected Midwestern College Students

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify the most common sexual myths held by college students enrolled within human sexuality classes at a Midwestern university (n= 150/mean age=22 years old). Students from human sexuality classes were asked to voluntarily participate in a focus group discussion within each human sexuality class conducted during the Spring 2009 and Summer 2009 semesters. Participants were asked to create a list of sexual myths that they have heard of or which they currently believed to be true. (A sex myth is a false belief about a sexual behavior or physiology that is not scientifically accurate.) Within each class focus groups were first organized by gender, and each group's responses were recorded and rank ordered 1-10. The most common myths held by males included: shoe size dictates penis size, men who have lots of facial hair gave more oral sex, etc. The most common myths held by women included: shoe size equals penis size, the withdrawal method is an effective form of birth control, etc. After each gender group had identified their top ten responses, the class, as a whole, ranked what they collectively believed to be the top ten myths of college students. Penis size equaling shoe size was the most common response given by both genders. Other myths included: sex in the pool kills sperm, drinking Mt. Dew reduces sperm count, and big girls give better oral sex.

Some descriptive statistics were analyzed for gender and age, and the frequency of specific myths was reported. Following the identification of these myths, the researchers also developed an informational podcast debunking the 10 most common sexual myths identified by both genders. The major benefit of this research was in identifying and addressing the most common sexual myths generally held by college students. It is imperative that college students be adequately informed about human sexuality facts, and that sexual misinformation be corrected so that individuals may make intelligent, informed decisions. This is particularly important in light of the fact that 1 in 4 sexually active college students will develop a Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) before college graduation, and that the potential for unwanted pregnancy and other health related issues are ever present potential issues of concern.