Religiosity, Spirituality, and Sexual Behaviors among College Students

Several studies have examined the relationship between religiosity, spirituality and sexual behaviors among adolescents and young adults; yet, many of these studies tend to use one-item indices to examine religion or spirituality that are insufficient in capturing the layers of religiosity and spirituality. The purpose of this study was to examine multidimensional measures of religiousness and spirituality and sexual attitudes and behaviors among college students. Participants in this study were recruited from students attending four college institutions. All participants received a package containing a survey, cover letter, consent form, and a business reply envelope. The participants also had the option to complete the survey online. The IRB at each institution approved the study. The survey contains questions regarding sexual behaviors, sexual attitudes, ethnic identify, interpersonal spirituality, intrapersonal religiosity and spirituality, and demographic information. Nine hundred and fifty one students completed the survey during the fall 2008 and spring 2009 semesters. The majority of respondents were female (68.5%), White (83%), never married (95%), and heterosexual (95%). Students' ages ranged from 18-25 years old, with a mean age of 19.9 years. Among participants who indicated that they have had sexual intercourse (70%), the majority had vaginal sex and oral sex (74%) within the past three months. Only 41% reported condom use for vaginal sex and 3% reported condom use for oral sex. A correlation analysis showed a significant relationship (p < .05) between sexual attitudes, some of the sexual behaviors and the religious and spiritual variables (e.g., daily spiritual experiences, values and beliefs of religion and spirituality, and spiritual disclosure). The analysis also showed a positive relationship between sexual attitudes and ever having sexual intercourse (p < .001), and an inverse relationship between sexual attitudes and number of sexual partners and sexual intercourse within the past three months (p < .001). Results of this study can help support the incorporation of religiosity and spirituality into development of health education program for college students.

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between religiosity, spirituality, and sexual behaviors and attitudes.

• Describe multidimensional measures of religiousness and spirituality.

• Apply understanding of religious and spirituality variables and sexual behaviors among college students.