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Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 15, No. 3, 347-363 (1998)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407598153003

Decision-Making in College Students' Heterosexual Dating Relationships: Ambivalence about Engaging in Sexual Activity

Lucia F. O'Sullivan

Bowling Green State University, osullivl{at}child.cpmc.columbia.edu

Michelle E. Gaines

Bowling Green State University

Researchers have examined decision-making related to participating in sexual activity and resisting sexual advances. However, ambivalence about sexual participation has received little research attention. A sample of 194 US college students (96 men, 98 women) completed surveys designed to examine uncertainty about engaging in sexual activity with a dating partner, the factors that influence eventual decisions regarding participation, and the perceived emotional and relational consequences of these decisions. The majority of students (81%) reported at least one episode of ambivalence in the recent past. In over half the cases (53%), respondents reported eventually rejecting their partners' sexual invitations, usually because of relationship or intimacy concerns. Those who eventually accepted their partner's sexual invitation typically attributed their decision to becoming more aroused or wanting to promote intimacy in their relationship. Overall, ambivalence about participating in sexual activity seems to have few deleterious consequences for individuals and their relationships. However, the findings emphasize the need to promote clearer communication about sexual intentions and desires between dating couples.

Key Words: dating relationship • decision-making • sexual activity


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W. A. Afifi and S. L. Faulkner
On Being `Just Friends': The Frequency and Impact of Sexual Activity in Crosssex Friendships
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, April 1, 2000; 17(2): 205 - 222.
[Abstract] [PDF]