Perceptions of Sex and Sexual Health among College Men: Implications of Maladaptive Habits in Physical and Social Relationship Formation

Fear, vulnerability, stigma, and masculinity are important concepts to consider when promoting health among males. However, most health education efforts targeted towards males, particularly college-aged males, do not fully grasp the influence of these variables upon men to assist with them adopting healthier romantic and sexual relationships.

This discussion presents trends from a university-based seminar during the 2011-2012 academic year conducted with college students on maladaptive sexual habits, including promiscuity, subjective norms of sex and relationships, alcohol abuse, and inconsistent STD protection, as they pertain to physical and social relationships. Approximately 225 college-aged men and women attended the seminar. A particular emphasis was placed on perceived masculinity and gender roles within the social environment and how they influence physical and social relationship formation.

 The seminar was a first step for future effectiveness testing of message-delivery systems in relationship and sexual health behavioral modification research among college men. This paper presents lessons learned from this exploratory approach in community health outreach efforts. We advocate that such seminars can be an efficient and effective way to raise awareness and promote wellness among male college students.