This study examined the connotative meanings assigned to sexuality related terms by a cohort of university undergraduate students (n=567). Forty-two sexuality-relevant constructs selected for study by two consensus panels (academic setting health educators and undergraduate students) were rated on 30 seven-point semantic differential scales (Cronbach's alpha=.94). Means of the scale sum scores for males and females were compared using t-tests. Among females the most favorably rated constructs were: orgasm, vaginal sex, sexual intercourse, virginity, masturbation, oral sex, pro-choice, pregnancy, erection, and heterosexual. The most negatively evaluated terms included: date rape, sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, HPV, and HIV/AIDS. Among males, the most favorably rated constructs were: sexual monogamy, virginity, orgasm, vaginal sex, and heterosexual. The most negatively evaluated terms were: rape, HPV, date rape, and sexual abuse. There were statistically significant gender differences in the evaluation of five terms: sexual abuse, sexual monogamy, homosexual, erectile dysfunction, and Viagra (p<05). The effect of context for use of a term was not assessed in this study but may impact some of the observed results. However, the evaluations assigned to 30 possible attributes suggest that sexuality-related terms elicit strong visceral responses from university students. A discussion of the psychological and emotional impact of sexuality-related terms (i.e., connotative meanings) may be warranted whenever dictionary definitions (i.e., denotative meanings) are presented to students and other groups of learners. Moreover, a practitioner's use of language may elicit connotatively different responses for females and males, and therefore, differentially impact their respective health education learning environments.
Learning Objectives: Identify how sexuality related constructs have connotative as well as denotative meanings. Explain how sexuality related terms can produce an emotional impact on persons that could influence both behavior and learning.
Keywords: College Students, Sexuality
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.