Child Health Nurs Res.  2016 Jul;22(3):227-235. 10.4094/chnr.2016.22.3.227.

Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Sexual Attitude in Healthcare College Students

• Im MS
• Yun HR
• Sin HJ
• Lee YE

• KMID: 2345694
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4094/chnr.2016.22.3.227

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between self-esteem and sexual attitude in healthcare college students, and also to provide a basis for sexual health education programs to help establish healthy sexual attitudes.
METHODS
A survey was conducted with 218 unmarried students attending the healthcare colleges in B and U cities. Data were collected from October 15 to November 10, 2015 and analyzed using Stepwise multiple regression with SPSS PASW 18.0.
RESULTS
Mean score for self-esteem was 3.23±0.46 out of 5 and sexual attitude 2.64±0.54 out of 5. Self-esteem and sexual attitude had a negative correlation (r=-.169, p=.012). Among sub-variables of sexual attitude, negative correlations were found between self-esteem and premarital chastity (r=-.207, p=.002), and between self-esteem and homosexual attitudes (r=-.167, p=.013). There were statistically significant differences in sexual attitude according to perceived intimacy with mother (β=-.228, p<.001), year in college (β=.135, p=.047), major (β=.148, p=.023), religion (β=-2.429, p=.016), and homosexual tendencies (β=.139, p=.037). These factors explained 14.6% of the variance in sexual attitude.
CONCLUSION
Findings demonstrate the importance of self-esteem for sexual attitudes. This finding should be used in the development of healthcare college students, promotion programs to enhance healthy sexual attitudes.

Keyword

Students; Sexual Behavior; Self-Concept

MeSH Terms

Delivery of Health Care*
Education
Homosexuality
Humans
Mothers
Reproductive Health
Sexual Behavior
Single Person