DECISION-MAKING IN COLLEGE-STUDENTS HETEROSEXUAL DATING RELATIONSHIPS- AMBIVALENCE ABOUT ENGAGING IN SEXUAL-ACTIVITY

Researchers have examined decision-making related to participating in sexual activity and resisting sexual advances. However, ambivalence ab out sexual participation has received little research attention. A sam ple of 194 US college students (96 men, 98 women) completed surveys de signed to examine uncertainty about engaging in sexual activity with a dating partner, the factors that influence eventual decisions regardi ng participation, and the perceived emotional and relational consequen ces of these decisions, The majority of students (81%) reported at lea st one episode of ambivalence in the recent past. In over half the cas es (53%), respondents reported eventually rejecting their partners' se xual invitations, usually because of relationship or intimacy concerns . Those who eventually accepted their partner's sexual invitation typi cally attributed their decision to becoming more aroused or wanting to promote intimacy in their relationship. Overall, ambivalence about pa rticipating in sexual activity seems to have few deleterious consequen ces for individuals and their relationships. However, the findings emp hasize the need to promote clearer communication about sexual intentio ns and desires between dating couples.