Western Washington University Students’ Experiences of Intimacy and Relationships During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Research Mentor(s)
Mary Hunt
Description
Background: College students were uniquely affected by the pandemic because of transitions in living situations and a lack of social connection. The current study explored students’ relationships, experiences of intimacy, and sexual behaviors during March 2020 to March 2021 of the pandemic. Methods: A convenience sample of WWU students participated in an online survey. Preliminary data (N=241) indicated participants were majority women (59.8%), white (78.4%), and varied in sexual orientations (heterosexual (46.6%); bisexual (26.2%); LGQ+ (24.4%)). This mixed methods survey comprised questions about individuals’ pandemic context, relationships, intimacy, and sexual behaviors alone and with others. Results: The majority of respondents (68.2%) reported having engaged in sexual behaviors with others during this period of the pandemic, with 40.5% indicating they were in a committed relationship with one person. Many indicated more frequent behaviors (46.9% masturbated more often; 36.8% had more remote/virtual sexual activity) or trying new behaviors (55.9%). Open-ended data indicated variations in sexual desire, frequency, and satisfaction. Conclusions: College is usually a time for sexual exploration and self-discovery. Some students adapted during the pandemic so they could explore, and some were deterred by mental health, isolation, and social barriers. These data can inform counseling, support, and educational initiatives at WWU.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
May 2022
End Date
May 2022
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
CHSS - Health and Human Development
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Western Washington University Students’ Experiences of Intimacy and Relationships During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Background: College students were uniquely affected by the pandemic because of transitions in living situations and a lack of social connection. The current study explored students’ relationships, experiences of intimacy, and sexual behaviors during March 2020 to March 2021 of the pandemic. Methods: A convenience sample of WWU students participated in an online survey. Preliminary data (N=241) indicated participants were majority women (59.8%), white (78.4%), and varied in sexual orientations (heterosexual (46.6%); bisexual (26.2%); LGQ+ (24.4%)). This mixed methods survey comprised questions about individuals’ pandemic context, relationships, intimacy, and sexual behaviors alone and with others. Results: The majority of respondents (68.2%) reported having engaged in sexual behaviors with others during this period of the pandemic, with 40.5% indicating they were in a committed relationship with one person. Many indicated more frequent behaviors (46.9% masturbated more often; 36.8% had more remote/virtual sexual activity) or trying new behaviors (55.9%). Open-ended data indicated variations in sexual desire, frequency, and satisfaction. Conclusions: College is usually a time for sexual exploration and self-discovery. Some students adapted during the pandemic so they could explore, and some were deterred by mental health, isolation, and social barriers. These data can inform counseling, support, and educational initiatives at WWU.