Senior Project Advisor
Mary Hunt
Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Summer 2022
Keywords
college students, COVID-19 pandemic, sexual behaviors, intimacy, relationships
Abstract
Introduction: 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.
Method: A convenience sample (N=288) of WWU students participated in an online survey. Data indicated participants were majority women (66.9%), white (74.2%), and varied in sexual orientations (heterosexual (47.8%); bisexual (25.7%); LGQ+ (24.5%)). This mixed methods survey comprised questions about individuals’ pandemic context, relationships, intimacy, and sexual behaviors alone and with others.
Results: The majority of respondents (67.1%) reported having engaged in sexual behaviors with others during this period of the pandemic, with 41.1% indicating they were in a committed relationship with one person. Many indicated more frequent behaviors (45.1% masturbated more often; 39.8% had more remote/virtual sexual activity) or trying new behaviors (53%). Open-ended data indicated variations in sexual desire, frequency, and satisfaction.
Discussion: 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.
Department
Health and Human Development
Recommended Citation
Breiter, Avia, "Western Washington University Students’ Relationships, Sexual Behaviors, and Experiences of Intimacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2022). WWU Honors College Senior Projects. 619.
https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwu_honors/619
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Western Washington University--Students; College students--Sexual behavior--Washington (State)--Bellingham; Couples--Sexual behavior--Washington (State)--Bellingham; COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020---Washington (State)--Bellingham
Subjects - Names (LCNAF)
Western Washington University
Geographic Coverage
Bellingham (Wash.)
Genre/Form
demographics, essays
Type
Text
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