That’s What He Said:
Expanding Education Around Men’s
Sexual Decision Making
Katharine Mooney
Undergraduate Research Conference, 2007
Part I
Quantitative Study: Online Survey
Sex Communication between Fathers and Sons
Part II
Qualitative Study: Focus Group Discussion
Men’s Sexual Decision Making Process and
Developing Educational Tools on the Topic
Part I
Content and Characteristics of
Sex Communication Between
Fathers and Sons
Part I: Sex Talk with Dads

How often do fathers and sons discuss sex-related
topics?

How comfortable do sons feel discussing sex with their
fathers?

How satisfied do sons feel with the discussions they’ve
had with their fathers about sex-related topics?

What sex-related topics do sons wish they had discussed
more with their fathers?

What resources might help fathers be more successful
talking to their sons about sex-related topics?
Frequency of Communication Between Fathers and
Sons, According to Sexual Topic
Pregnancy
How to use a condom
Rape
Pressure to have sex
Oral sex
Often
Sometimes
Never
Vaginal Intercourse
Abstinence
STIs
Sexual decision making
Contraception Methods
0
20
40
Percent
60
80
Part I: Summary of Findings

For white, middle-class men with a college education, sex and other
related topics are talked about extremely infrequently with fathers

Comfort and satisfaction-levels are positive for those few who did
discuss sexual topics, otherwise comfort/satisfaction-levels are low

47% of men wished for more discussion around sexual decision
making with their fathers

46% of men reported that nothing would help fathers communicate
better with their sons regarding sex-related topics
Part II
Men’s Sexual Decision Making
and Developing Educational Tools
Part II:
Men’s Sexual Decision Making

What does it mean for you to be a man in a romantic
and/or sexual relationship?

How would you describe a guy who is sexually
healthy?

Does using alcohol and/or other drugs impact your
sexual decisions?

What barriers exist to men openly discussing
sexual relationships?
Part II:
General Themes

Men struggle to find a gender role for the 21st century


What does being sexually healthy mean for men?


“Is this right to be doing?”
Which came first? The drink or the expectation?


“I wish there was a set role…”
“That’s what it’s there for [alcohol], is to make you do the
things you wouldn’t necessarily do.”
Masculinity as a barrier to open discussion about sex

“If you’re a dude, it isn’t socially acceptable to talk about this in
real life. You have to sit down…and be forced to talk [about it].”
Recommendations for Future Education

Establish trust and anonymity

Provide straightforward, unbiased information

Don’t judge, don’t preach

Acknowledge that potentially sexual situations can be different;
offer strategies that address each situation

Talk about sexual consent and the role of the bystander

Have a knowledgeable, charismatic leader who identifies with men

Reinforce clear social norms

*Disagreement regarding the usefulness of traditional educational
programs (i.e. programs in the dorms)