Psychosexual characteristics of female university students in Brazil
Leite, R.M.; Buoncompagno, E.M.; Leite, A.C.; Mergulhao, E.A.; Battistoni, M.M.
Adolescence 29(114): 439-460
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-8449 PMID: 8085494 Document Number: 305759
A survey of 240 randomly selected female students (average age, 19.9 years) at the State University of Campinas in Sao Paulo, Brazil, provided comprehensive information about the physical, psychological, and psychosexual dimensions of adolescence. Over half reported negative feelings or indifference to body changes associated with puberty and 54% stated they did not receive information on sexual development from their parents. The average age at menarche was 12.3 years. 79% reported persistent menstruation-related discomfort (e.g., cramps, moodiness). Virginity until marriage was considered essential by 14%; to 42%, it made no difference in the context of a loving relationship. 44% of female students had experienced intercourse; the average age at initiation of sexual relations was 17.6 years. 78% stated the idea of having a child was fundamental or agreeable. 84% of sexually active students were using contraception (including unreliable methods such as rhythm). Although 65% viewed abortion as a theoretically acceptable option, only 8% indicated they would make this choice and just 6% had had an abortion. 6% of students considered themselves at risk of AIDS. Most students characterized their relationship with their parents as good, yet they preferred to talk to friends or siblings about sexual matters. Although these students appear to have satisfactorily negotiated most of the developmental tasks of adolescence, there was some evidence of failure to resolve independence-dependence conflicts.