Document Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Award

4-15-2026

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore how college students' differing levels of sex education are associated with their views about sexual behavior, particularly behaviors defined as taboo. In comparison to 25 years ago, adolescents are less likely to receive important sex education today; and are unlikely to receive valuable information until after their first sexual experience. Conventionally, the benefits of a sex education program are linked with its ability to lower STI rates, unplanned pregnancies, unwanted behavior, etc. Sexual taboos are sexual practices excluded from the hegemonic heterosexual monogamous relationship model. Presently, society acknowledges a wider range of behaviors, including watching explicit videos, participating in virtual sex, sending, or receiving nude photos, engaging in group sex, and Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Masochism and Sadism (BDSM). We aim to explore a variety of avenues that influence a person’s perception, of taboos such as Technology-Mediated Sexual Encounters (TMSEs), peers, and relationships. Our methodology was a mixed methods survey that was sent out to students currently enrolled at East Texas A&M University who are at least 18 years of age. The survey included two parts: demographics/personal experiences, and attitudes towards sexual behavior. 150 students were surveyed. Our results determined that there is no statistically significant difference between level of sex education and perceptions of sexual taboos. There were significant correlations between religion and perceptions of sexual taboos. These results will help further understand the factors influencing perceptions of sexual taboos and the influence of sex education.

Advisor

Julia Meszaros

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Keywords

Sex education, Sexual taboos, College students, Technology-mediated sexual encounters (TMSEs), Social influences, Religious beliefs, Sexual attitudes

Included in

Biology Commons

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