Self-Esteem and Sexuality
Pamela Clarke
Psych/525
Dr. Maribeth Clarke
October 28, 2013Self-Esteem and Sexuality
Construct: Self-Esteem and Sexuality
Operational Definition: The impact that self-esteem has on adolescents engaging in risky sexual behavior.
Sample Domain: Five appropriate Concepts: Adolescents with low self-esteem engaging in risky sexual behavior Self-esteem and sexual activity differ for male and female Body image can result in risky sexual behavior Adolescents imitate risky behavior seen on television Television has an influence on adolescent’s self-esteem
With a Likert scale of Never, Seldom, Frequently, Always check the answer that mimics your behavior.
I feel that I’m a person of worth. Never____ Seldom____ Frequently____ Always____
I feel unattractive
Never____ Seldom____ Frequently____ Always____
I wish I could have more respect for myself.
Never____ Seldom____ Frequently____ Always____
I feel useless at times
Never____ Seldom____ Frequently____ Always____
I believe I am overweight
Never____ Seldom____ Frequently____ Always____
I am easily influenced by my peers
Never____ Seldom____ Frequently____ Always____
How often do you engage in risky sexual activity
Never____ Seldom____ Frequently_____ Always____
I practice safe sex
Never____ Seldom____ Frequently_____ Always____
I am easily influenced by television shows/movies
Never____ Seldom____ Frequently_____ Always____
I have a positive attitude about myself
Never____ Seldom____ Frequently_____ Always____

Self-esteem is referred to how an individual evaluates him or herself, including their feelings of self-worth (Wild, Flisher, & Bhana, & Lombard, 2004). Self-esteem correlates with differing sexual behavior patterns across range of ages and subpopulations (Young, Denny, & Spear, 1999). Theorists argue that individual’s with low self-esteem are predisposed to adopt risk behaviors. Self-esteem plays an important role in the loss of virginity among adolescences. Self-esteem has a different effect on girls differently than boys. Girls with high self-esteem are less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, whereas boys with high self-esteem are likely to confirm that they are engaging in sexually activity (Stimson, Stimson, & Dougherty 1980). Students that have a lot of information on sex and a high self-esteem are more inclined to engage in risky sexual behavior. In examining the role of self-esteem and participation in risky sexual behavior, the researchers found that students with low levels of self-esteem were inclined to engage in risky sexual behavior than students with high self-esteem (Stimson. Stimson, & Dougherty 1980). Peer self-esteem was higher for those that have a heighten desire to participate in sexual or oral intercourse prematurely seems to indicate that in modern day society, sexual experience is a means of being accepted by peers (Walsh, 1991). Efforts to help young people abstain from risky sexual behavior there should be emphasis placed on parental involvement with parents emphasizing clear standards and ability to resist peer pressure (Miller, Christensen, & Olsen 1987). This study is to examine the relationship between self-esteem and risky sexual behavior in adolescents. Certain aspects of self-esteem can contribute to early sexual behavior among adolescents. Television can also influence adolescent’s attitudes and behavior concerning body image and sexuality.
Instrument
The test instrument is a questionnaire that includes items designed to obtain information regarding self-esteem and sexuality. Self-esteem was measured using the Likert scale of Never, Seldom, Frequently, and Always. The Likert scale was chosen because they are reliable and easy to construct. The scale will result in an ordinal level data. The participants are to check the appropriate answer that mimics their behavior.
Methods
The participants of the study will consist of 100 freshman