Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Several studies reported positive relationships between emerging adults' television viewing and assumptions about peer sexual experiences and sexual stereotypes. In this paper, these relationships are re-investigated in a younger sample. Furthermore, the moderating influence of sexual experience is examined: does real-life sexual experience reinforce the effect of television exposure, or does it make the expected relationships disappear? Respondents from a sample of 12- to 15-year-olds (N = 2121) reported on their viewing diet, estimated the prevalence of given sexual activities, and rated stereotypes about males as being preoccupied with sex, males as dominating sexual relations, and sex as a purely physical activity. Results demonstrated connections between television viewing and sexual beliefs. More specifically, greater exposure to early evening comedy series, youth action series, soap operas and late evening action series were repeatedly associated to sexual attitudes. Further exploration showed that some of these relationships become stronger as sexual experience levels progress.