Causal attributions, self-monitoring, and gender differences among four virginity status groups.
Sexual choices and behavior involve complex cognitive and affective processes. Attribution theory remains a prominent social-cognitive model that may help explain such phenomena. In the present study, 198 undergraduates, separated by self-reported virginity status, completed Russell's Causal Dimension Scale and Snyder's Self-Monitoring Scale. The purpose was to determine whether different virginity status groups make different causal attributions about virginity and sexual choices, whether self-monitoring influences this attribution process, and whether males and females differ in this regard. Results indicated a variety of statistically significant virginity status and gender differences in causal attributions. Self-monitoring, however, was not a significant covariate. Possible explanations for these results, and their implications, are discussed.
Schechterman
A L
AL
St. Benedicts Hospital, Outpatient Psychology Services, Ogden, Utah.
Hutchinson
R L
RL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D012746:Sexual Abstinence; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012933:Social Identification