Perceived Sexual Appeal and Sexual Activity Levels of Pregnant Women
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
16-4-2013 2:00 PM
End Date
16-4-2013 4:00 PM
Student's Major
Psychology
Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor's Name
Eric Sprankle
Mentor's Department
Psychology
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Second Mentor's Name
Keagan McPherson
Second Mentor's Department
Psychology
Second Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
This study aims to better understand the belief that pregnant individuals are asexual in comparison to non-pregnant individuals. Specifically, researchers want to know if pregnant individuals are perceived as less sexually appealing and/or presumed to be less sexually active than those who are not pregnant. Variability in perceptions of sexual activity and appeal depending upon pregnancy trimester are clarified, as well as gestational period’s impact on attractiveness perception in comparison to assessment of facial features. This study utilizes a 2 (attractiveness) X 4 (gestational period) design. Participants thus far have been primarily Caucasian, female, and heterosexual.
Subjects were randomly assigned to one of eight groups and each given the same survey measuring physical attractiveness and sexual activity level of a pictured woman. Preliminary findings reveal no significant differences between groups; however, mean trends indicate that, overall, those who were assigned to the condition with the stimulus (pictured woman) labeled as more attractive rated the woman to be more sexually appealing and active than individuals assigned to the “less attractive woman” condition. Broken down by gestational period, regardless of attractiveness condition, participants rated non-pregnant individuals as less sexually appealing than pregnant individuals. As stated, no significant differences between groups emerged, suggesting that gestational period does not affect outcomes as much as pregnancy status overall. However, additional data is needed to draw definitive conclusions and is subsequently still ongoing. Results of this study will help to understand perceptions of pregnant women with regards to their sexual appeal and sexual activity level.
Perceived Sexual Appeal and Sexual Activity Levels of Pregnant Women
CSU Ballroom
This study aims to better understand the belief that pregnant individuals are asexual in comparison to non-pregnant individuals. Specifically, researchers want to know if pregnant individuals are perceived as less sexually appealing and/or presumed to be less sexually active than those who are not pregnant. Variability in perceptions of sexual activity and appeal depending upon pregnancy trimester are clarified, as well as gestational period’s impact on attractiveness perception in comparison to assessment of facial features. This study utilizes a 2 (attractiveness) X 4 (gestational period) design. Participants thus far have been primarily Caucasian, female, and heterosexual.
Subjects were randomly assigned to one of eight groups and each given the same survey measuring physical attractiveness and sexual activity level of a pictured woman. Preliminary findings reveal no significant differences between groups; however, mean trends indicate that, overall, those who were assigned to the condition with the stimulus (pictured woman) labeled as more attractive rated the woman to be more sexually appealing and active than individuals assigned to the “less attractive woman” condition. Broken down by gestational period, regardless of attractiveness condition, participants rated non-pregnant individuals as less sexually appealing than pregnant individuals. As stated, no significant differences between groups emerged, suggesting that gestational period does not affect outcomes as much as pregnancy status overall. However, additional data is needed to draw definitive conclusions and is subsequently still ongoing. Results of this study will help to understand perceptions of pregnant women with regards to their sexual appeal and sexual activity level.
Recommended Citation
Gartner, Nicole. "Perceived Sexual Appeal and Sexual Activity Levels of Pregnant Women." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 16, 2013.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2013/poster-session-B/16
