| Abstract: | Problems associated with teen sexuality have long been of great concern in America. Many researchers have sought to determine predisposing factors which influence early sexual activity. The purpose of the present study is to further explore the relationship between religiousness and sexuality among high school students attending church youth groups. The study evaluated both religiousness and sexuality using multi-dimensional scales. The researcher examined religiousness as it related to both sexual behavior and sexual standards. A unique approach was taken to assess sexual standards. Participants were given a set of four scenarios, using relationships with different levels of time and commitment, and were asked "how far would you go?" in each situation. The study population consisted of 113 high school youth attending local Christian church youth groups. Data analysis failed to demonstrate a significant relationship between religiousness and reported sexual behavior, however, there was a significant relationship between religiousness and sexual standards in all four hypothetical situations. The results of this study suggest using hypothetical situations to question church youth regarding their sexuality is perhaps a more accurate method of conducting research than using reports of actual sexual behavior. Additionally, the results provided a clearer understanding of the sexual behavior and standards of the high school youth involved. |
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