A study on the sexual behavior and gender role stereotypes of the married college students in Iran: comparing sexual behavior of female and male students in the family

Sexual behavior is an important aspect of the quality of marital life. Individuals develop their sexual behavior in the context of a gender construction. They acquire gender role stereotypes as a set of shared cultural clichés which in turn shape their sexuality.The aim of the present study is to compare the sexual behaviors of married college students in relationship with gender role stereotypes.Sixty married college students (30 females) were randomly selected from two universities in Tehran. Three self-rating instruments were used: 1) Bem sex role Inventory, 2) Personalexperiences Questionnaire and 3) general demographic questionnaire. Results revealed no significant differences between female and male students in total score of sexual behaviors (t= 0.45, df =58, p<0.65). But, there are significant differences genders regarding orgasm, (χ²=17.97, df = 1, p<.05), and hurt by spouse, (χ² = 14.96, df = 1, p<.05). Findings also reveal that gender role stereotypes only in women, and not in men, influence sexual satisfaction (χ²=8.28, df=3, p<.05). Results have been discussed based on a new model of sexuality.