1. That’s What He Said: Expanding Education Around Men’s Sexual Decision Making Katharine Mooney Undergraduate Research Conference, 2007

2. Part I Quantitative Study: Online Survey Sex Communication between Fathers and Sons Part II Qualitative Study: Focus Group Discussion Men’s Sexual Decision Making Process and Developing Educational Tools on the Topic

3. Part I Content and Characteristics of Sex Communication Between Fathers and Sons

4. Part I: Sex Talk with Dads How often do fathers and sons discuss sex-related topics? How comfortable do sons feel discussing sex with their fathers? How satisfied do sons feel with the discussions they’ve had with their fathers about sex-related topics? What sex-related topics do sons wish they had discussed more with their fathers? What resources might help fathers be more successful talking to their sons about sex-related topics?

5. Percent

6. Part I: Summary of Findings For white, middle-class men with a college education, sex and other related topics are talked about extremely infrequently with fathers Comfort and satisfaction-levels are positive for those few who did discuss sexual topics, otherwise comfort/satisfaction-levels are low 47% of men wished for more discussion around sexual decision making with their fathers 46% of men reported that nothing would help fathers communicate better with their sons regarding sex-related topics

7. Part II Men’s Sexual Decision Making and Developing Educational Tools

8. Part II: Men’s Sexual Decision Making What does it mean for you to be a man in a romantic and/or sexual relationship? How would you describe a guy who is sexually healthy? Does using alcohol and/or other drugs impact your sexual decisions? What barriers exist to men openly discussing sexual relationships?

9. Part II: General Themes Men struggle to find a gender role for the 21 st century “I wish there was a set role…” What does being sexually healthy mean for men? “Is this right to be doing?” Which came first? The drink or the expectation? “That’s what it’s there for [alcohol], is to make you do the things you wouldn’t necessarily do.” Masculinity as a barrier to open discussion about sex “If you’re a dude, it isn’t socially acceptable to talk about this in real life. You have to sit down…and be forced to talk [about it].”

10. Recommendations for Future Education Establish trust and anonymity Provide straightforward, unbiased information Don’t judge, don’t preach Acknowledge that potentially sexual situations can be different; offer strategies that address each situation Talk about sexual consent and the role of the bystander Have a knowledgeable, charismatic leader who identifies with men Reinforce clear social norms *Disagreement regarding the usefulness of traditional educational programs (i.e. programs in the dorms)