Canadian University Students' Perceptions of the Practices That Constitute "Normal" Sexuality for Men and Women (Report‪)‬

Abstract: This study investigated perceptions of "sexual normalcy" in a sample of male and female undergraduate students (N = 104) using modified versions of the Normal Sexual Behaviours Inventory (Kite, 1990). Participants were randomly assigned to the version in which a female actor engaged in various behaviours or to the version in which a male actor engaged in the same or comparable behaviours. Participants also completed measures that assessed their erotophilia/erotophobia, sexual experience, and religiosity. Ratings of normality differed according to sex of the actor in that participants considered it more abnormal for a male to be disinterested in sexuality, to engage in homosexual fantasy, and to practice sexual activities characterized by submission (e.g., receiving pain during sex). However, no statistically significant differences were found between male and female participants' ratings and there was no statistically significant sex of participant by sex of actor interaction. Limitations of the current study and directions for future research are discussed. Introduction