Sexual Attitude and Marital Status: A Comparative Study Among South Indian Adults

Abstract

Sexuality is a core element of human life, shaping relationships, identity development, and overall well-being. Understanding individual’s attitudes toward sexuality is essential for promoting sexual health, fostering healthy relationships, and addressing societal norms and values. Within the rich tapestry of cultural diversity that characterizes India, the exploration of sexual attitudes takes on added significance, given the country’s complex social and cultural landscape. The study aims to explore the impact of marital status on sexual attitudes among South Indian adults. The sample size of the study is 131 adults including 61 males and 70 females between the age of 18 to 48 from the southern states of India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana). The Cross-sectional Comparative research design is used in this study. The data were collected using google form questionnaire. The Brief Sexual Attitude Scale were used as tool in this study. The BSAS consist of 23 items with four subscales namely, permissiveness, birth control, communion, and instrumentality. The independent t test is used as statistical tool in this study. The findings of the study reveal that Birth Control and Instrumentality were significant different in male and female adults in sexual attitudes. Permissiveness and Communion were significant different in married adults and unmarried adults in the sexual attitudes. Permissiveness was significant different in married male and unmarried male in sexual attitudes.