The First Time: Planning, Decision-Making, and Impact of FCE.

The First Time: Planning, Decision-Making, and Impact of FCE, Terry E Humphreys, Trent University; Alyna Ressor, University of Waterloo 

The first coital experience (FCE), commonly referred to as loss of virginity, is a key event in the sexual development of young people. Carpenter (2001) described three interpretational frames of the FCE: (a) those who perceived their virginity as a stigma or burden, (b) those who perceived it as a precious gift, and (c) those who perceived it as a process or stage of maturity and development. He reported descriptive difference among the three interpretations, including gender differences, communication patterns, relationship with partner, and satisfaction with the outcome of FCE. In this study, we qualified Carpenter's (2001) findings and expanded them by exploring decision-making and attachment styles. Data were collected from 73 Canadian undergraduates using an online survey, which included measures of Carpenter's interpretational frames, level of communication and planning for FCE, feelings following FCE, contraceptive use, decision-making, and attachment style. Forty-three percent of the sample perceived their virginity status as a process, 31% as a gift, and 12% as a stigma; no gender differences were found. Compared to the process and gift groups, the stigma group more often reported their FCE partner as a stranger/acquaintance and their FCE relationship as less loving and of shorter duration prior to and following FCE. Significant differences were found between the three interpretational frames and levels of communication, planning, and decision-making prior to FCE. Both the process and gift groups reported their FCE has having a more positive impact on their lives than the stigma group. Attachment style was unrelated to interpretational frame but was significantly related to communication patterns, feelings following FCE, and some decision-making elements. How individuals perceived their virginity status was significantly related to their communication, planning, and decision-making behaviors prior to and during FCE. These findings have important implications for sexual health educators and health promotion programs designed for youth.