Power in college students' contraceptive decisions.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Psychology
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Previous fertility research has largely overlooked contraceptive power bases.
• Contraceptive power bases are relationships influencing birth control values and behaviors.
• Eight such bases were identified in a pilot study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate students' experiences with and opinions on contraceptive power bases.
• To explore the relationship between sex role identification and contraceptive power dynamics.
• To understand the implications for family-planning practice and research.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 200 college students.
• The Bem Sex Role Inventory was included to assess sex role identification.
• Participants reported on sexual and contraceptive behaviors and contraceptive power bases.

Main Results:

• Significant effects were found for personal experiences and opinions on contraceptive power bases.
• Coercion emerged as the most popular power base; legitimate power was the least popular.
• Women were more frequently targets of contraceptive power, often stereotyped as feminine.

Conclusions:

• Contraceptive power bases are significant factors in reproductive health decision-making.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for family-planning interventions.
• Gendered perceptions influence the use and targeting of contraceptive power bases.