| Room 520-C | French Presentations Wednesday, July 13, 2005 Time: 8:30 AM-10:30 AM |
Representations of performance in seduction, romantic relations and sexual relations among young adolescents: elaboration and validation of a measuring instrument.
Duquet, Francine*,1, Dassa, Clément2, 1 Université du Québec à Montréal- Département de sexologie, Montréal, Québec, Canada2 Université de Montréal, Département de médecine préventive et sociale, Montréal, Québec, Canada
ABSTRACT- The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a measuring instrument concerning the representations of performance in seduction, romantic relations, and sexual relations among young adolescents. Since, to the best of our knowledge, no performance theory currently exists, we proceeded to review the literature on the concept of performance, extending it to the world of adolescent sexuality. We also documented the cult of sexual performance, particularly as it relates to seduction, romantic relations and sexual relations. The various preliminary stages pertaining to the validation of a measuring instrument have been carried out: developing a reference range from the literature review, holding focus groups with secondary education-level youths in grades I, III and V to further develop the pool of items, developing the measuring instrument, submitting the first version of the questionnaire to an expert committee, pre-experimentation with a small group of youths, and experimentation with our sample (505 secondary education-level adolescents in grades I, III and V). We then performed statistical analyses to ascertain the repeatability and validity of the measuring instrument. Factorial analyses allowed us to further define conceptual elements for the validation of our measuring instrument. Five factors were identified regarding seduction (Appearance; Empathy and sociability; Stereotypes associated to popularity; Self-confidence and assertiveness; and Attractiveness and attraction), four factors regarding romantic relations (Harmony and communication; Devotion and selflessness; Romantic behaviours; Active sex life), and, finally, five factors regarding sexual relations (Authenticity and presence; Sexual Performance; Prevention; Openness to intimacy and Stereotypes). Our results indicate that these factors provide significant meaning; in and of themselves, they are the representations of performance regarding seduction, romantic relations and sexual relations among youths in our study. Other analyses also allowed us to identify the profile of those respondents considered to be - in a performance context -. In short, the various stages of validation carried out indicate that our instrument is consistent and valid. However, some changes were made to build its validity further. Our study is an essential first stage in the process of validating an innovative measuring instrument. Considering the potential applications of this measuring instrument, other analyses regarding the establishment of population standards will be necessary. We therefore suggest various avenues for future investigation regarding research, intervention in sex education, as well as a more clinical approach.
Key words: Adolescence, Sexuality, Performance, Sex Education, Representation