This study was design to investigate the effects of gender and gender role orientation on attitudes toward sexuality among Turkish college students. Several studies have demonstrated that many variables or interaction of diverse factors impact on the evolution of sexual attitudes of individuals (e.g., Beckwith & Morrow, 2005; Leiblum, Wiegel, & Brickle, 2003). One such factor is gender. Previous empirical findings have clearly demonstrated that males have significantly more liberal sex attitudes than females (e.g., Beitz, 1995). However, when attitudes toward controversial aspects of human sexuality such as masturbation, gay/lesbian/bisexual behavior, abortion, and premarital sex are considered, the gender difference is still blurring. Gender stereotypes, which are prevalent within the worldview of many men and women, may also moderate with attitudes toward sexuality. Earlier studies (e.g., Walfish & Myerson, 1980) indicate that androgynous men and women had more positive attitudes toward sexuality than did traditional masculine or traditionally feminine subjects. Despite the importance of these variables in understanding attitudes toward different aspects of sexuality, much of the existing research on this issue focused on samples obtained in a western context. Therefore, examining the influence and interaction of these variables to sexual attitudes in Turkey where traditional values are still prevalent (Gelbal & Duyan, 2006) appears to be important.

This study was conducted at three large urban universities located in Ankara, capital of Turkey. Participants were 472 undergraduate students. At the time of data collection, no ethical approval was required for a study like this. Students voluntarily participated in the study, and their anonymity was guaranteed. A covering letter that explains the purpose of the study was enclosed with the data collection instruments. Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) (Bem, 1974) and SKAT-A Attitude Test (Fullard, Johnson, & Lief, 1998) were used to collect data. BSRI, which consists of 60 items, was used to determine the gender role orientation of the participants. Participants were asked to respond to each item, describing themselves on a scale ranging from never or almost never true (1) to always or almost always true (7). Sexual attitude was measured by use of the SKAT-A. Attitude test of SKAT-A consists of 40 items, answered on a 5-point response scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree).

The dimensionality of the SKAT-A attitude scale was analyzed by using principal components analysis. Preliminary analysis revealed six theoretically meaningful factors, and labeled as autoeroticism, abortion, homosexuality, pornography, sexual coercion, and teenage pregnancy. Data is still being analyzed. 2 (male-female) x 4 (masculine- feminine- androgynous- undifferentiated) multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) will be employed to autoeroticism, abortion, homosexuality, pornography, sexual coercion, and teenage pregnancy attitude scores. Findings will be discussed with respect to role of Turkish culture in developing attitudes toward sexuality. Implications of the findings in developing sexuality education programs for youth population and future research considerations will be presented.