3 Theories are derived from data. Theories are not data themselves. It is assumed
that eventually we will develop the best way to study sex, which will enable us to
understand and predict sexual behaviour. However, perhaps the different approaches
to sex can tell us something about the way we see individuals. For example, attempt-
ing to incorporate interactions between individuals into an understanding of sex may
be a better way of understanding sex, and it may also suggest that we now see
individuals as being interactive. In addition, examining the social context may also
suggest that our model of individuals is changing and we see individuals as being
social products.
FURTHER READING
➧ Abraham, C., Sheeran, P., Abrams, D., Spears, R. and Marks, D. (1991) Young
people learning about AIDS: a study of beliefs and information sources, Health
Education Research: Theory and Practice, 6: 19–29.
This paper examines the multitude of information sources used by young people
in the context of current school health education.
➧ Gallois, C., Terry, D., Timmins, P., Kashima, Y. and McCamish, M. (1994) Safe
sex intentions and behaviour among heterosexuals and homosexual men:
testing the theory of reasoned action, Psychology and Health, 10: 1–16.
This study uses the TRA to examine condom use and in particular focuses on
the relationship between intentions and actual behaviour.
➧ Holland, J., Ramazanoglu, C. and Scott, S. (1990) Managing risk and
experiencing danger: Tensions between government AIDS health education
policy and young women’s sexuality, Gender and Education, 2: 125–46.
This paper presents some of the results from the WRAP studies and examines
how young women feel about their sexuality in the context of HIV.
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