Beyond the Facts: Sexuality Myth Endorsement in University Students and the General Public

Inadequate sex education and online misinformation create fertile ground for the proliferationof incorrect beliefs about sexuality. Despite their potentially harmful consequences for sexualand overall well-being, psychological research on these sexuality myths remains scarce.Varying conceptualizations of the phenomenon impede the conclusions that can be drawnfrom existing findings. We assessed the prevalence and psychological correlates of sexualitymyth endorsement, operationalized as beliefs about sexuality that stand in contrast to theexisting body of scientific evidence. To this end, we collected data from two samples (214university students and 470 members of the Austrian public). The most common myth—thatvirginity is a medical concept and characterized by a lack of penetrative sexual experiences—was endorsed by over 60% of students and over 70% of the public. Members of the publicendorsed more sexuality myths, knew fewer sexuality facts, and performed worse indiscerning sexuality myths from facts than university students. People endorsing moresexuality myths also accepted fewer sexuality facts, endorsed more myths in other domains,and had a stronger conspiracy mentality. While virtually uncorrelated with sexual satisfactionand risk behavior, sexuality myth endorsement was associated with less confident sexualcommunication and, in the public, lower life satisfaction and fewer safer sex practices.Participants demonstrated limited self-insight into their susceptibility to sexuality myths.Taken together, our findings highlight the need for psychological research on sexuality myths,the mechanisms behind them, and their consequences—research that should go beyond highlyeducated and young populations.