Perceptions of the Onset 0f Sexual Experiences of Young Women

This is a phenomenological qualitative study that explored the onset of sexual experiences of young women. It examined the young women's perceptions 1) of the relationship between the onset of their first sexual experiences and exposure to emotional, social and physical risks and 2) factors that mitigate or exacerbate the onset of such risks. Feelings of regret and self image are identified and insight into the young women's lack of sexual knowledge, their exposure to risk behaviors and conflicts that many of them had with religious beliefs and their feelings of desire are addressed.