DiverJe Research Project

Developmental theories and life course approaches suggest that individuals undergoing a normative transition at a delayed age compared to their peers are at increased risk of relational and health problems. While some studies reveal that late virginity, when not a personal choice, may be associated with issues such as anxiety disorders and social withdrawal, little is known about the correlates, various profiles of adult virginity, and the specific needs of these individuals in terms of health and sexuality education. Thus, this research project pursued four objectives:

1. Distinguish the various psychosexual profiles of adult virgins aged 18 to 30 and their correlates.
2. Explore the meaning attributed by emerging adults to their virginity and associated difficulties.
3. Identify the social representations of virginity in emerging adulthood and gender-specific aspects.
4. Understand the concerns expressed by virgin emerging adults on discussion forums, as well as the role these forums play in their experience of late virginity, particularly in terms of social support.

More generally, this research aimed to identify the concerns expressed by virgin emerging adults on discussion forums and the role these forums play in their experience of late virginity, especially in terms of social support. It sought to identify the needs for sexuality education and intervention for virgin emerging adults and to explore new avenues to address these needs.

This project was conducted through interviews and content analysis of virtual exchange spaces. It relied on a mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative). This research identified needs for sexuality education and intervention for virgin emerging adults and proposed avenues to address these needs.

Phase 1

Principal Researcher: Marie-Aude Boislard, Ph.D.
Co-researchers: Mylène Fernet, Ph.D., Christine Thoër, Ph.D.
Collaborator: Isabelle Boisvert, Ph.D.
Research Assistance: Carl Rodrigue, Ph.D. (candidate)
Affiliated Students: Melissa Anne Fuller, B.A., M.A. (candidate), Ashrah Lucas, Ph.D., Jessica Bény, M.A.
Coordinator: Geneviève Brodeur, M.A.
Funding: This project received financial support from the Faculty of Social Sciences at UQAM and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (Development of Knowledge)
Ethical Approval: 2016_e_1507
Project Theme: Sexual Desynchronization in Late Virgin Adults
General Objective: Better understand the links between virginity, psychosocial adaptation, and mental and sexual health.

Phase 2

Principal Researcher: Marie-Aude Boislard, Ph.D.
Co-researchers: Mylène Fernet, Ph.D., Christine Thoër, Ph.D.
Collaborator: Isabelle Boisvert, Ph.D.
Research Assistance: Carl Rodrigue, Ph.D. (candidate)
Coordinator: Geneviève Brodeur, M.A.
Ethical Certificate Number: 2016_e_1153
Funding: This project received financial support from the Faculty of Social Sciences at UQAM and the Department of Sexology (UQAM)
General Objective: Study the needs for sexuality education and intervention for late virgin adults. Content analysis of virtual exchange spaces. 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/projetdiverje/?ref=br_rs