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

Inadequate sex education and online misinformation create fertile ground for the proliferation of incorrect beliefs about sexuality. Despite their potentially harmful consequences for sexual and overall well-being, these sexuality myths remain understudied. In two samples (214 university students and 470 members of the general public), we assessed the prevalence and psychological correlates of sexuality myth endorsement. The most common myth was endorsed by over 60% of students and over 70% of the public. People endorsing more sexuality myths accepted fewer sexuality facts, endorsed more myths in other domains, and had a stronger conspiracy mentality. While virtually uncorrelated with sexual satisfaction and risk behavior, sexuality myth endorsement was associated with less confident sexual communication and, in the general public, lower life satisfaction and fewer safer sex practices. Participants demonstrated limited self-insight into their susceptibility to sexuality myths. These findings highlight the need for psychological research on sexuality myths and their consequences.