Sex concerns center on psychology

Alex Sirney / senior photographer Junior Jared Patch takes part in the Faculty Art Exhibit by looking at James Carble's "Recycle Series #3" (background) and Mark Rooker's "There are always a few: Cufflinks and short studs" (in case). The art exhibited featured works from 19 faculty members.

Young adults are bombarded with warnings about the physical consequences of unprotected sex, but there also is a world of psychological problems that may result from "hooking up" indiscriminately.

"In life, as we meet people we need to make certain decisions," said David Onestak, the director of the counseling and student development center in Varner House. "Some people we keep on the front porch, some people are allowed in the living room, others are allowed in the kitchen — but only a select few should be taken into the bedroom. My concern is that students often bring in too many people into the bedroom, too early. "

Sexual decisions are determined by the nature of the relationship, Onestak said, as well as the nature of the people involved. "Students should look forward 24 hours before making these decisions, and examine how they will feel about what happened later on," he said. He also believes the cause for sexual promiscuity should be taken into account just as much as the effects. "Students who have issues with their security and confidence are vulnerable to begin with, and doing this feeds into the problem. It’s like a drug that allows them to mask the problem to begin with," Onestak said.

Sophomore Carolyn Bradford said, "To me, there is no specific right time to have sex … it’s when both people are equally emotionally attached to one another, and come to a mutual understanding and consent prior to the act."

Bijan Saadatmand, a child and family psychology developmentalist and professor of psychology of human intimacy, believes the frequency of college "hook ups" are related to what he calls, "the psychology of risk taking." Saadatmand explains that young adults tend to believe they are invincible. This belief affects their level of sexual self control, which leads to frequent hookups, and less understanding of the emotional danger they put themselves through.

Saadatmand believes sexual intimacy should only occur within committed relationships. However, he thinks it is normal for college students to have a reasonable level of sexual experimentation __— a decision which should be made with prudence. "Someone once said the four most important words in the English language are ‘Up to a point.’ "

Sophomore Grace Kang said, "I don’t think it is possible to have casual sex and not render emotional consequences. Sex was designed so that it should be within marriage, and with only one person."