Sex Researchers:

Background

Cynthia Janus was an associate professor of radiology and of obstetrics and gynecology from 1988-1991 at the University of Virginia. Samuel Janus is a psychologist and was a clinical associate professor of behavioral medicine at the University of Virginia from 1988-1992.

Theory/Research

A survey of 2,765 people (1,347 men and 1,418 women) was conducted using anonymously completed questionnaires and 125 in-depth interviews. This research was done from 1988-1992. Originally 4,550 questionnaires were distributed across the country. They had a return rate of 61 percent and tried to show a typical cross-section using characteristics such as gender, age, income and education. The Januses had a team of researchers spanning the 48 contiguous states. The Janus Report resulted in a book published in 1993, The Janus Report on Sexual Behavior.

Results

The Januses offered the contemporary views on sexuality and sexual attitudes. Their questionnaire covered such diverse topics as masturbation, love, oral sex, homosexuality, premarital sex, singlehood and loneliness, extramarital affairs, sadomasochism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse. Their report showed that people over the age of 65 still had sex on a regular basis, unless they were widowed. Forty-five percent of single women and 38 percent of single men would still like to have children even without the benefits of marriage. Twenty-three percent of women and 11 percent of men reported having been sexually molested as children. Even though there was more concern about AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, there was a reported increase in sexual activity during the time period of this survey.

Commentaries

There was some question as to how representative their sample was of the general population. People who respond to sex surveys may be more liberal or permissive in their attitudes and behaviors than the general population. Their report was also called the most comprehensive study done since the Kinsey Reports.

Resources

Nevid, J. S., Fichner-Rathus, L., & Rathus, S. A. (1995). Human sexuality in a world of diversity (2nd ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Simon & Schuster.

UPI article on the Janus Report. Retrieved September 10, 2004 from http://www-2.cs.cme.edu/afs/cs/user/scotts/ftp/bulgarians/janus-report.html