Abstract
A sample of 105 hours of network daytime soap opera programming from 1989–90 was analyzed for depictions of sexual behaviors, safe sex, and pregnancy. The content analysis indicated occurrences of sexual behaviors were slightly lower than previous studies showed. A few discussions about safe sex (prevention of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and AIDS) were found. Because these discussions of sexual health issues were not found in previous content analyses, soap opera programming may be beginning to reflect a trend toward more responsible portrayals of sexual behavior. Although most characters engaged in these activities were Caucasian, in their thirties, and not married to each other, the occurrences of married partners in these depictions were increasing.
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