A content analysis of the sexual references in Seventeen magazine from 1993-2003

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the sexual content in Seventeen magazine. Numeric and narrative data were collected based on content categories and themes. Content categories included general topics relating to sexuality, sexual behaviors, and sexual health issues. Themes included stances towards women's sexuality and the appropriate relational context for sexual activity.The findings suggest that Seventeen continues to publish more sexually explicit materials. Furthermore, the study found the overriding theme presented in the past ten years of Seventeen was the power that young women have to make choices about their sexuality, promoting a permissive stance on sexuality.