Unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a serious health and economic issue facing the US and Iowa. Public health initiatives have recommended promoting responsible sexual behavior (RSB) as a means to reduce the risk of an unplanned pregnancy and STIs. However, the concept of RSB lacks conceptual clarity. The purpose of my dissertation research is to understand how women in various contexts including college women, rural dwelling women, and the literature define responsible sexual behavior.