scholarly journals Liberating or debilitating? An examination of romantic relationships, sexual relationships and friendships on the Net

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1837-1850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica T. Whitty
2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Paik ◽  
Vernon Woodley

Both structural and cultural arguments suggest that extensive relationship-building behaviors are a precursor to the onset of sexual intercourse. This research develops and tests a game-theoretic signaling framework, which suggests that the association between courtship behaviors and the onset of sexual intercourse should reflect selection effects. To test this framework empirically, this research utilized the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (1994–1996) and estimated probit and recursive bivariate probit models of sexual intercourse. The results showed support for the signaling framework. Extensive use of courtship behaviors was associated with sexual intercourse, but this association reflected the effects of selectivity. However, extensive courtship was more associated with sexual intercourse when adolescents did not know one another well prior to the start of their romantic relationships. These findings suggest that selectivity associated with signaling theory can complement models of cultural influence and structural effects.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Lykens ◽  
Molly Pilloton ◽  
Cara Silva ◽  
Emma Schlamm ◽  
Kate Wilburn ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND According to a 2015 report from the Pew Research Center, nearly 24% of teens go online almost constantly and 92% of teens are accessing the internet daily; consequently, a large part of adolescent romantic exploration has moved online, where young people are turning to the Web for romantic relationship-building and sexual experience. This digital change in romantic behaviors among youth has implications for public health and sexual health programs, but little is known about the ways in which young people use online spaces for sexual exploration. An examination of youth sexual health and relationships online and the implications for adolescent health programs has yet to be fully explored. OBJECTIVE Although studies have documented increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV among young people, many programs continue to neglect online spaces as avenues for understanding sexual exploration. Little is known about the online sexual health practices of young people, including digital flirting and online dating. This study explores the current behaviors and opinions of youth throughout online sexual exploration, relationship-building, and online dating, further providing insights into youth behavior for intervention opportunities. METHODS From January through December 2016, an exploratory study titled TECHsex used a mixed-methods approach to document information-seeking behaviors and sexual health building behaviors of youth online in the United States. Data from a national quantitative survey of 1500 youth and 12 qualitative focus groups (66 youth) were triangulated to understand the experiences and desires of young people as they navigate their sexual relationships through social media, online chatting, and online dating. RESULTS Young people are using the internet to begin sexual relationships with others, including dating, online flirting, and hooking up. Despite the fact that dating sites have explicit rules against minor use, under 18 youth are using these products regardless in order to make friends and begin romantic relationships, albeit at a lower rate than their older peers (19.0% [64/336] vs 37.8% [440/1163], respectively). Nearly 70% of youth who have used online dating sites met up with someone in person (44.78% [30/67] under 18 vs 74.0% [324/438] over 18). Focus group respondents provided further context into online sexual exploration; many learned of sex through pornography, online dating profiles, or through flirting on social media. Social media played an important role in vetting potential partners and beginning romantic relationships. Youth also reported using online dating and flirting despite fears of violence or catfishing, in which online profiles are used to deceive others. CONCLUSIONS Youth are turning to online spaces to build sexual relationships, particularly in areas where access to peers is limited. Although online dating site use is somewhat high, more youth turn to social media for online dating. Sexual relationship-building included online flirting and online dating websites and/or apps. These findings have implications for future sexual health programs interested in improving the sexual health outcomes of young people. Researchers may be neglecting to include social media as potential sources of youth hookup culture and dating. We implore researchers and organizations to consider the relationships young people have with technology in order to more strategically use these platforms to create successful and youth-centered programs to improve sexual health outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S10-S11
Author(s):  
Brian M Kelter ◽  
Audrey E Wolfe ◽  
Amy Acton ◽  
Mary D Slavin ◽  
Pengsheng Ni ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction While social rehabilitation after burn injury is one of the multiple facets of recovery, there are limited data on long term social participation outcomes. The computer adaptive test LIBRE Profile was developed to examine social participation outcomes across six domains. The objective of the study is to use the LIBRE Profile to measure social integration and explore the trajectories of recovery in multiple outcome domains. Methods Preliminary data from the ongoing LIBRE Journey research study were analyzed. Demographic and clinical characteristics examined included age, gender, race, ethnicity, education level, marital status, burn size and time since injury. LIBRE Profile scores collected at baseline (time of study enrollment), 6 months, and 12 months were used to develop score trajectories for each of the six LIBRE Profile domains (Family and Friends, Social Activities, Romantic Relationships, Sexual Relationships, Social Interactions, and Work and Employment). Recovery was analyzed for time since injury from 1 year to 70 years. Linear mixed models were applied to each domain, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. Models were fit with the score trajectory and 95% confidence intervals to demonstrate change across time and the impact of the covariates. Results The study population included 343 burn survivors with mean age at injury of 45.3 years (SD 15.5) and mean burn size of 18.7% (SD 25.4). The population was 42.1% male, 83.1% white, and 91.6% non-Hispanic. With the exception of Family and Friends and Romantic Relationships, all other domain scores increased with times since injury (p< 0.001).(Example curve: Figure) Those with larger burn size scored worse in Social Activities and Work and Employment. Males demonstrated higher scores than females on Romantic Relationships and Sexual Relationships. Higher education was associated with higher scores on the Family and Friends domain; Marriage was associated with higher scores on Family and Friends, Romantic Relationships and Work and Employment domains. Conclusions Preliminary analysis of LIBRE Journey data demonstrates ability to generate trajectories of recovery for each of the six domains of social participation. Four of the six domains demonstrate evidence of improvement over time, suggesting important positive patterns of social integration occurring in the short- and long-term post injury.


2021 ◽  
pp. 99-116
Author(s):  
Spencer B. Olmstead ◽  
Kristin M. Anders

Romantic relationships and sexuality have been described as crucial developmental experiences during emerging adulthood. One key belief is that many emerging adults are delaying more traditional romantic relationships (e.g., marriage) in favor of more sexually based relationships or avoiding relationships altogether. With increased engagement in sex outside the context of committed relationships, recent research has focused more on the sexual relationships of emerging adults; however, many scholars have shown that there are a variety of diverse pathways that emerging adults take when developing romantic and sexual relationships, and these continue to be an important influence during this period. This chapter discusses current trends in both sexual and romantic relationships of emerging adults, including how these experiences are linked. It also discusses trends related to sex and commitment, stayover relationships and cohabitation, and infidelity during this period. It concludes with recommendations for future research and practice.


2009 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-43
Author(s):  
Douglas K. Symons ◽  
Alicia L. Szielasko

AbstractDel Giudice's examination of sex differences in reproductive strategy within an attachment context is well taken. Sex has been studied as behavior within romantic relationships, but attachment styles should also be reflected in strategic behavior within relationships that are sexual. This seems particularly true within adolescence, and sex differences may be better reflected as differences in correlation patterns of process variables than as main effects models.


Author(s):  
Fatemeh Esmaeel Talaie ◽  
Ahmad Borjali ◽  
Asieh Shariatmadar ◽  
Mohammad Hosswein Khavanin Zade

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to discuss the implications of the lessons from the Quran in managing the roles and relationships in couples. Methods: Using the qualitative method and applying content analysis, all verses related to couples from Quran were explored. Results: According to the results of the study, the main identified themes for the stage of marriage included romantic relationships, couples’ roles, boundaries, distribution of family management, financial relationships, sexual relationships, and conflict resolution in couples’ relationships. Conclusion: Based on the lessons from the Quran, the religious attitude can be considered a powerful tool in order to decrease marital conflicts and eventually in increasing marital satisfaction.


Author(s):  
Varda Konstam

Casual sexual relationship and experiences (CSREs) are defined by sexual encounters that take place outside of formal romantic relationships. These relationships are associated with sexual identity exploration and in keeping with the fluid and flexible pathways emerging adults are taking during this transitional period. Consistent with the ambiguity emblematic of these relationships, terminology used to describe these relationships are also ambiguous and can vary by degree of commitment, investment, and emotional closeness. Sexual double standards are evident; emerging adult women are more likely to be judged negatively for participating in CSREs. Transitions from casual relationships to more exclusive relationships and their influence on future romantic relationships are not well understood. A case study of one of the 29 participants is presented and recommendations for future research are discussed.


2020 ◽  
pp. 108705472091437
Author(s):  
Samantha M. Margherio ◽  
Elizabeth R. Capps ◽  
John W. Monopoli ◽  
Steven W. Evans ◽  
Melissa Hernandez-Rodriguez ◽  
...  

Objective: Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to (a) describe the romantic and sexual relationships of adolescents with ADHD and (b) examine how ADHD-related impairments (e.g., social skill deficits and emotion dysregulation [ED]) are associated with romantic relationship outcomes in this group. Method: Adolescents with ADHD ( N = 171; 80% male; 70% White) responded to questions about their romantic and sexual relationship experiences and ED. Parents provided ratings of ADHD symptoms, ED, and social skills. Results: Adolescents with ADHD reported high rates of romantic relationship turnover and low rates of physical intimacy. More severe self-reported ED was associated with increased likelihood of engaging in romantic relationships, having more romantic relationship partners, increased likelihood of engaging in sexual intercourse, and increased likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex. Conclusion: Early intervention programs that alter the developmental trajectory of romantic relationships among individuals with ADHD may benefit from targeting ED among these youth.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A196-A197
Author(s):  
Ryan Davidson ◽  
Kelsey Biddle ◽  
Thomas Scammell ◽  
Malik Nassan ◽  
Eric Zhou

Abstract Introduction Narcolepsy typically begins during adolescence/young adulthood – a crucial period for developing relationships. As symptoms would be expected to impact social interactions, we studied how narcolepsy impacts social, romantic, and sexual relationships in young adults. Methods Young adults (18–39 years; N=262) with a self-confirmed narcolepsy diagnosis were recruited through national narcolepsy patient organizations. Participants completed an online survey, including open-ended questions, to evaluate their social, romantic, and sexual relationships and communication with medical providers. Results Participants (mean=28.5 years old; SD=5.6) were primarily female (87%), White/Caucasian (92%), employed (75%), and had Narcolepsy Type I (56%). All participants indicated that narcolepsy made social life or entering relationships somewhat or a lot more difficult. Rates of cohabitation and marriage were comparable to nationally representative samples. On the Couples Satisfaction Index, most participants reported feeling satisfied with their romantic relationships (mean=15.8; SD=4.3). On the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, participants reported receiving greater support from their significant others (mean=4.5; SD=1.4) compared to both family (mean=3.7; SD=1.5; p<.05) and friends (mean=3.9; SD=1.4; p<.05). There was no difference between family and friends (p>.05). Eighty-percent of participants indicated that narcolepsy impacted their sex life, including experiencing cataplexy or falling asleep during sex. Few participants indicated that their providers asked about their social (31%) and sex life (10%). In contrast, 73% of participants wanted providers to ask about social life and 45% wanted providers to ask about sex life. Conclusion Narcolepsy substantially impacts social functioning in young adults. They often prioritize the development of a single, meaningful romantic relationship as their disorder makes sustaining more social relationships challenging (“I do not go out and socialize at all, but spend all my time at home nurturing my romantic relationship because it’s the most important to me”). At a time of sexual development, there are considerable implications of narcolepsy symptoms on their sexual experiences. Though many participants were interested in discussing their social, romantic, and sexual relationships with medical providers, only a small proportion of providers inquire. Effective treatment of narcolepsy in young adults should include support for the impact of the disorder on relationship health. Support (if any) Jazz Pharmaceuticals.


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