Emerging Adult Sexual Behavior

2021 ◽  
pp. 43-64
Author(s):  
Sara A. Vasilenko
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Emerging Adult ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Vaginal Intercourse ◽  
Considerable Variability ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Sizeable Minority

By emerging adulthood, the majority of individuals have engaged in some types of sexual behavior. However, during this period there is considerable variability and change in the prevalence of recent sexual behaviors and their relationship contexts. This chapter reviews the literature on the prevalence of multiple sexual behaviors, focusing on data from nationally representative studies where possible. Findings suggest that most emerging adults engage in behaviors such as kissing, oral sex, and vaginal intercourse during emerging adulthood, with peak prevalence of these behaviors in the late twenties or early thirties. Other behaviors, such as partnered masturbation, anal sex, and kink behaviors are also practiced by a sizeable minority of individuals. Although many individuals engage in casual sex during emerging adulthood, most instances of sexual behavior occur in relationships. Differences in sexual behavior across several subgroups are discussed, with a particular focus on gender and sexual orientation.

Digital Technologies and Sex

2020 ◽  
pp. 240-250
Author(s):  
Shane W. Kraus ◽  
Marc N. Potenza
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Adolescents And Adults

The Internet has revolutionized the way in which we consume and participate in sexual activities. Digital technologies are shaping the ways in which people interact with one another romantically and sexually. This chapter reviews some of the ways in which digital technologies are potentially shaping sexual behaviors, especially those of adolescents and young adults. Evidence suggests that technologies are facilitating increasingly more sexual activities among young people and adults, yet our understanding of these remains incomplete. The Internet has made pornography highly accessible to most individuals around the world, but the effects of frequent pornography use on individuals’ sexual beliefs and practices remain largely unknown. Sexting is also common among adolescents and adults, with some initial evidence finding that sexting was a partial mediator between problematic alcohol use and sexual hookups. More work on sexting behaviors is needed, particularly among vulnerable populations or groups at risk for exploitation. The wide use of smartphone applications designed to help users find casual sex partners are becoming more common, mirroring the increasing acceptability of having relationally uncommitted sex among young adults. More research is needed to investigate the influences of digital technologies on shaping the sexual practices of adolescents and emerging adults who may be spending increasingly more time online. Furthermore, more research is needed to examine both the potential benefits and risks associated with digital technologies that may facilitate sexual behaviors.

Moral Communities and Sex: The Religious Influence on Young Adult Sexual Behavior and Regret

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle C. Longest ◽  
Jeremy E. Uecker
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Religious Activities ◽  
Religious Influence ◽  
Moral Communities ◽  
Religious Salience ◽  
Sexual Regret ◽  
Nationally Representative

Research indicates that religiosity inhibits adolescent and young adult sexual behavior, but few studies examine how religious contexts may shape sexual behavior. When religious contexts are considered, studies rarely test multiple spheres of religious influence simultaneously. Moreover, little research examines how either individual religiosity or religious contexts shape emotional responses to sex. We analyze nationally representative, longitudinal data that allow for concurrent examination of multiple religious contexts and several measures of young adult sexual behaviors and sexual regret. The influence of religiosity on sexual behavior and regret varies within and across both the spheres and outcomes tested. Individual religious salience and close ties with parents are the most consistent deterrents to initiation of sexual intercourse and having numerous intercourse partners. Closeness to parents and participation in religious activities are associated with lower odds of sexual regret, but ties to adults in one’s religious congregation are associated with increased sexual regret.

Romantic Relationships and the Transition to Work

2021 ◽  
pp. 107-124
Author(s):  
José F. Domene ◽  
Sarah M. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Emerging Adult ◽  
Transition To Work ◽  
The World ◽  
Relationship Factors

In this chapter, the authors address intersections between romantic relationship factors and the transition to work experience. They briefly summarize the nature of romantic relationships during emerging adulthood and then review research conducted around the world, which reveals that these two aspects of a person’s life are closely intertwined during emerging adulthood. They describe the ways romantic relationship development and career development have been found to influence each other and the concerns that many emerging adults have about balancing their goals in these two areas of life. Drawing on this literature, they make several recommendations for practitioners who are assisting emerging adults to make an optimal transition to work in the context of their romantic relationships. Finally, the authors use a case study, drawn from research conducted by the first author, to illustrate how the principles discussed in this review can manifest in the lives of one emerging adult couple.

scholarly journals Self-Reported Sexual Behavioral Similarities and Differences Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men With Childhood Sexual Abuse Histories: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 155798832094935
Author(s):  
Roberta E. Emetu ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Catherine M. Sherwood-Laughlin ◽  
Alexis S. Brandt
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sex With Men

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have the highest burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a risk factor for high-risk sexual behavior and STI acquisition. Studies that have explored sexual behavior based on the type of reported sexual abuse are limited. This study aimed to further understand current sexual behaviors and perceptions among YMSM that have experienced different types of CSA. Sixteen YMSM who were survivors of CSA were interviewed utilizing a phenomenological conceptual framework and methodology. Thematic findings were divided into two parts. Part I gave an overview of the entire sample, and themes were as follows: unprotected oral sex used to evaluate penile abnormalities, trust promoting unprotected sex, and alcohol and other drugs not cited as the reason for casual sex. Part II demonstrated the differences among those with a history of CSA involving non-penile–anal intercourse and those with a history of CSA involving penile–anal intercourse. The major themes in Part II were that victims of CSA involving penile–anal intercourse reported the following: a hypersexual self-definition, an STI diagnosis and noncondom use history, and a third sexual partner during sexual activity. Based on the findings, early life experiences such as CSA should be considered when developing preventative sexual health strategies and individuals who experienced penetrative sexual abuse may have different needs which should be further explored.

The role of transitional instability, psychological distress, and dysfunctional drinking in emerging adults’ involvement in risky sex

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1097-1119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill R. Bowers ◽  
Chris Segrin ◽  
Nicholas Joyce
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Peer Acceptance ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sexual Risk Taking

The consequences of risky sexual behaviors are a serious health concern. We hypothesized that the transitional instability that occurs as a part of typical developmental changes in emerging adulthood would be positively associated with sexual risk taking. A survey of emerging adults showed that the instability–sexual risk-taking association was positive and significant as predicted. Moreover, psychological distress (depression and loneliness) and dysfunctional drinking motivations (drinking to ease emotional pain or to gain peer acceptance) moderated and intensified the association between instability and sexual risk taking. Implications for future research with instability and risk-taking behaviors in emerging adulthood are discussed.

scholarly journals The Role of Sexual Self-Control as Moderator between Sexual Desire and Premarital Sexual Behaviors

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Chindy Kencana Sari ◽  
Marselius Sampe Tondok ◽  
Darmawan Muttaqin
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Desire ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Sex Drive ◽  
Premarital Sexual ◽  
The Relationship

Sexual desire can be one of the antecedents for individual premarital sexual behavior. Otherwise, sexual self-control can prevent individuals from engaging premarital sexual behavior. This study aimed to examine the role of self-control in moderating the relationship between sexual desire and premarital sexual behavior. This study involved 209 emerging adults (18-25 years old) who were dating and not undergoing a long-distance relationship. The current study used Premarital Sexual Permissiveness measurement, dyadic sexual desire subscale from Sexual Desire Inventory-II, general sex-drive and stimulus-elicited sex-drive subscales from Perceived Sexual Control to measure premarital sexual behavior, sexual desire, and sexual self-control respectively. Results of regression analysis showed that sexual self-control did not moderate the relationship between sexual desire and kissing (∆R2 = 0.006, p > 0.05), as well as sexual desire and petting (∆R2 = 0.001, p > 0.05). However, self-control could be a moderator in the relationship between sexual desire and intercourse (∆R2 = 0.027, p < 0.01).

Emerging Adults and Substance Use Disorder Treatment

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Substance Use Disorder ◽  
Emerging Adult ◽  
Developmental Theory ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Substance Use Disorder Treatment ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Disorder Treatment

Emerging adulthood, spanning roughly between ages 18 and 29, is increasingly recognized as a unique period of development within the human lifespan. Unfortunately, the peak prevalence for substance use and related disorders occurs during emerging adulthood. At the nexus of developmental theory and clinical practice, this volume explores the idiosyncrasies associated with the assessment and treatment of substance-related disorders among emerging adults. Comprehensive coverage is provided on the developmental aspects of emerging adulthood, emerging adult–specific substance use screening, assessment, and treatment. In addition, many related special topics are addressed, including U.S. healthcare reform and the Affordable Care Act’s impact on treatment for emerging adults, treatment for aging-out foster youth with substance use disorders, collegiate recovery programs, and treatment needs of emerging adults from privileged and marginalized backgrounds. Throughout the book, readers receive research-informed, yet practical, suggestions for emerging adult substance use disorder treatment.

Failure to Grow Up, Failure to Pay? Parents’ Views of Conflict Over Money With Their Emerging Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-382
Author(s):  
Katie Lowe ◽  
Jeffrey J. Arnett
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Emerging Adult ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Financial Socialization ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Parental Concerns ◽  
Intergenerational Ambivalence ◽  
Relationship Factors

Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of emerging adulthood and intergenerational ambivalence, parental concerns about their child’s attainment of adulthood was investigated as the focal predictor of the likelihood of monetary conflict between American parents and emerging adults. A national sample of 791 parents (51% female; 73% White) of emerging adults (18-29 years old) completed surveys. Results showed that 43% of parents experienced monetary conflict with their emerging adult, and one in five were “very concerned” that their child would not attain adulthood. Additionally, the odds of monetary conflict were 3.11 times higher when parents endorsed greater concerns about attaining adulthood (e.g., might never become fully adult). This association was the strongest beyond key demographic, parental well-being, and parent–emerging adult relationship factors. Findings help illuminate the basis of monetary conflict in emerging adulthood and indicate parents’ fears of “failure to launch” may have very real consequences, suggesting implications for financial socialization.

Brief Report

2021 ◽  
pp. 295-311
Author(s):  
Angela M. Kaufman-Parks ◽  
Monica A. Longmore ◽  
Wendy D Manning ◽  
Peggy C. Giordano
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Criminal Activity ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Adolescent Relationships ◽  
Lifetime Number ◽  
Intimate Partnerships

Much prior research acknowledges that peers influence adolescents’ sexual behaviors. Yet few studies have explored whether and how peers influence sexual decision making among emerging adults, especially among those in committed intimate partnerships, while also accounting for dynamics specific to the intimate relationship and respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics. Drawing on longitudinal data from the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study, this report examined multiple aspects of peer influence on three different sexual behaviors among emerging adults: sexual non-exclusivity, number of casual sex partners, and lifetime number of sex partners. It was found that having more sexually liberal peers and peers who engaged in criminal activity significantly influenced emerging adults’ self-reported numbers of casual and lifetime sex partners, as well as the frequency of engagement in sexually non-exclusive behaviors among those in committed dating, cohabiting, and marital partnerships. This report discusses potential theoretical mechanisms linking these relationships and provides suggestions for future research.

Mother–Father Dyad Conflict Strategy Clusters: Implications for Emerging Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 319-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cliff McKinney ◽  
Courtney S. Walker ◽  
Janet W. Kwan
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Parenting Styles ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Emerging Adult ◽  
Psychological Aggression ◽  
Parental Conflict ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Harsh Discipline ◽  
Conflict Strategies

Research has examined the different parenting styles that are present during emerging adulthood; however, less is known about potential parental conflict strategies that emerging adults may be experiencing during this developmental time period. Conflict strategies are conceptualized in the current study as parents’ efforts to regulate, correct, or enforce a consequence in response to their emerging adult child’s behavior. Previous research on discipline during childhood and adolescence has suggested the use of harsh discipline (e.g., use of physical force) leads to negative outcomes for children. Despite evidence linking harsh discipline methods to harmful outcomes in various developmental periods and suggested influence of parents in emerging adulthood, very little is known about how parents handle conflict with their emerging adult children. Thus, the present study investigated parental conflict strategies and mental health outcomes of emerging adults. Results revealed a significant parent–child gender interaction for non-violent strategies and psychological aggression. Moreover, results indicated that emerging adult children of parents who utilize similar levels of aggressive methods reported greater psychological problems. The findings from the current study underscore parents’ use of conflict strategies when interacting with their emerging adult children, and further emphasize the importance of future research in this area.

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