Short-Term Consequences of Sex: Contextual Predictors and Change Across College

Beyond the Morning After: Measuring Positive and Negative Psychosocial Consequences of Sexual Encounters in Early Adulthood

This study evaluated the validity of a revised measure of positive and negative psychosocial consequences of partnered sexual behaviors (Vasilenko et al., 2012) in a sample of 254 college students (85% women; 88% European American) aged 18-22 years (M = 19.48, SD = 1.22). Confirmatory factor analysis of a broad array of psychosocial consequences (e.g., feelings of satisfaction, emotional intimacy) indicated two subscales corresponding to positive and negative consequences. These factors demonstrated acceptable short-term stability, as well as construct validity in relation to several measures of sexual health and contextual factors (e.g., type of partner) that are logically related to psychosocial consequences of sex. The results suggest that this modified measure is sufficiently reliable and valid as an assessment of common consequences of sexual encounters. The findings also provide novel information on the individual, situational, and relational correlates of positive and negative consequences.

Pathways From Individual Characteristics to Subjective Consequences of Sex: The Mediating Role of Risky Sexual Encounters

Objectives: This study examined associations between young adults' psychological characteristics and psychosocial consequences of sex, and whether risky sexual encounters mediated these associations. Methods: College students (N = 265; Mage = 19.49) completed questionnaires concerning risky sexual relationships, behaviors, situations, and psychosocial consequences during their most recent encounter and over the last year. Results: Sexual restraint indirectly predicted positive consequences of the most recent encounter via risky sexual behaviors. Sexual restraint and permissiveness predicted positive and negative consequences over the past year via risky relationships. Conclusions: Psychological characteristics may influence the likelihood of risky sexual encounters, thereby influencing consequences.

Does Sex Improve With Experience?: A Latent Transition Analysis of College Students' Penile-Vaginal Sex-related Consequences

Sex researchers have primarily focused on first penile-vaginal sex and negative consequences. However, because sexual behaviors and attitudes change with age, sex-related consequences may also change. In this study, 275 college students reported on penile-vaginal sex-related consequences the prior day in 733 daily diaries across two or more semesters. Participants were primarily female (63%) and heterosexual (98%). The sample was racially and ethnically diverse, with 30% identifying as Hispanic and, of the non-Hispanic participants, 35% White, 24% Black/African American, 20% Asian-American/Alaskan Native, 2% American Indian, and 2% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. During their first semester, participants were, on average, 18.4 years old (SD = 0.4). Latent class analysis identified three classes: High Positive (56%), Intimacy and Satisfaction Only (34%), and Moderate Positive With Health Concerns (10%). Over time, students were likely to transition out of the Moderate Positive With Health Concerns and High Positive classes, and into the Intimacy and Satisfaction Only class. The findings suggest that discussing protection from health concerns and positive aspects of sexuality may lead to better student engagement in safe sex programming.

Sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours: higher education students' perceptions

OBJECTIVE

to understand higher education students' perceptions of sexual and reproductive health risk behaviours.

METHODS

a descriptive study following a qualitative approach was conducted, using Pender's Health Promotion Model as a theoretical and methodological framework. A thematic analysis of the data obtained from different focus groups was performed.

RESULTS

participants consider that factors such as communication with their sexual partner, the ability to negotiate and a positive attitude regarding condoms are positive aspects that will encourage consistent use of condom. The embarrassment felt at the time of purchase, the reduction of sexual pleasure and the growing stability of the relationship are usually seen as barriers.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

the study was crucial to identify some strategies that will be considered in further health promotion programmes, namely peer education, and will help promote personal and social skills and the (re)organisation of healthcare services.

Comportamentos de risco para a saúde sexual e reprodutiva: perceções dos estudantes do ensino superior

RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer as perceções dos estudantes do ensino superior sobre comportamentos de risco sexual e reprodutivo. Métodos: estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, usando como referencial teórico-metodológico o Modelo de Promoção da Saúde de Pender. Foi realizada uma análise temática dos dados obtidos através dos grupos focais. Resultados: os participantes consideram que fatores como a comunicação com o parceiro sexual, a capacidade de negociação e uma atitude positiva face ao uso do preservativo poderão constituir benefícios para uma utilização consistente do preservativo. Já o embaraço para comprar o preservativo, a alegada redução do prazer e a estabilidade da relação amorosa são entendidos como barreiras a esse uso consistente. Considerações finais: foram identificadas estratégias a considerar na criação de programas de promoção da saúde sexual, nomeadamente a educação pelos pares para promover competências pessoais e sociais e a (re)organização dos serviços de saúde.