The Double Standard at Sexual Debut: Gender, Sexual Behavior and Adolescent Peer Acceptance

Associations of Implicit and Explicit Sexual Double Standard Endorsement and Sexual Assertiveness with Sexual and Interactional Competence in Emerging Adults

In this study, among emerging adults, we investigated the interrelationships of explicit and implicit measures of sexual assertiveness (SA) and sexual double standard endorsement (SDS) on the one hand, and different aspects of sexual and interactional competence (SAIC) on the other hand, using Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-PM) of cross-sectional data. Participants were 159 sexually active, heterosexual individuals in the Netherlands between 18 and 25 years. No exclusion criteria were used. The Sexual Competence and Interaction Competence in Youth and lifetime number of sexual partners were used to measure SAIC. Explicit SA was measured using the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Assertiveness, while Explicit SDS was assessed using the Scale for the Assessment of Sexual Standards in Youth. Two implicit association tests were performed to measure implicit SA and SDS. Participants accessed these computerized reaction time tasks via a secure online data collection platform. Results showed a strong association between the latent factors of sexual attitudes and SAIC. Greater SA and lower SDS were associated with a greater competence level. No gender effects were found.

Parental Sexual Socialization, Sexual Subjectivity, and Emotional Responses to Sexual Experiences among Adolescent Girls

This study explored girls' sexual subjectivity as a pathway through which parental socialization influenced their emotions about past sexual experiences. A national online survey of 397 adolescent girls (Mage = 16.8 years) from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds (33.0% Black, 25.7% Latina, 28.0% non-Hispanic White) assessed (1) parental messaging emphasizing relational, sex-positive, gendered sex role, abstinence-only, and sex-is-taboo discourses; (2) girls' sexual subjectivity including sexual body esteem, entitlement to sexual pleasure, and perceived sexual control; and (3) positive and negative emotional reactions to sexual experiences. Sexual subjectivity fully mediated the positive effect of relational messaging on positive emotional reactions and the negative effect on negative emotional reactions. Additionally, sexual subjectivity partially mediated the positive effect of gendered sex role messaging on negative emotional reactions. This study draws critical attention to placing the psychological aspects of girls' sense of their own sexuality and the emotional components of their sexual experience at the forefront of understanding the influence of parental sexual socialization on the sexual experiences of adolescent girls.

The Sexual Double Standard and Adolescent Stigma: A Sociometric and Comparative Approach

This study applied a sociometric approach to examine the traditional sexual double standard within a sample of Dutch adolescents (N = 1,175; 53.8% females; Mage = 14.75). Drawing on script theory and the key concept of social stigma, this study examined associations between self-reported sexual partnerships and three measures of peer preference: (1) received friendship nominations, (2) peer dislike nominations, and (3) perceived popularity. Results from ordinary least squares regressions support the traditional double standard, indicating that girls who report a higher number of self-reported sexual partners receive fewer friendships and more peer dislike nominations than boys reporting similar numbers of sexual partners. Sexual partnerships are positively associated with boys' and girls' perceived popularity. Using sociometric measures of peer stigma, we found evidence of a traditional sexual double standard in an adolescent sample from a liberal and gender egalitarian Western democracy, while also pointing to the potential status rewards associated with adolescent sexual behavior.

'You are looked upon as a luxury tool': Young Tanzanian women's perception of community norms supporting partner violence during transactional sex (kudanga)

This paper explores the definition of, and perceived community attitudes, toward kudanga, a Swahili street term for a type of transactional sex practised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Rooted in economic and gender disparity, transactional sex increases adolescent girls' and young women's vulnerability to HIV and gender-based violence. We sought to understand perceived community attitudes about kudanga, and how the internalisation of norms surrounding gender-based violence relate to the experiences of young women who practise kudanga. Using qualitative data from focus group discussions with 37 young women, we found that community perceptions of kudanga were largely negative, and those who engaged in it were looked down upon and despised. Violence and lack of sexual agency were normalised when doing kudanga. However, young women understood kudanga to often be their best option to obtain economic stability and felt strongly that those who practised kudanga should not be stigmatised. Our research provides further evidence that transactional sex exists on a continuum and highlights the importance of reducing community stigma surrounding transactional sex as a means of decreasing risk of HIV and gender-based violence for young women. To our knowledge, this article is the first to explore kudanga.

Romeo & Juliet Laws: Investigating UK Public Perceptions of Young Consensual Sex and the Effects of Age Gaps and Perpetrator and Respondent Gender

Public perception of regulated sexual behavior is a crucial factor in considering policy, particularly when UK sexual consent laws could criminalize the many young people who are increasingly engaging in underage sex. In contrast, other countries have progressively implemented consent age-spans to respect sexual autonomy while simultaneously protecting young people from sexual exploitation. This study investigated UK perceptions of consensual underage sex between similar-aged adolescents, with predominant focus on age-spans, as an adaptive alternative to dropping consent age. An online experimental survey of members of the UK public (n = 336) manipulated age-gaps, perpetrator gender, and respondent gender. Supporting the hypothesis, results showed more support (i.e., reduced condemnation of the situation, perpetrator, and victim) was given for sex with age gaps of up to 2 years than those larger. Gender differences were present only for age gaps of 3 and 4 years, where harsher situation and perpetrator judgments were elicited when the perpetrator was male. To our knowledge, this is the first UK-based study investigating perceptions of similar-aged consensual underage sex, and therefore forms a baseline for future research. Results are discussed in terms of acceptability of behavior and present important evidence for policymakers to consider reviewing UK consent laws in line with international legislation.

Recognize & Resist: An Online Health Intervention to Promote Writing About Sexual Consent and Egalitarian Gender Roles Among One Direction Fanfiction Writers

This paper focuses on the development and feasibility of a digitally-based educational intervention, titled Recognize & Resist (R&R), for writers of One Direction (1D) fanfiction on Wattpad.com. The goal of R&R is to reduce the prevalence of social norms that are supportive of sexual violence within 1D fanfiction. 1D fanfictions, or fictional romance stories written by fans of this British boy band, have hundreds of millions of views on Wattpad.com. Formative research has found that social norms supportive of sexual violence are prevalent in 1D fanfictions and that some authors have internalized these norms. R&R aims to motivate 1D fanfiction writers to highlight sexual consent and egalitarian gender roles in their writing. To evaluate the intervention's feasibility, 15 1D fanfiction authors completed a survey and participated in an interview or focus group. Results demonstrate R&R's feasibility, with high ratings of its acceptability and demand. Insights from the interviews and focus groups provide suggestions for revising R&R before rigorously evaluating its efficacy. Additionally, results demonstrate the utility of using popular culture as a vehicle for attitude-change regarding sensitive health issues.

Associations of Parents-Adolescent Relationship with Adolescent Sexual Risk Behaviors: A Global Analysis Based on 156,649 School-Going Adolescents from 50 Countries

Our study, examining the Global School-Based Student Health Survey data from 50 countries across four WHO regions, found boys have higher sexual exposure (33.5 vs 17.7%) and risk behaviors - early sexual initiation (55.0 vs. 40.1%), multiple partners (45.2 vs. 26.2%), and condom nonuse (29.2 vs. 26.8%) - than girls. We found that adolescents with parents who understood their problems, monitored academic and leisure-time activities, and respected privacy were less likely to be engaged in sexual activities and risk behaviors. This study highlights the importance of parental involvement and advocates for gender-specific, family-focused interventions to mitigate adolescent sexual risks.

Disciplining the disciplined: Making sense of the gender gap that lies at the core of puritanical morals

Because suppression of sex has been and is at the core of puritanical morals, a proper account thereof would need to explain why suppression of sex has been largely directed towards the human female. Not only do the authors not account for this pattern, but their general model would seem to predict the reverse - that is, greater suppression/control of the male libido.

Prevalence of sexual initiation and associated factors in school adolescents in Piauí, Brazil, 2015

OBJECTIVE

to analyze prevalence of sexual initiation and associated factors in adolescents in Piauí.

METHODS

this was a cross-sectional study, with secondary data from the 2015 National Adolescent School-based Health Survey. Hierarchical analysis was performed using robust Poisson regression.

RESULTS

a total of 3.872 adolescents were interviewed. Prevalence of sexual initiation was 24.2%; risk factors for sexual initiation were being male [prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.18; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.90;2.47], being 15 years old or over (PR = 2.49; 95%CI 2.18;2.76), living with mother (PR = 0.68; 95%CI 0.54;0.82), working (PR = 1.82; 95%CI 1.55;2.10), attending a public school (PR = 1.39; 95%CI 1.09;1.75), practicing bullying (PR = 1.50; 95%CI 1.31;1.72), using alcohol (PR = 2.35; 95%CI 2.09;2.64), using cigarettes (PR = 1.46; 95%CI 1.22;1.70) and using illicit drugs (PR = 1.40; 95%CI 1.15;1.66).

CONCLUSION

prevalence of sexual initiation was high and associated with sociodemographic characteristics and vulnerable health behaviors, indicating the need for health promotion strategies.

Factors associated with adolescents' sexual experience based on the biopsychosocial model: a cross-sectional study using the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS)

OBJECTIVES

Sexual activity is an important integrative behaviour that interacts with biological, psychological and social factors among various changes in adolescence. However, starting sex at an early age is associated with adverse outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the factors associated with adolescents' sexual experience based on the biopsychosocial model.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The participants were selceted through a complex sample design at high schools and middle schools nationwide in Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

We employed 4-year data (2017-2020) of the cross-sectional Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. In total, 234567 participants attending middle school and high school were analysed. Sexual experience was defined as having had sexual intercourse (oral, anal or vaginal) in their lifetime. To identify variables associated with adolescents' sexual experiences, we used a biopsychosocial model. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the variables associated with sexual experience.

RESULTS

3.4% of boys and 1.6% of girls attending middle school had sexual experiences, showing a significant difference. A total of 10.4% of boys and 5.1% of girls attending high school had sexual experiences (p<0.001). Among the biological factors of the biopsychosocial model, age and gender were significantly associated with sexual experiences in adolescents. Regarding the psychological factors, suicidal thoughts were a significant risk factor associated with sexual experience. Furthermore, social factors including drinking, smoking and family structure were associated with sexual experience in adolescents. Particularly, a significantly higher sexual experience was found in the three groups living with a single parent, step-parents and no parents compared with the group living with both parents in family structure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the factors associated with adolescents' sexual experience based on the biopsychosocial model. Further research and policy strategies that consider supporting family communication and mental health and preventing substance use are required to prevent adolescents' sexual health.

Positive, Negative, or Mixed Feelings? A Person-Centered Approach to Consequences of First Penile-Vaginal Intercourse in College Students

Many adolescents and young adults have mixed feelings about their experience of first vaginal intercourse, experiencing both positive consequences like physical satisfaction and love, as well as negative consequences like guilt and anxiety. However, no study has examined the patterns of consequences individuals experience after first vaginal intercourse, which can provide a more nuanced sense of young adults' feelings. We used latent class analysis to examine consequences of first vaginal intercourse in a longitudinal study of college students in the Northeastern United States (N = 191; 45.6% female, 30.9% White/European American, 23.6% Asian American/Pacific Islander, 22.5% Hispanic/Latino, 14.7% Black/African American, 8.4% multiracial). For male college students, classes included Multidimensional Positive (49.4%), Intimacy and Satisfaction (4.39%), and Guilt and Regret (16.22%). For female college students, classes included Intimacy, Satisfaction, and Pain (40.84%), Primarily Negative (31.11%), and Mixed Feelings (20.86%). For male students, age at first vaginal intercourse, first intercourse with a non-relationship partner, religiosity, and non-use of contraceptives were associated with class membership; for female students, first intercourse with a non-relationship partner was associated with being* in classes marked by multiple negative consequences. Findings differ by gender and are partially in line with the sexual double standard, but provide a more nuanced picture, with the majority of both male and female college students likely to report positive consequences, specifically intimacy and physical satisfaction.

Hookup experiences and feelings of regret: The effects of gender, college context, and hookup characteristics

Objective: To examine how specific aspects of a hookup are related to feelings of regret among college students, and how these patterns vary by gender and college context. Participants: Freshmen and sophomore men (n = 92) and women (n = 283) from a Midwestern university and community college. Methods: Participants answered questions about their most recent hookup and feelings of regret. Results: Frequency of engaging in a hookup was similar across gender and college context. Men and women were more likely to regret hookups with strangers and when alcohol was involved. Women had fewer regrets when their last hookup occurred with a partner they had also hooked up with in the past than when the hookup occurred only once with that partner. University students reported more regret when the hookup occurred with a stranger, occurred only one time, and when alcohol was used, but this was not found for community college students. Conclusions: Future research should examine hookup experiences through a developmental lens.

Social Dominance, Sexual Double Standards, and Violence Against Women in Tight and Loose Cultures

Sexual double standards are associated with adverse consequences for women, including violence. However, little research examines sexual double standards across cultures that vary in tight or loose sexuality norms. Therefore, using social dominance theory, this study examined sexual double standards and violence against women in the United States of America (U.S., a loose culture) and Pakistan (a tight culture). We hypothesized that social dominance orientation is associated with violence against women via endorsement of sexual double standards for both the U.S. and Pakistan. We recruited 315 people in total from the U.S. ( N = 169; women = 56.3%; Mage = 29 ± 5.6 years) and Pakistan ( N = 138; women = 73%; Mage = 26 ± 5.3 years). After establishing measurement invariance for our measures, we used structural equation modeling to analyze our theoretical model in two cultural settings. Multigroup path models found support for social dominance theory’s proposition that people higher on social dominance orientation justify violence against women through their endorsement of sexual double standards in both countries, above and beyond more general attitudes toward women (i.e., ambivalent sexism). We also found that the processes (i.e., social dominance and sexual double standards) supporting violence against women are similar in the two countries. A sexual double standard is found to be strong predictor of justification of violence even after controlling for gender, ambivalent sexism, and cultural tightness/looseness for both countries. Discussion focusses on a sexual double standard may be a risk factor for violence against women in different parts of the world.

Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Maryland Middle School Students

The aim of this study was to identify independent risk and protective factors associated with self-reported suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among young adolescents by examining self-report data on mental health, substance abuse, violence involvement, social and economic challenges and supports, physical health and demographics in relation to STB. Data from nearly 27,000 students who completed the 2018-19 Maryland Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey/Youth Tobacco Survey (YRBS/YTS) were used to identify independent risk and protective factors associated with STB among middle school students (grades 6–8; ages 11-14). Twenty-three percent of students reported lifetime suicidal ideation and nine percent reported lifetime attempt(s). Independent risk factors associated with STB include depression, substance abuse or misuse, violence involvement, bullying victimization at school or electronically, sexual activity, and sleep deprivation. Protective factors include having an adult outside of school to confide in and feeling that teachers care and provide encouragement. Interactive effects by gender and/or race/ethnicity were observed for some factors in relation to STB. These results suggest that evidence-based programs and policies at the universal and selective/indicated levels in school settings are needed and should be introduced earlier on to address the widespread prevalence of STB in young adolescents. Program planners should take into consideration social, cultural and language needs when implementing and developing intervention strategies.

Life skills and sexual risk behaviors among adolescents in Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey

Background

Adolescents require life skills and individual and interpersonal abilities to grow into adults with a healthy lifestyle. Although the majority of the literature indicates that life skills increase teenagers' cognitive, social, and emotional abilities, there is a lack of data correlating life skills to sexual risk behaviors.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationship between life skills and sexual risk behaviors among adolescents aged 15-19 in Bandung, Indonesia.

Methods

This study was conducted using a cross-sectional survey of 480 adolescents from April to May 2021. A representative sample was drawn from the students aged 15-19 years. The participants were selected using simple random sampling generated by computer software. Life Skill Training Questionnaire High School (LSTQ-HS) and sexual risk behaviors instruments were used for data collection, and logistic regression was used for data analysis.

Results

From a total of 480 respondents, about 23.3% had masturbation experience, 25.8% had petting experience, 8.3% had sexual intercourse, 5% had sex before 18 years of age, and 4.2% had oral sex experience. Sexual risky behaviors were associated with unfavorable refusal skill (AOR = 6.46, 95% CI = 2.37, 17.53), assertiveness skill (AOR = 3.51, 95% CI = 1.32, 4.33), problem-solving skill (AOR = 5.35, 95% CI = 2.88, 11.39), and self-control skill (AOR = 7.31, 95% CI = 2.79, 17.24).

Conclusion

Life skills are important protective aspects for those who engage in sexually risky behavior. Considering the study findings, tailored life skills programs are critical for adolescent wellbeing and risk reduction. Nurses who take a proactive role in providing sexual and reproductive health services may provide more accurate information and provide early screening and assessment for sexual and reproductive behavior to reduce risky sexual behavior among adolescents. Schools are also encouraged to work with local health departments to conduct sexual education counseling programs.

The Relationship between the Sexual Double Standard and Women's Sexual Health and Comfort

The current research explores the relationship between Sexual Double Standard (SDS) endorsement and women's sexual health and attitudes. Women (n = 705) completed an SDS endorsement scale, and then answered a variety of questions in three main categories of outcome variables: sexual comfort, sexual reputation, and sexual health. Results suggest that women's SDS endorsement was not related to women's sexual comfort. Further, SDS endorsement was slightly positively related to how concerned women were about their sexual reputation. Regarding sexual health, SDS endorsement was related to a shorter timespan since women's last OBGYN screening, and unrelated to women's discomfort discussing birth control with their OBGYN. Results suggest there is much more to explore in targeted studies on the relationship of SDS endorsement to women's perceptions of their sexual reputations and their interactions with OBGYNs with respect to the SDS. Previous and related research is discussed, along with implications of the current research.

Regional and Sex Differences in the Prevalence and Correlates of Early Sexual Initiation Among Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years in 50 Countries

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the regional and sex differences in the prevalence of early sexual initiation and its correlates among school-going adolescents in 50 countries.

METHODS

We used data from the Global School-based Health Survey from 50 countries in 2009-2015 for 124,091 adolescents (53.5% girls) aged 12-15 years. Using meta-analysis with random effects, we estimated the prevalence of early sexual initiation (i.e., having first sexual intercourse at ≤14 years) by sex, region, and country income classification. Multilevel mixed-effect logistic regressions including a random intercept for countries were used to investigate the correlates of early sexual initiation.

RESULTS

Overall, 14.2% (95% confidence interval: 12.1-16.2) of adolescents aged 12-15 years had early sexual initiation, with boys reporting much higher than girls (19.7%, 16.9-22.5 vs. 8.9%, 7.6-10.3). The prevalence of early sexual initiation was the highest in the region of the Americas (18.4%, 15.2-21.5) and the lowest in the South-east Asia region (5.3%, 2.6-8.0). Adolescents from high-income and lower middle-income countries had the highest (19.5%, 13.5-25.5) and the lowest (7.3%, 5.5-9.0) prevalence, respectively. Older age, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal ideation, being bullied, physical fight, school truancy, smoking, drinking alcohol, illicit drug use, physical activity, and being overweight were associated with higher odds of early sexual initiation, whereas female sex, parental monitoring, and peer support were protective. There was little or no evidence of heterogeneity by sex and across regions for these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial differences in the prevalence are observed by sex and across regions for early sexual initiation among adolescents, whereas its correlates remain relatively similar when examined separately by these characteristics.

Sexual Double Standards: Contributions of Sexual Socialization by Parents, Peers, and the Media

(Hetero)sexual double standards (SDS) entail that different sexual behaviors are appropriate for men and women. There is large variation in whether people endorse SDS in their expectations about the sexual behavior of women and men (i.e., SDS-norms). To explain these individual differences, we examined associations between SDS-norms of Dutch adolescents (aged 16-20 years, N = 566) and what parents, peers, and the media teach adolescents about appropriate sexual behavior of boys and girls (i.e., SDS-socialization). Adolescents completed an online survey at school. Regarding SDS-socialization, more traditional SDS-norms conveyed by the media and peers, but not of parents, and less perceived sexual activity of female peers, were associated with more traditional SDS-norms. Only for boys, exposure to sexy girls/women on social media and sexual music videos of female artists were associated with more traditional SDS-norms. Thus, SDS-socialization by peers and the media and opposite gender models (for boys) are important in light of adolescents' SDS-norms.

Conocimientos y actitudes de voluntarios de la Cruz Roja Colombiana sobre VIH y sus portadores

Objetivo Determinar el conocimiento y las actitudes de un grupo de 53 jóvenes de la Cruz Roja de la Juventud en la Seccional Valle del Cauca sobre el fenómeno social del VIH/SIDA y sus portadores.Método El diseño de la investigación se basó en la línea de desarrollo humano y construcción de ciudadanía, bajo el método cuantitativo de orden descriptivo. Para la recolección de la información, se empleó un formato de encuesta de tipo descriptivo con preguntas cerradas o de alternativa fija, compuesto por un cuestionario de 39 preguntas. Resultados Entre el 69% y 72% de los jóvenes refieren conocimiento sobre sus derechos sexuales y reproductivos; sin embargo, un porcentaje bajo, entre 26% y 39%, afirma haber recibido asesoría sobre la realización de la prueba del VIH, un porcentaje menor se la ha realizado. Conclusiones Es claro el bajo nivel de reconocimiento que tienen las instituciones y los medios de comunicación como difusores de temas en salud sexual y reproductiva. Por otro lado, a pesar del reconocimiento de sus derechos, perviven en los jóvenes mitos sobre la forma de contagio, la actitud de distanciamiento con los portadores y las conductas de riesgo en las prácticas sexuales.

Women Get Worse Sex: A Confound in the Explanation of Gender Differences in Sexuality

Gender differences in sexuality have gained considerable attention both within and outside of the scientific community. We argue that one of the main unacknowledged reasons for these differences is simply that women experience substantially worse sex than men do. Thus, in examinations of the etiology of gender differences in sexuality, a confound has largely been unacknowledged: Women and men are treated to different experiences of what is called "sexuality" and "having sex." We discuss four arenas in which women's experience of sexuality may often be worse than men's: (a) anatomical differences, (b) sexual violence, (c) stigma, and (d) masculine cultures of sexuality. Then we consider how each disparity might explain well-known gender differences in sexuality.

Relationship between childhood sexual abuse and attitudes toward premarital sexual permissiveness among middle school students in Luzhou, China

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the number of adolescents engaging in premarital sex has increased, and an increasing number of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) cases have been reported in China. Many studies have indicated that CSA has a well-established association with risky sexual activities. However, only a limited number of studies have explored possible reasons for this association among middle school students, a population that may engage in premarital sex, which is critical for the development of interventions to prevent risky sexual behavior. Based on random samples of middle school students from a Chinese city, this article investigated the relationship between CSA and students' premarital sexual permissiveness (PSP).

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study conducted between 2016 and 2017 in Luzhou, China, 2292 middle school and high school students aged 12-18 years were recruited by multistage random sampling. All students were administered anonymous questionnaires. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the relationship between CSA and PSP.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CSA was 15.4% (354/2292; 95% CI: 14-16.9%). A higher percentage of male respondents (18.2%) than female respondents (12.9%) had experienced CSA. A positive association between CSA and PSP was found among students. Respondents who had suffered CSA exhibited greater PSP, and this relationship was observed in the male sample, female sample and the total student sample in Luzhou (β = - 3.76, P < 0.05; β = - 2.79, P < 0.05; and β = - 2.84, P < 0.05, respectively). Respondents who had suffered CSA were also more likely to express a double standard about premarital sex (odds ratio [OR] =1.41, P < 0.05), especially among male students (odds ratio [OR] =1.63, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sex differences in CSA and the relationship between CSA and PSP were significant among this large sample of middle school students in Luzhou (China). The findings suggest that experiencing CSA may be closely related to youth attitudes toward premarital sex, especially among males. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the prevention of CSA and provide adolescent reproductive health programs to reduce the impact of CSA on sexual cognition and attitude, prevent premarital sex and promote positive attitudes toward sexual equality for middle school students.

Adolescent Sexual Behavior Patterns, Mental Health, and Early Life Adversities in a British Birth Cohort

This study tested adolescent sexual behavior patterns at age 14, their association with mental health at age 17 (psychological well-being, substance use, and self-harm attempts), and the influence of early life adversities upon this association. A British birth cohort (5,593 boys and 5,724 girls from the Millennium Cohort Study) was used. Latent class analysis suggested five subgroups of adolescent sexual behaviors: a "no sexual behavior" (50.74%), a "kisser" (39.92%), a "touching under clothes" (4.71%), a "genital touching" (2.64%), and an "all sexual activities" class (1.99%). Adolescents from the "kisser," "touching under clothes," "genital touching," and "all sexual activities" classes reported significantly more substance use and self-harm attempts compared to adolescents from the "no sexual behavior" group. The associations became weaker after controlling for early life adversities (reducing around 4.38% to 37.35% for boys, and 9.29% to 52.56% for girls), and reduced to a smaller degree after further controlling for mental health variables at 14. The associations between sexual behaviors and psychological well-being became non-significant after controlling for early life adversities. Adolescents who have engaged in low-intensity sexual activities at early age may have poorer reported mental health, a pattern that is stronger for girls and early life adversity may partially explain this association.

Contextualizing the Social and Educational Journeys of Adolescents within the Life Course

What happens during adolescence emerges from early in life and sets the stage for later in life. This linking function of adolescence within the life course is grounded in social, psychological, and biological development and is fundamental to the intergenerational transmission of societal inequalities. This article explores this life course phenomenon by focusing on how the social ups and downs of secondary school shape adolescents' educational trajectories, translating their backgrounds into their futures through the interplay of their personal agency with the constraints imposed by the stratified institutions they navigate. Illustrative examples include gender differences in risky behavior, racialized experiences of school discipline, immigrant youths' family relations, LGBTQ students' school safety, STEM education, adverse childhood experiences, and mindset interventions.

Gender Differences in Sexual Behaviors and Their Relevance to Mental Health among High School Students with Sexual Experience in South Korea

We explored gender differences in sexual behavior, and their relevance to mental health among high school students in South Korea. This study was based on data from the 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2018). The subjects were 2460 high school students who reported sexual experiences. Student′s t-test, ANOVA, and Rao-Scott chi-squared test were performed to identify the significance of the differences. Boys had earlier sexual debuts (Rao-Scott χ² = 53.55, p < 0.001), a lower frequency of using contraceptives (Rao-Scott χ² = 26.57, p < 0.001), and lower rates of sex education in school (Rao-Scott χ² = 11.20, p = 0.004). With respect to mental health factors, there was a difference in suicidality according to sexual risk behaviors, with a stronger association found in boys. In girls, there was an association between pregnancy experiences and suicidal ideation (Rao-Scott χ² = 9.90, p = 0.003), plans (Rao-Scott χ² = 17.25, p < 0.001), and attempts (Rao-Scott χ² = 23.11, p < 0.001). Our findings suggest differences by gender and age group in the association between sexual behavior and mental health. It is necessary to devise a sex education strategy for adolescents considering gender and early versus late adolescent development period.

Intimate Partner Sexual Violence and Mental Health Indicators Among Chinese Emerging Adults

Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) among emerging adults, including heterosexuals and sexual minorities in the Chinese population, is poorly understood. Focusing on college students, the objectives of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of IPSV among Chinese emerging adults, examine the association between sexual orientation and IPSV, and evaluate the mental health and quality of life of survivors of IPSV. Data were collected from four university campuses in Hong Kong. A total of 1,015 participants were included in the data analysis. The prevalence of IPSV as identified by Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS)-2 was 12.1%. There was no gender difference in the prevalence of IPSV. Multiple logistic regression found that being older; having experienced childhood sexual abuse and having a smoking habit; and belonging to a sexual minority were factors associated with IPSV. Multiple linear regression found that IPSV survivors were more likely to have higher levels of anxiety and depression, more severe psychosomatic symptoms, and poorer quality of life in three domains: psychological, social relationships, and environment when compared with those without IPSV experience. The documented factors underscored the importance of awareness that men and sexual minorities might incur IPSV, which should receive more attention in IPSV prevention programs. Also, interventions for IPSV survivors should be targeted at improving their mental health and quality of life and sex education should place more emphasis on sexual consent and sexual health in dating relationships.

Clinical Considerations of the Evangelical Purity Movement's Impact on Female Sexuality

Evangelical Protestant Christianity is the most prevalent religion in America, with women being the dominant practitioners. The Evangelical Purity Movement that gained prominence in the 1990s sought to provide moral and religious based sexual education through private and public policies to both Christian and non-religious youth. This movement directly stressed the concept of abstinence-only until marriage education, while covertly spreading sexual scripts promoting sexual double standards, the mind-body split, female objectification, and sexual shame. The needs and concerns of women raised in this subculture are identified and explored for clinicians unfamiliar with their context. Although the intent of this movement claims to provide moral structure, research related to the main objectives reveal that they also created a negative effect on females that result in physical, emotional, and sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction. This article provides context and articulates these concerns while calling for a significant increase in research to provide more resources for counselors and clients alike.

Links between Virginity Beliefs, Negative Feelings after Virginity Loss and Sexual Performance Anxiety in a Sample of German-Speaking Heterosexual-Identified Women and Men

Gender norms can influence women and men adopting different beliefs toward their own virginity. The current online cross-sectional questionnaire study was applied in a sample of German-speaking heterosexual-identified women (n = 536) and men (n = 181; M_age = 23.6, SD = 3.7). In men negative virginity loss experiences and sexual performance anxiety were especially prevalent when virginity loss occurred at an age that was inconsistent with men's virginity beliefs. In women age at virginity loss was not linked to virginity loss experiences or sexual performance anxiety, but the holding of virginity beliefs that deviated from gender norms was associated with those variables.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2021.1958963 .

Risky sexual behaviour among Russian adolescents: association with internalizing and externalizing symptoms

BACKGROUND

Risky sexual behaviour (RSB) is regarded as a major health problem during adolescence. Russia has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy, abortion and newly diagnosed HIV infections in the world, but research on RSB in Russian youth has been limited. To address this deficit, this study examined the role of several factors, including internalizing and externalizing symptoms, in RSB among Russian adolescents.

METHODS

Self-reported data were collected from 2573 Russian adolescents aged 13-17 years old (59.4 % girls; Mean age = 14.89) regarding RSB (unprotected sex, early pregnancy, multiple sexual partners and substance use during sexual encounters). Information was also obtained on externalizing (conduct problems and delinquent behaviour) and internalizing (depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress) symptoms, as well as interpersonal risk and protective factors (affiliation with delinquent peers, parental involvement and teacher support). Hierarchical multiple binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between these variables and RSB.

RESULTS

Boys reported engaging in more RSB than girls. Externalizing symptoms and affiliation with delinquent peers were most strongly associated with RSB, whereas symptoms of anxiety were negatively associated with RSB. There was an interaction effect for sex and affiliation with delinquent peers on RSB with boys reporting RSB when having more delinquent peers. Neither parental involvement nor teacher support were protective against RSB.

CONCLUSIONS

Early detection of and interventions for RSB and associated externalizing symptoms may be important for adolescent physical and mental wellbeing. Affiliation with delinquent peers should, especially among boys, be regarded as a risk marker for RSB.

Relating Gender to Sex: Gendered Attitudes, Sexual Double Standard, Sexual Intentions and Behaviors in two Chinese Adolescent Samples

Adolescence is a critical life stage when individuals further consolidate their gender role concepts, develop sexual beliefs, and likely begin to experiment with sexual behaviors. While there have been numerous studies on adolescents' gender role attitudes, sexual beliefs, and sexual behaviors, the bulk of this research has been based on Western samples. The current study aimed to expand our knowledge of adolescents' gender and sexuality by examining gender role attitudes, sexual beliefs, and sexual behaviors in an urban sample (n = 613) and a rural sample (n = 408) from China. Adolescent boys reported stronger identification with the negative male role, less sexual guilt, and stronger sexual intention than their female counterparts. Compared to the urban sample, adolescents in the rural sample were more likely to endorse both negative and positive male roles, hold the sexual double standard, and experience sexual guilt. Regression analyses yielded significant interaction effects between sex and negative male role on sexual guilt and sexual intention, suggesting that the negative male role was differentially associated with sexual guilt and sexual intention in boys versus in girls. Moreover, the negative male role was the only significant predictor of sexual behavior. Cultural implications of these findings were discussed.

Sexual debut and college entrance among South Korean adolescents

INTRODUCTION

For the past few decades, numerous theoretical perspectives have predicted a negative association between adolescent sexual debut and the probability of college entrance. The present article extends the literature by using nationally representative longitudinal data from South Korea to assess these perspectives.

METHODS

Drawing on longitudinal data from South Korea, this article examined the impact of becoming sexually active between 8th and 12th grades on the probability of college entrance. We controlled for a wide array of confounding variables by using logit models that account for longitudinal attrition and school-based sampling design.

RESULTS

Analytical results showed that the initiation of sexual intercourse during adolescence predicted a statistically significant decrease in the probability of college entrance for both boys and girls. Gender-specific analyses suggested that, on average, sexual debut in adolescence was associated with a decrease of 10.3 percentage points in the probability of college entrance for boys and a decrease of 14.7 percentage points for girls.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings strongly support the theoretical perspectives of age norm theory and sexual double standards in South Korea, where strictly conservative attitudes toward sexuality and sexual behaviors are dominant.

Thinking as the others do: persistence and conformity of sexual double standard among young Italians

The double standard represents a standard of good behaviour that, unfairly, some people are expected to follow or achieve, but others are not. Once neglected by social scientists, the double standard in sexual attitudes has become more and more studied. In this paper, we inquire about the existence of the double standard in opinions regarding peers’ sexual behaviours and study its determinants. What makes young people judge the sexual behaviour of women in a more conservative way than that of men? The paper uses data collected from Italian university students, who are asked to express their (dis)approval of a series of sexual behaviours, considering peers of either gender participating in those behaviours. The results show that the double standard exists and has been persistent amid Italian undergraduate students over the last 20 years, and that the cultural context matters more than the family in shaping students’ beliefs.

Catching up! The sexual behaviour and opinions of Italian students (2000–2017)

While sexuality has radically changed across middle–high-income societies in recent years, only outdated studies are available for Italy. We aim to provide novel insights into the sexual behaviour and opinions of young Italians diachronically and through a gendered lens. Our analysis compares the results of two national samples of university students collected in 2000 and 2017. The sexual behaviour and opinions of young men and women seem to be converging in several respects. We observed a feminisation of male opinions and behaviour within couples, which is to say that men are more likely to experience first intercourse with a young woman of roughly the same age while in a stable relationship, and betray—or accept betrayal—with less frequency and willingness than in the past. Similarly, we found a masculinisation of female opinions and behaviour outside of stable relationships, for example, an increase in occasional partners, a net drop in the expectation that other women hold virgin status before marriage, and a doubling of the acceptance of casual sex. A few gender differences remain, especially concerning sexual double standards: young men and women are still subject to diverse rules guiding their sexual behaviour. Finally, acceptance of homosexuality has risen substantially—particularly among women.

The concept of virginity from the perspective of Iranian adolescents: a qualitative study

Background

Premarital sex can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in adolescents, and lack of premarital sex can be considered as a reliable policy for STD prevention, which is used by some countries such as Iran. Since the success of this policy is related to the concept of virginity, the present study was conducted to determine the concept of virginity from the perspective of Iranian adolescents.

Methods

In this qualitative study with phenomenological approach, the research team visited public places, including parks and coffee shops, and interviewed a number of 15–19-year-old adolescents. The data were collected using in-depth interviews with semi-structured questions and analysed using thematic analysis method.

Results

Several themes, including virginity as the lack of emotional relationship with the opposite sex, lack of physical contact, nonpenetrative relationship, virginity as a myth, virginity as a commitment, having an intact hymen, and not knowing the meaning of virginity, were extracted from the data.

Conclusion

The most reliable policy on STD prevention is the lack of premarital sex. The success of this policy is related to the concept of virginity. The findings of this study showed that the participants did not consider physical contact as the breach of virginity. This may indicate that the policy of not having sex before marriage or lack of premarital sex is not enough and Iranian adolescents are at risk of STDs. Therefore, policymakers must take steps towards modifying the concept of virginity in the adolescents’ value system and provide and implement educational programs on sexual health for adolescents.

Fraternity Membership, Traditional Masculinity Ideologies, and Impersonal Sex: Selection and Socialization Effects

Fraternity culture perpetuates traditional masculinity ideologies, but little research has considered the process by which men internalize these ideologies. Men may select into fraternities based on preexisting ideologies, or fraternities may have a socializing effect on ideologies. We used two longitudinal datasets to explore selection and socialization effects of fraternity membership on masculinity ideologies (gendered beliefs, gendered traits, and sexual double standard beliefs) and impersonal sex (sexual motives and multiple sex partners) among ethnically and racially diverse college men. Using dataset one (n = 166, M = 18.0 years old fall of first year), we explored the selection and socialization effects of fraternity membership on male role norms, masculine traits, and endorsement of the sexual double standard. Men who more strongly endorsed male role norms about status and the sexual double standard were more likely to join fraternities than other men, indicating selection effects. Using dataset two (n = 256, M = 18.5 years old fall of first year), we explored selection and socialization effects of fraternity membership on sex motives and multiple sex partners. We did not find much evidence for selection or socialization effects on sex motives and multiple sex partners. Our findings may inform intervention efforts for men before and during college.

He is a Stud, She is a Slut! A Meta-Analysis on the Continued Existence of Sexual Double Standards

(Hetero)sexual double standards (SDS) entail that different sexual behaviors are appropriate for men and women. This meta-analysis (k = 99; N = 123,343) tested predictions of evolutionary and biosocial theories regarding the existence of SDS in social cognitions. Databases were searched for studies examining attitudes or stereotypes regarding the sexual behaviors of men versus women. Studies assessing differences in evaluations, or expectations, of men’s and women’s sexual behavior yielded evidence for traditional SDS (d = 0.25). For men, frequent sexual activity was more expected, and evaluated more positively, than for women. Studies using Likert-type-scale questionnaires did not yield evidence of SDS (combined M = −0.09). Effects were moderated by level of gender equality in the country in which the study was conducted, SDS-operationalization (attitudes vs. stereotypes), questionnaire type, and sexual behavior type. Results are consistent with a hybrid model incorporating both evolutionary and sociocultural factors contributing to SDS.

Early sexual debut and risky sex in young adults: the role of low self-control

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of low self-control as a mediator or moderator between early age at sexual debut and risky sexual behavior in young adulthood.

METHODS

Data on 5734 male and female Add Health participants were used. Self-control (waves 1 & 3), age at sexual debut (wave 3) and risky sexual behavior (wave 4) were used in a structural equation modeling framework to assess the relationships of interest.

RESULTS

Approximately 17% of respondents were < 15 years at first sexual intercourse. Among females only, both early age at first intercourse (Parent-report: z = 5.08, p < .001; Self-report: z = 2.05, p < .05) and low self-control at wave 3 (Parent-report: z = 2.30, p < .05; Self-report: z = 2.31, p < .05) mediated the relationship between low self-control at wave 1 and risky sexual behaviors in young adulthood. Similarly in the male-only model, both early age at first intercourse (Parent-report: z = 2.92, p < .01; Self-report: z = 3.04, p < .01) and low self-control at wave 3 (Parent-report: z = 1.99, p < .05; Self-report: z = 3.15, p < .01) mediated the relationship between low self-control and risky sexual behaviors in young adulthood. There was evidence of moderation in the male-only model (- 0.26, p < .01), such that lower impulsivity strengthened the relationship between early sex and risky sex.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the role of executive functions in sexual behaviors and suggests that interventions aimed at improving self-control may be beneficial in reducing risky sexual behavior.

Engage In or Refrain From? A Qualitative Exploration of Premarital Sexual Relations Among Female College Students in Tehran

This study explored the factors that educated young Iranian women consider when they decide whether to have premarital sex. Using a purposive sampling method, 30 in-depth interviews were conducted with female college students in both government and private universities in Tehran in 2005-2006. The respondents included unmarried women who had experienced sexual relations, unmarried women who had abstained, and married women. Young women's considerations for premarital sex included (1) marriage meaning and motivations; (2) compliance with family values and expectations; (3) perceived gender and social norms of premarital sex; (4) importance of religiosity; and (5) sexual knowledge and self-efficacy. Marriage meaning and motivation seem to be the central pillar in the complex decision to engage in or refrain from premarital sex among female college students. These considerations have theoretical implications for understanding premarital relationships and sex in a conservative setting. Finally, some shifts are occurring in the meaning of marriage and sexual mores among educated young women in Iran; these changes are discussed.

Teen Girls' Reproductive Attitudes and the Timing and Sequencing of Sexual Behaviors

PURPOSE

Teen girls consider not only health outcomes, such as pregnancy or contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but also social outcomes, such as guilt or embarrassment, when making decisions about sexual behaviors.

METHODS

Following a sample of female virgins aged 15-18 years from wave I through wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 2,376), we tested whether adolescent girls' attitudes toward sex, contraception, pregnancy, and STIs influence the timing of coital debut, using discrete time event history logistic regression, and whether oral sex precedes coital debut, using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Concerns about negative social consequences of sex were associated with later coital debut (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=.79, p = .000), whereas perceived physical benefits of sex and positive attitudes toward contraception were associated with earlier coital debut (AOR = 1.09, p = .049 and AOR = 1.17, p = .002, respectively). Worries about pregnancy were not associated with the timing of coital debut but did predict having oral sex before vaginal sex (AOR = 1.33, p = .007). Favorable birth control attitudes and positive attitudes toward sex also increased the odds of oral sex before vaginal sex (AOR = 1.38, p = .008 and AOR = 1.47, p = .000, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Teen girls' worries about the emotional and social consequences of sex may be a more salient predictor of the timing of coital debut than concerns about the risk of pregnancy or STIs. Teen girls' fears coexist with positive views about sex and contraception, which are associated with earlier sex and sexual sequencing.

The Association Between Sexual Behavior and Affect: Moderating Factors in Young Women

Sexual behavior is associated with increased positive affect and decreased negative affect. However, contextual variables such as partner type, behavior type, and condom use may moderate these associations. The goal of the present research was to examine these contextual moderators using monthly longitudinal data from a sample of young women. Female first-year college students (N = 477) completed monthly assessments of their sexual behaviors and positive and negative affect. Participants reported more negative affect in months in which they engaged in sexual behavior compared to months in which they did not. This association was moderated by partner type, such that only sexual behavior with casual partners was associated with increased negative affect. Participants reported more positive affect during months with kissing/touching only compared to months without sexual behavior; however, this association did not differ significantly from the association between oral/vaginal sex and positive affect. Condom use did not moderate the association between vaginal sex and positive or negative affect. In this sample of young women transitioning to college, engaging in sexual behavior was generally associated with negative affect; however, changes in affect depended on partner type and sexual behaviors. Findings have implications for sexual health education.

Why Do Older Adults Have Sex? Approach and Avoidance Sexual Motives Among Older Women and Men

Although many older adults reportedly maintain an active sex life, limited research has focused on the reasons they engage in sex. The present study identified and described sexual motives in the second half of life reported by 47 older adults. Twenty-four men (51%) and 23 women (49%) aged 60-91 (M = 66, SD = 8.1) were interviewed. In-depth interviews were thematically analyzed using the theory of motivational approach-avoidance and personal-interpersonal motivational framework. Five main themes were identified: (a) to maintain overall functioning, (b) to feel young again, (c) to feel attractive and desirable, (d) from lust to love, and (e) from "getting sex" to "giving sex." Investigating sexual motives in the second half of life can improve the understanding of older adults' sexual behavior, function, and satisfaction.

Support of adolescents to resist peer pressure and coercion to sexual activity

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore and describe how peer pressure and coercion to sexual activity manifested among adolescents in a district in South African and how primary healthcare nurses could support them to resist it.

BACKGROUND

When adolescents engage in early sexual activity, unplanned pregnancies and sexual transmitted infections become health threats. Notwithstanding the governmental health promotion programmes to improve the sexual health of the youth in South Africa, adolescents are still having unprotected sex and even multiple sex partners.

METHODS

A constructivist grounded theory study was done. The initial sample consisted of 10 adolescents and nine professional nurses who were selected from six primary healthcare clinics in the identified district. Constant comparative data collection and analysis were done to identify the initial codes that were theoretically saturated through another round of data collection and analysis involving five participants (four professional nurses and one health educator).

FINDINGS

The findings of the study refer to the definition of peer pressure and coercion and the relationship between professional nurses and adolescents. Ways to optimize the relationship in order for nurses to substitute for parental shortcomings in guiding adolescents towards responsible sexual behaviour and to address the adolescents' vulnerability regarding peer pressure were identified.

CONCLUSION

Challenging adolescent-nurse interaction incidents were identified that warranted different approaches to build on existing initiatives to improve adolescent-friendly health services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND POLICY

Primary healthcare nurses should perform complementary roles to substitute for parents who do not have the skills to guide their adolescent children towards responsible sexual behaviour. Programmes need to be developed to enable nurses to optimize their relationships with adolescents and to deliver services through mobile healthcare units to adolescents where they regular socialize. Management should provide budgets for nurses to use multimedia to interact with adolescents.

Peer Acceptance and Sexual Behaviors from Adolescence to Young Adulthood

Well-liked adolescents are more likely than their peers to engage in sexual behaviors, which may place them at higher risk of negative outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. Yet, little is known regarding whether peer acceptance in adolescence predicts sexual outcomes in young adulthood. Understanding developmental links between peer acceptance and sexual outcomes will inform theories of how peers affect health and can help identify targets for health promotion efforts. Using longitudinal sociometric data from 1878 participants in the PROSPER study (54% female, 82% White, mean age = 11.79 at baseline), the present research examined the association of adolescent peer acceptance, reported annually from grades 6-11, with adolescent and young adult sexual outcomes. Well-liked adolescents were more likely to have sexual intercourse by age 16. At age 19, well-liked individuals were more likely to have had sexual intercourse but were less likely to be diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. For boys but not girls, peer acceptance was linked to having more past year sexual partners in young adulthood. Adolescent peer acceptance was not associated with other young adult sexual outcomes, such as sex without a condom or casual sex. Overall, well-liked adolescents demonstrated healthy sexual development into young adulthood, despite a higher likelihood of sexual initiation early in adolescence. Findings demonstrate the importance of peer acceptance for healthy development into young adulthood and suggest that well-liked adolescents may be appropriate targets for peer-led sexual health education programs.