Faculty Collaboration Database

The Association Between Sexual Behavior and Affect: Moderating Factors in Young Women. J Sex Res 2019 Oct;56(8):1058-1069

Date

12/07/2018

Pubmed ID

30507324

Pubmed Central ID

PMC6546558

DOI

10.1080/00224499.2018.1542657

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85058066931 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   7 Citations

Abstract

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.

Author List

Wesche R, Walsh JL, Shepardson RL, Carey KB, Carey MP

Author

Jennifer L. Walsh PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Affect
Female
Humans
Longitudinal Studies
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Partners
Students
Universities
Young Adult