Sexual and Affectionate Behaviors and Satisfaction for Adults in Romantic Relationships: A Latent Profile Analysis.

Engaging in both sexual and affectionate behaviors with a romantic partner is often beneficial for adults' sexual and relationship satisfaction and promotes relationship stability. However, prior research has primarily examined either adults' sexual or affectionate behaviors, and has yet to explore patterns of sexual and affectionate behaviors and their associations with sexual and relationship satisfaction. In the current paper, we used a person-centered approach and latent profile analysis to identify specific profiles of adults' physical behaviors in same-gender and mixed-gender relationships, and examined associations of these profiles with sexual and relationship satisfaction. Adults (N = 336, 85.4% LGBTQ+; 45% women, 30% men, 38.6% gender-diverse; Mage = 29.07 years) who were currently in a committed romantic partner relationship for at least six months completed online surveys. We found that a 3-profile solution best fit the data and identified the following profiles: Infrequent Physical Behaviors, Affection-focused Behaviors, and Comprehensive Physical Behaviors. Adults in the Infrequent Physical Behaviors profile were less sexually and relationally satisfied than adults in the other profiles. Adults in the Comprehensive Physical Behaviors profile were more sexually satisfied than the two other profiles. Further, profiles did not differ for mixed-gender compared to same-gender or gender-diverse couples. Our findings have implications for understanding the diversity in adults' physical behavior patterns, including how clinicians might better support adults' sexual and relationship satisfaction.

A Latent Profile Analysis of Religious Parents' Responses to Their Sexual and Gender Diverse Child.

Prior research indicates that religious parents can have negative, positive, or ambivalent responses to their child's sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). Yet, to our knowledge no research has quantitatively examined patterns of sexual and gender diverse (SGD) youth's perceptions of their religious parents' responses to their SOGI. Without examining variations in these patterns, we are unable to better understand the experiences of SGD youth with religious parents. In the current paper, we examined patterns of SGD youth's perceptions of their religious parents' SOGI-specific rejection, acceptance, and SOGI change efforts. We also examined if these patterns differed by SGD youth's individual and contextual factors. The analytic sample consisted of online responses from 5,686 SGD youth (Mage = 15.95). We found four distinct profiles: Positive Parental Response, Moderate Negative Parental Response, Low Parental Response, and High Negative Parental Response. The largest profile was the Positive Parental Response, suggesting that many SGD youth perceived positive responses from their religious parents. SGD youth with diverse gender identities and intersecting identities, such as race/ethnicity, were more vulnerable to religious parents' negative responses. Findings have implications for existing resources and programs aimed at strengthening SGD youth's relationship with their religious parents.

"They Mostly Preached Abstinence Which Didn't Work": Young Adults' Perception of Sex-Related Messages from Caregivers Prior to Initiation of Sex.

Parental communication about sex is an important aspect of sexual socialization. However, research has primarily focused on sexual communication's presence, frequency, or topics, with less research on the specific messages parents communicate. Further, few studies have differentiated between communication received before and after youth initiated sex. Therefore, in this paper, we coded open-ended survey responses to explore the sex-related messages young adults report receiving from their caregiver(s) before they began engaging in sex. As part of a larger study, 381 U.S. young adults (Mage = 21.0 years, SD = 2.0) completed an online survey and responded to an open-ended question about messages their caregiver(s) communicated before they began engaging in sex. Participants identified as cisgender women (62.2%), cisgender men (12.1%), and gender diverse (25.7%), and were primarily lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, or otherwise non-heterosexual (LGBQ+; 70.6%) young adults. Through thematic analysis, we identified six themes for caregivers' sex-related messages: sex-restrictive, safety and consequences, no, negative, sex-positive, and informational messages. In addition, we found that messages varied by young adults' gender identity and sexual orientation. Our findings suggest that young adults may not receive proper education about healthy sexual relationships and demonstrate the need for interventions with caregivers, as well as sexual health resources for adolescents and young adults, particularly LGBTQ+ youth.

"It's an ongoing discussion about desire": Adults' strategies for managing sexual and affectionate desire discrepancies in romantic relationships.

Desire discrepancies are a common source of relationship conflict and one reason adults may seek couples counseling. Within romantic relationships, adults individually experience sexual and affectionate desire, but also experience desire relative to their partner. If desire discrepancies exist, partners may attempt to resolve these discrepancies. Thus, we examined adults' strategies for managing sexual and affectionate desire discrepancies. Our sample consisted of 300 adults (45% women; Mage = 29.5; 86.3% LGBTQ+) who were in a romantic relationship and reported a desire discrepancy. Thematic analysis revealed five strategies for managing desire discrepancies: alternative behaviors, communication, doing nothing, engaging in behaviors anyway, and giving control to a specific partner. Adults reported similar strategies for resolving sexual and affectionate desire discrepancies. Perceived effectiveness and strategies varied by whether adults thought that their discrepancies were problematic. Our findings hold implications for clinicians approaching problematic desire discrepancies, and suggest strategies that may promote effective resolutions.

Religiosity, sexual behaviors, sexual motivations, and gender: A three-year longitudinal study.

Longitudinal data are critical for examining associations of religiosity with sexual behaviors and motivations during college. We use hierarchical linear modeling on five semesters of data from a diverse sample of college students (N = 735) to examine within- and between-person associations between religious service attendance and importance of religion and sexual behaviors and motivations for and against sex and consider gender as a moderator. Between-person religiosity was associated with sexual behaviors and motivations whereas within-person religiosity was not. Students' sexual motivations co-varied across semesters with their religious service attendance and importance of religion. Our results indicated more restrictive associations between religiosity and sexual motivations for women than for men.

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 Affectionate Behaviors in Asexual and Allosexual Adults.

Prior experience with physical behaviors - both sexual and affectionate - is common among adults in romantic relationships. However, less is known about differences in physical behaviors for asexual and allosexual adults, and these differences may explain how asexual adults navigate sexuality in romantic relationships. In this study we used sexual script theory to examine asexual (n = 109; 59% women; Mage = 27.7) and allosexual adults' (n = 403; 58% women; Mage = 29.0) prior experiences with and future likelihood to engage in sexual and affectionate behaviors in romantic relationships, and how these differences vary by gender. Asexual adults had less prior experience with and were less likely to intend to engage in future physical behaviors than allosexual adults. There were some gender differences in past experience and future likelihood. Prior experience with physical behaviors was associated with expected likelihood to engage in these behaviors for allosexual and asexual adults, although the association was stronger for asexual adults. These results have implications for how asexual adults engage in physical behaviors, and how differing interest in physical behaviors may cause conflict within asexual-allosexual couples.

LGBTQ+ College Students' Relationship Satisfaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Research suggests that COVID-19-related restrictions affected individuals' ability to engage in relationship maintenance behaviors and have led to poorer romantic relationship quality. Poor relationship quality may be especially problematic for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and otherwise non-heterosexual or-cisgender (LGBTQ+) college students, who often lack family support and are at greater risk for mental health issues. We used a social exchange theory lens to examine correlates of relationship satisfaction for LGBTQ+ college students during the early months of the pandemic. The analytic sample consists of 175 LGBTQ+ students (Mage = 20.5) who completed an online survey and reported being in a romantic relationship. Our findings demonstrate that LGBTQ+ students with more supportive partners were more satisfied with their relationships. These results can inform clinicians how to better support LGBTQ+ college couples when they experience relationship stress.

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.

How social support and parent-child relationship quality relate to LGBTQ+ college students' well-being during COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted the well-being of many college students, particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ +) students who are already at a disproportionate risk for negative mental health and well-being outcomes. To identify potential risk and protective factors we examined LGBTQ + college students' disclosure of sexual orientation, gender identity, or both (SOGI) to mothers and fathers, living arrangements (whether or not students lived with mothers and fathers), social support from family and friends, and parent-child relationship quality and their association with stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and problem drinking during the pandemic. LGBTQ + college students (N = 366; Mage = 20.4) completed an online survey. Students who reported more social support from family and friends and better quality relationships with mothers or fathers had better well-being and were less likely to perceive a substantial decrease in their well-being due to the pandemic. In contrast, SOGI disclosure and whether or not students lived with mothers or fathers were generally unrelated to well-being. Findings suggest that universities should consider offering mental health resources for students living on- and off-campus, and that clinical professionals should consider strategies to help these young adults identify and maintain support systems and highlight the value of positive parent-child relationships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Changes in psychological distress after first vaginal intercourse in late adolescence.

INTRODUCTION: Although early sexual intercourse may be associated with increased depressive symptoms, little research has examined whether first intercourse in late adolescence is associated with changes in mental health. METHODS: This paper uses 3 years of longitudinal data from previously sexually abstinent late adolescent students at a large state university in the northeastern United States (N = 144, 53.5% male, M age = 18.5 years old, 47.2% White, 26.4% Asian/Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 20.1% Hispanic/Latino, 18.1% Black/African American) to examine whether levels of psychological distress changed after first intercourse. RESULTS: Students' distress decreased after first intercourse, although this effect was only significant two or more semesters after first intercourse. There were no gender differences in these associations. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest first intercourse was, on average, associated with decreased psychological distress for both male and female late adolescents.

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

Although sexual experiences are normative by young adulthood, individuals continue to explore and develop their sexual behaviors and cognitions across the college years. Thus, perceived consequences of sexual experiences may change. Similarly, characteristics of sexual experiences such as partner type, alcohol use, and sexual behavior type predict perceived consequences, and these associations may change over time. In this study, we addressed links between characteristics of sexual experiences (casual vs. committed partner, heavy alcohol use on sex days, and kissing/touching only vs. oral/penetrative sex) and short-term perceived consequences of sexual experiences (physical satisfaction, emotional intimacy, not satisfied, guilt, not ready), using daily data collected longitudinally across seven college semesters. We also examined whether perceived consequences of sex change across college and whether within-person daily associations between sexual experience characteristics and perceived consequences of sex change across college. An ethnically and racially diverse sample of traditionally aged first year university students (N = 566; 54% female; 98% heterosexual) completed online surveys, yielding 8,838 daily reports about sexual behaviors. Multilevel models indicated that partner type, heavy alcohol use, and sexual behavior type predicted within-person differences in perceived consequences of sex. Interactions between characteristics of sexual experiences and college semester indicated that differences in perceived consequences of sexual experiences with casual versus committed partners lessened over time. The likelihood of reporting physical satisfaction and guilt after only kissing/touching (but not oral/penetrative sex) decreased across college semesters. Findings inform understanding of normative sexual development by demonstrating that perceived consequences and their predictors change across time.

Does Alcohol Use in Large Group Contexts Mediate the Association Between Sex-Related Alcohol Expectancies and Rape?

Women who hold positive beliefs about alcohol's role in sexual experiences may be more likely to drink alcohol in large group contexts such as bars and parties than other women. These contexts may confer risk for rape. In the current article, we examined the association between sex-related alcohol expectancies and rape during college, and whether drinking in large group contexts mediates this association. College women completed surveys for seven consecutive semesters. Contrary to previous cross-sectional research, women with more positive sex-related alcohol expectancies at the start of college and women who drank alcohol more frequently in large groups at the start of college were no more likely to experience rape during college. Longitudinal research is critical to identify risk factors that may be targeted for prevention.

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.

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.

The role of sexual mindfulness in sexual wellbeing, Relational wellbeing, and self-esteem.

In this study we examine the role of sexual mindfulness in individuals' sexual satisfaction, relational satisfaction, and self-esteem. Midlife U.S. men and women (N = 194 married, heterosexual individuals; 50.7% female; 94% Caucasian, age range 35-60 years) completed an online survey. More sexually mindful individuals tended to have better self-esteem, be more satisfied with their relationships and, particularly for women, be more satisfied with their sex lives. Some of these associations occurred even after controlling for trait mindfulness. These findings may also allow researchers and therapists to better address an individual's sexual wellbeing, relational wellbeing, and self-esteem by teaching sexual mindfulness skills.

Changes in Diverse Sexual and Contraceptive Behaviors Across College.

Researchers have made repeated calls for a better understanding of normative sexuality development during adolescence and young adulthood. We examined how the occurrence of seven penetrative, nonpenetrative, and contraceptive behaviors changed longitudinally across seven waves, and how individual (gender) and contextual (romantic relationship status) factors related to these changes in a sample of college students (N = 730, M age = 18.4 at Semester 1; 51% female; 26% Hispanic/Latino American, 22% Black/African American, 30% Asian American/Pacific Islander, 45% White/European American). Across college, reported kissing, touching, performing and receiving oral sex, and penetrative sex rates increased, and contraception use (any type) and condom use (in particular) rates decreased, demonstrating changes with age independent of young adults' romantic relationship experiences. Rates of all sexual behaviors were higher, and of contraception use lower, when students were in serious romantic relationships. Contraception use decreased more for men than for women, particularly in semesters men were not in serious relationships. Condom use decreased for men, and for women in semesters they were in serious relationships. Findings demonstrate normative trends in sexuality development, as well as suggesting the value of enhanced sexual health promotion programming, with a particular focus on contraceptive behaviors, across college.

Sources of Social Influence on Adolescents' Alcohol Use.

The present research examines social influences on self-reported frequency of drunkenness in a longitudinal sample of 1,439 adolescents (46% female, 90% White, mean age = 14 at baseline) with social network measures from friends, romantic partners, and romantic partners' friends. We build on past research by addressing multiple mechanisms of social influence-peers' frequency of drunkenness, alcohol-related attitudes, and unstructured socializing-across relationship types. Adolescents' drunkenness frequency increased when their friends' and partners' friends' drunkenness frequency increased and when their romantic partners' positive alcohol-related attitudes increased. Furthermore, the association between unstructured socializing and frequency of drunkenness was stronger for older than younger adolescents. Results advance understanding of the social transmission of alcohol use in adolescence and inform intervention efforts.

Daily Associations Between Kissing and Affect During the Transition From Adolescence to Young Adulthood.

Kissing during late adolescence and the transition to adulthood is prevalent, relatively frequent, and distinct from many sexual behaviors in that it affords positive consequences with minimal risk. In this study, we examined within-person associations between kissing and day-to-day variation in affect. A racially/ethnically diverse sample of college students (N = 560; 54.1% female) completed up to 14 daily surveys for seven consecutive semesters. On days when students kissed, they reported more positive and less negative affect than on other days, after controlling for a number of known correlates. Findings differed at the semester- and person levels. Findings contribute to a normative developmental understanding of sexual behaviors during adolescence and the transition to adulthood.

Never Been Kissed: Correlates of Lifetime Kissing Status in U.S. University Students.

Kissing a partner occurs relatively early during adolescence. Thus, young adults who have never kissed are off-time from their peers. Substantial exploration in the areas of identity and intimacy occur during this period, and kissing may fulfill both of these functions, addressing autonomy and relatedness motives for sexual behaviors. We examined the prevalence and personal, contextual, and adjustment/health predictors of delayed onset of kissing. An ethnically and racially diverse sample of traditionally aged first year university students (N = 738; 50.7% female) completed online surveys. Only 14.2% of young adults had never kissed a partner on the lips. Compared to their peers who had kissed partners, young adults who had never kissed were more likely to be Asian-American, less likely to be in a romantic relationship, were less extraverted, were more likely to be in the Honors College, and drank alcohol less frequently. In bivariate models but not the multivariate model, young adults who had never kissed were more neurotic, had mothers who were less facilitating of independence, and had lower self-esteem. Findings inform understanding of normative sexuality development, and inform future research on normative and off-time sexual behaviors in young adulthood.