For a study, researchers sought to investigate the emotional and social cognitive drivers of diversity in sexual risk signals among adolescents in committed and non-committed partnerships. They also utilized theories of adult attachment, planned behavior, and problem behavior. For this study, data were collected from 801 teenagers residing in a southern state in the United States. About 53.6% of girls in this sample, their ages ranged from 14–20 years (M=16.25). The results demonstrated that having good sexual attitudes was connected to knowing one’s sexual partner for a more extended period; this connection was better for females, particularly those in sexual relationships that were not serious. In addition, healthy sexual attitudes were predictive of fewer sexual partners throughout adolescence, except for male adolescents in sexual unions that lacked a commitment component. Finally, insecurities regarding romantic attachment and ideas that relationships should be constrained were found to have varying links with sexual risk indicators depending on the gender and relationship status of the participants. In conclusion, the results contributed to the current understanding of the hazards linked with the sexual participation of teenagers. In addition, they provided a glimpse into the casual sexual partnerships adolescents engage in.
Source – onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jad.12073
