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

Abstract

BackgroundThe 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.MethodsData 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.ResultsApproximately 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.ConclusionsThis 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.

Comportamientos sexuales riesgosos y factores asociados entre estudiantes universitarios en Barranquilla, Colombia, 2019

“…Por último, los factores y comportamientos sexuales de riesgo identificados en los universitarios, principalmente los relacionados con el sexo temprano, el género y las prácticas sexuales sin protección e impulsivas, podrían reducirse en la edad adulta, a través de intervenciones dirigidas al autocontrol y el entrenamiento mental que les permita especialmente a los adolescentes visualizar sus objetivos, identificar los posibles obstáculos para alcanzarlos y desarrollar planes para superarlos, aumentando así su capacidad de autocontrol (30) . Estas intervenciones son ideales en el contexto universitario, desde el ingreso de los estudiantes y durante toda su formación, a partir de rutas de diagnóstico y caracterización de las necesidades propias no solo académica y psicosocial, sino también en necesidades educativas en salud sexual y reproductiva; esto permitirá la generación de alertas tempranas para la prevención y control sobre los comportamientos sexuales riesgosos que impacten negativamente en la salud, bienestar y su proyecto de vida.…”

Factors Influencing Contraceptive Decision Making and Use Among Young Adolescents in Urban Lilongwe, Malawi: A Qualitative Study

“…These words meant that contraceptives are for only for married couples. There are studies that show that adolescents are usually more concerned about pregnancy than HIV infection and using terms such as pregnancy prevention could change their perception regarding contraception (3,19,23). These have implications on the delivery of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information to adolescents (22).…”

“…Studies conducted in developing and developed countries indicate that most adolescents face sexual and reproductive health problems as a result of risky sexual behaviors such as unprotected sexual intercourse (3)(4)(5). Unprotected sex put them at higher risk of getting unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections including human immunode ciency virus (HIV) (5).…”

Início da atividade sexual e sexo protegido em adolescentes

“…Early sexual experience is associated with sexually transmitted infections (STI), more sexual partners, inconsistent use of contraceptives, unwanted pregnancies and sex with risky partners. 4 The prevalence of early sexual activity in Brazil, according to a national study, was 27.5% in 2015. 5 Other conditions that lead adolescents to early sexual activity must also be considered, such as transactional sexual practices, which are structured by gender inequality and occur in a variety of contexts; in addition to situations of exploitation, violence and sexual coercion.…”