Gender, Mature Appearance, Alcohol Use, and Dating as Correlates of Sexual Partner Accumulation from Ages 16–26 Years

Abstract

Adolescents had accumulated a higher number of sexual partners by age 16 years when they looked older, drank alcohol more frequently, and were more involved with dating in early to middle adolescence. Also male gender was associated with accumulation of sexual partners more rapidly between ages 16 and 26 years, and there was little indication that the accumulation of different sexual partners had begun to slow by age 26 for the average participant.

Racial-Ethnic Differences in Sexual Risk Behaviors: The Role of Substance Use

“…In this research we found support for previous research that men are often more likely to participate in sexual risk behavior, including having a greater number of sexual partners and participating in more one night stands (Elkington, Bauermeister, & Zimmerman, 2011; Zimmer-Gembeck & Collins, 2008). However, we did not find support for previous research that has found that men are less likely to use protective measures during sex (Rosenthal et al, 1999; Santelli et al, 2000).…”

Exploring Mexican American adolescent romantic relationship profiles and adjustment

“…Previous studies indicated that romantic relationship involvement was associated with lower academic performance (for girls only; Brendgen et al, 2002), greater externalizing symptoms (Hou et al, 2013), and more sexual partners (for those who had a serious relationship before age 16; Zimmer-Gembeck & Collins, 2008); however, the current study's results illustrated that these associations may be more complex further supporting the need for researchers to use person-centered analytic techniques. For example, adolescents with higher quality romantic relationships reported greater academic self-efficacy than those with both satisfactory and lower quality romantic relationships.…”

Intervention Effects on Health-Risking Sexual Behavior Among Girls in Foster Care: The Role of Placement Disruption and Tobacco and Marijuana Use

“…Research on adolescents in the general population has consistently indicated that such early initiation of sexual activity is significantly related to a higher number of different sexual partners, increased risk of STIs, and unintended pregnancy during adolescence (Bingham & Crockett, 1996; Garber, Little, Hilsman, & Weaver, 1998; Zimmer-Gembeck & Collins, 2008). In addition, health-risking sexual behaviors often lead to negative trajectories of mental health problems, school dropout, STD/HIV infections, early parenting, and dating violence, all of which further compromise opportunities for healthy adjustment in adulthood (James et al, 2009; Keller, Salazar, & Courtney, 2010; Pecora, 2010).…”