Paper Title
A Prospective Study of the Sexual, Emotional, and Behavioral Correlates Associated With Young Women’s First and Usual Coital Events
Keywords
- sexual behavior
- sexual health
- sexual initiation
- contraception
- first coitus
- young women
- virginity
- emotional correlates
- sexual interest
- love
- condom use
- hormonal contraception
- sti prevention
- pregnancy prevention
- adolescent sexuality
- romantic relationships
- sexual experiences
- protective behaviors
- sexual decision-making
- reproductive health
- public health
- sexual pleasure
- sexual development
- adolescent health
- coital events
- contraceptive behaviors
- longitudinal study
- youth relationships
- gender differences in sexuality
Article Type
Original Article
Journal
Research Impact Tools
Publication Info
Volume: 47 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 20–25
Published On
July, 2010
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Abstract
Context First coitus is considered a major transitional event imbued with cultural relevance. Research has focused on classifying women as virgins, with primary interest in pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention and less on sexuality. This study prospectively explored young women's sexual interest and love at first and subsequent coitus. Methods Daily diary data were collected during a longitudinal study of young women's sexual health (N = 387; 14–17 years at enrollment). Variables of interest included sexual interest, love, and contraceptive and disease prevention behaviors. Analysis of variance and multinomial logistic regression were utilized. Results For first coital events, love and sexual interest were reported about “half of the day,” with sexual interest significantly higher on the day of first coitus. Condom use was nine times more likely than no method at first compared to later coital events. For subsequent coitus, feeling of being in love was significantly higher compared to first coitus, with average sexual interest and love significantly higher with use of no contraceptive method over condoms. Condoms were associated with higher feelings of being in love, but lower sexual interest compared to hormonal contraception. Conclusions The results indicated that sexual interest and love are independent components of coital behavior. Yet the results also suggest that young women's first coitus does not fully capture the expected significance of ”losing one's virginity.” Thus, at first coitus, women can actively engage in protective behaviors and focus on pleasure.
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