Paper Title
The Impact of Sociosexualization and Sexual Identity Development on the Sexual Well-Being of Youth Formerly in the Foster Care System
Keywords
- sexual identity
- sexual well-being
- sexual health
- child welfare
- foster care
- foster youth
- foster care alumni
- adolescent
- young adult
- adolescent sexual development
- young adult sexual health
- sociosexualization
- sexual identity development
- sexual orientation identity
- risky sexual behaviors
- sexual abuse history
- adverse childhood experiences (aces)
- sexuality-related discussions
- foster parent communication
- peer influence
- public policy
- trauma and sexual health
- sexual identity commitment
- sexual identity exploration
- sexual identity synthesis
- sexual orientation uncertainty
- sexual health outcomes
- youth sexual education
Article Type
Original Article
Journal
Research Impact Tools
Publication Info
Volume: 66 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 439–446
Published On
April, 2020
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Abstract
Purpose Youth in the child welfare system experience disproportionate rates of negative sexual health outcomes as well as increased engagement in risky sexual behaviors. This study explored the impact of sociosexualization and sexual identity development on the sexual well-being of youth formerly in the foster care system. Methods Two hundred and nineteen youth formerly in the foster care system completed an Internet-based survey, including measures of the level of sexuality-related topics discussion, relationship quality with the individual with whom the topics were discussed, adverse childhood experiences, severity of sexual abuse history, sexual identity development, and sexual well-being. Hierarchical regressions examined the impact of youths' sociosexualization experiences and four domains of sexual identity development on their sexual well-being. Results Sexual Identity Commitment was the strongest positive predictor of youths' sexual well-being (β = .428) followed by Sexual Identity Synthesis/Integration (β = .350) and Sexual Identity Exploration (β = .169). Sexual Orientation Identity Uncertainty negatively impacted sexual well-being (β = −.235), as did adverse childhood experiences (β range = −.150 to −.178) and sexual abuse severity (β range = −.208 to −.322). Sexuality-related discussions with foster parents negatively impacted youths' sexual well-being, whereas discussions with peers were a positive predictor. Conclusion Enhancing youths' sexual identity development and reducing the impact of traumatic experience are critical to improving sexual well-being. The influence of sexuality-related discussions on sexual well-being requires further analysis as impacts varied widely. Public policies should provide guidance to professionals on what services should be provided to enhance youths' sexual development.
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