The Relationship Context for Sexual Activity and its Associations with Romantic
Cognitions among Emerging Adults
#MMPMID27242952
Collibee C
; Furman W
Emerg Adulthood
2016[Apr]; 4
(2
): 71-81
PMID27242952
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Few studies have examined the associations of sexual activity with romantic
cognitions, particularly longitudinally. We used a multi-analytic approach to
examine the longitudinal, between-person, and within-person associations between
sexual activity and romantic cognitions. We distinguished among sexual activity
with four different types of partners-romantic partners, friends, acquaintances,
and friends with benefits. An ethnically/racially representative sample of 185
participants (94 males & 91 females) completed questionnaires when they were 2.5,
4, and 5.5 years out of high school. Frequent sexual activity with a romantic
partner was associated with positive romantic cognitions, including less avoidant
and anxious relational styles, greater romantic life satisfaction, and romantic
appeal. Frequent sexual activity with various nonromantic partners was often
associated with more negative romantic cognitions, including avoidant styles,
lower romantic life satisfaction, and lower romantic appeal. Few longitudinal
effects were found. Findings contribute to a developmental task theory
concepualization of sexual behavior.
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