Pathways From Individual Characteristics to Subjective Consequences of Sex: The Mediating Role of Risky Sexual Encounters

Authors

Lisa Crockett, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kristin L. Moilanen, University of Illinois-ChicagoFollow
Meredith L. Cartwright, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

ORCID IDs

Lisa J. Crockett http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5072-6190

Kristin L. Moilanen http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6904-048X

Meredith L. Cartwright http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5709-5448

Date of this Version

5-11-2023

Citation

Published in International Journal of Sexual Health 35:2 (2023), pp. 230–247

doi:10.1080/19317611.2023.2204304

Comments

Copyright © 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Used by permission.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined associations between young adults’ psychological characteristics and psychosocial consequences of sex, and whether risky sexual encounters mediated these associations.

Methods: College students (N=265; M_age=19.49) completed questionnaires concerning risky sexual relationships, behaviors, situations, and psychosocial consequences during their most recent encounter and over the last year.

Results: Sexual restraint indirectly predicted positive consequences of the most recent encounter via risky sexual behaviors. Sexual restraint and permissiveness predicted positive and negative consequences over the past year via risky relationships.

Conclusions: Psychological characteristics may influence the likelihood of risky sexual encounters, thereby influencing consequences.

Includes supplemental Table S1.