Associations Between Sexual Behavior, Sexual Attitudes, and Marital Horizons During Emerging Adulthood

Keywords

Sexual behavior Marriage Cohabitation Attitudes Emerging adulthood

Abstract

Using a sample of 1,134 emerging adults, this study explores how the importance place on marriage, ideal marital timing, and criteria for marriage readiness varies by sexual experience. Sexual experience groups were created using cluster analysis techniques that incorporated both sexual behaviors and attitudes. Results from this study indicate that high rates of sexual experience were related to an increased personal belief that marriage is an important goal and a belief that being single holds more advantages over being married. Emerging adults with high rates of sexual experience were also more likely to believe that sexual experience and cohabitation are important criteria for marriage readiness.

Original Publication Citation

Willoughby, B. J. (2012). Associations between sexual behavior, sexual attitudes and marital horizons during emerging adulthood. Journal of Adult Development, 19, 100-110.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2011-12-20

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7879

Publisher

Journal of Adult Development

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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