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

Lisa J Crockett; Kristin L Moilanen; Meredith L Cartwright

doi:10.1080/19317611.2023.2204304

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

Int J Sex Health. 2023 May 11;35(2):230-247. doi: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2204304. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Lisa J Crockett¹, Kristin L Moilanen², Meredith L Cartwright¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska.
² Child Development and Family Studies, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.

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.

Keywords: Sexual risk; consequences of sex; sexual attitudes; sexual restraint; young adults.

Grants and funding

This research was supported by a grant from the Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Consortium at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to the first author and by funding from West Virginia University to the second author.