Does First Sex Really “Just Happen?” A Retrospective Exploratory Study of Sexual Debut Among American Adolescents

Authors

Lisa D. Lieberman, Montclair State University
Eva S. Goldfarb, Montclair State University
Samantha Kwiatkowski, University of North Florida
Paul Santos, Bureau of HIV Prevention and Control

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-3-2017

Abstract

First sex marks a significant transition for most adolescents, yet teens often report that it was unplanned. Seventy-four college students participated in exploratory focus groups about their first sex. Although initially asked whether their first sex was spontaneous or planned, many participants revealed evidence of forethought or anticipation, signifying a third option, anticipation. This study suggests that the development and timing of sexual health messages should build on the apparent, albeit often unacknowledged, planning and thought that accompany the transition to first sex. Specifically, during the time immediately preceding first sex, young people might be particularly open to such messages.

Publication Title

American Journal of Sexuality Education

Volume

12

Issue

3

First Page

237

Last Page

256

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/15546128.2017.1359804

ISSN

15546128

E-ISSN

15546136

Citation Information

Lieberman, Goldfarb, E. S., Kwiatkowski, S., & Santos, P. (2017). Does First Sex Really “Just Happen?” A Retrospective Exploratory Study of Sexual Debut Among American Adolescents. American Journal of Sexuality Education, 12(3), 237–256. https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2017.1359804