Wesche, R., Vasilenko, S. A., & Lefkowitz, E. S. (2017). Latent classes of sexual behaviors: Prevalence, predictors, and consequences. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 14, 100-111.
Sexuality researchers (us included!) have increasingly acknowledged the importance of understanding how diverse patterns of sexual behaviors contribute to normative development and well-being. In this paper, we used a person centered approach, latent class analysis, to study patterns of sexual behavior from kissing to penetrative sex, and how different latent classes of behaviors, gender, and partner type predicted subsequent consequences of sexual behavior.
Latent class analysis revealed four classes of sexual behaviors: Kissing Only, Kissing and Touching, All Behaviors, and Oral and Penetrative Only. These groups differed in their consequences. Specifically, compared to individuals in the All Behaviors class, individuals in the Kissing Only class were less likely to experience a positive or a negative intrapersonal consequence of sexual behaviors. Men were less likely to report a negative intrapersonal consequence than women were. Participants in the All Behaviors class were less likely to experience a negative interpersonal consequence of sexual behaviors when they had a romantic partner than a nonromantic partner; this effect was not significant for the Kissing and Touching class and the Kissing Only class.
Sexuality researchers (us included!) have increasingly acknowledged the importance of understanding how diverse patterns of sexual behaviors contribute to normative development and well-being. In this paper, we used a person centered approach, latent class analysis, to study patterns of sexual behavior from kissing to penetrative sex, and how different latent classes of behaviors, gender, and partner type predicted subsequent consequences of sexual behavior.
Latent class analysis revealed four classes of sexual behaviors: Kissing Only, Kissing and Touching, All Behaviors, and Oral and Penetrative Only. These groups differed in their consequences. Specifically, compared to individuals in the All Behaviors class, individuals in the Kissing Only class were less likely to experience a positive or a negative intrapersonal consequence of sexual behaviors. Men were less likely to report a negative intrapersonal consequence than women were. Participants in the All Behaviors class were less likely to experience a negative interpersonal consequence of sexual behaviors when they had a romantic partner than a nonromantic partner; this effect was not significant for the Kissing and Touching class and the Kissing Only class.
In summary, patterns characterized by all sexual behaviors were especially common among students with romantic sexual partners, and partner type differentially predicted consequences of sexual behaviors across classes. Findings underscore the need to recognize variation in consequences of sexual behaviors with both romantic and nonromantic sexual partners and to further explore the role of sexual behaviors in explaining variation in emotional health outcomes associated with nonromantic sexual
partnerships.
“Latent Classes of Sexual Behaviors first appeared on Eva Lefkowitz’s blog on July 10, 2018.”
partnerships.
“Latent Classes of Sexual Behaviors first appeared on Eva Lefkowitz’s blog on July 10, 2018.”
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