Mechanisms Linking Self-Regulation and Sexual Behaviors in Never-Married Young Adults |
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Authors: | Kristin L Moilanen Mary Lynn Manuel |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Learning Sciences and Human Development, West Virginia University;2. Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Counseling Psychology, West Virginia University |
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Abstract: | Little is known about specific mechanisms linking self-regulation to sexual risk taking. The present study considered four possibilities in emerging adulthood: sexual self-restraint, consideration of future consequences, substance use, and romantic competence. Never-married young adults (N = 274), ages 18 to 24, responded to anonymous Internet surveys (60.2% female, 78.8% European American, 66.3% university students). The effects of self-regulation were primarily indirect but varied by sexual behavior, suggesting that high self-regulation limits sexual risk via high sexual self-restraint and low substance use. High regulation was linked to multiple sexual partners and high-risk practices risk via high romantic competence, high self-regulation was linked to multiple sexual partners and high risk practices. |
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