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

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender
• qualitative methods
• romantic relationships
• sexual debut
• sexuality

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of Amanda Figueras, MA, Amber Turner, MPH, Kimberly Feliciano, BS, Laura Scholey, BS, and Alejandra Kaplan, BS, in the preparation of this manuscript; and Dr. Marie Cascarano, Director, MSU Health Promotion, for her assistance in planning and recruitment for this study.

Notes

1 Research methods and procedures, including focus group scripts, recruitment materials, incentive and consent processes were approved by the university's IRB.