Teens and Young Men on Sex, Relationships, and Sexual Behavior

1. Teens and Young Men on Sex, Relationships, and Sexual Behavior A brief update on current research

2. What do young men think about sex, relationships, and love? • Key findings from the National Campaign survey “That’s what he Said” • 2008 survey-1,200 boys and men age 15-22 • Survey invitations were nationally dispersed consistent with U.S. Census figures in order to ensure a representative geographic mix. • African American and Hispanic respondents each comprised about 13% of the sample. Asian Americans-6% .

3. Relationships are more important than—and even preferable to—sex. An overwhelming majority of respondents put relationships ahead of sex.

4. Guys feel pressure to have sex—and from many different sources.

5. Guys have a lot to say about respect, relief, and regret.

6. What they don’t know about preventing pregnancy could get them into trouble, especially because they think they know it all.

7. Guys often talk a good game when it comes to responsibility, but many are risk-takers too.

8. There’s lots of lying about sex.

9. Girls have more influence than they may think, and guys are waiting for them to speak up.

10. Parents can play an important role.

11. A couple of other tidbits… • Guys are just as likely to say that pornography influences their attitudes and decisions about sex as they are to cite sex education. • Seven out of ten (71%) guys ages 15-22 say that a girl who has “sexted” (e.g. sent/posted nude or semi-nude images of herself electronically) is not girlfriend material. • 61% of guys would rather have sex with someone who is “super hot” than with someone who is “smart and funny.” • But 78% would rather be in a relationship with someone who is smart and funny than someone who is super hot.

12. The full study including methodology and results by question can be found here: http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/pubs/ThatsWhatHeSaid.pdf

13. National Study of Sexual Behavior • The National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior (NSSHB), conducted by researchers from the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University’s School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, is one of the most comprehensive studies on these topics in almost two decades.  • It includes the sexual experiences and condom-use behaviors of 5,865 adolescents and adults ages 14 to 94. • 2,522 adult men surveyed

14. Sexual Behaviors and Condom Use at Last Vaginal Intercourse-Adolescents 14-17 • Male-(N=414) Female-(N=406) • 2,172 parents/guardians reviewed the study and instrument and 62% gave consent (N=1,347) • 820 participated

15. Findings • Prevalence of recent solo masturbation (last 90 days) is high (43% of males and 37% of females) even among 14 year olds • Rates of recent oral sex rise each year from 14 on • Across all age groups, 20.5% of males and 22.6% of females reported lifetime penile vaginal sexual experience

16. For males, these proportions (penile-vaginal) change sharply between ages 14 (2.2%) and 15 (17.3%) and between age 16(20.4%) to 17 (40%). • Rates of lifetime anal intercourse were low-Males (4.7%) and Females (5.5%)

17. 26% of young men reported at least one partnered sexual event in the last year • Condom use was reported for 80.4% of penile vaginal events and remained high even if other behaviors were reported • 48.9% of males reported receiving oral sex from a partner who was not their girlfriend/boyfriend

18. Alcohol was associated with 8.8% of penile vaginal events • Marijuana was associated with 16.6% events.

19. The 9 papers from the National Study are published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine and are available for free download here… http://www.nationalsexstudy.indiana.edu/