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Differing relationship outcomes when sex happens before, on, or after first dates.
Brian J Willoughby1, Jason S Carroll, Dean M Busby
1a School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.
Journal of Sex Research
|November 6, 2012
Summary
Waiting to initiate sexual intimacy in unmarried relationships is linked to better relationship quality. However, early sexual initiation is associated with poorer outcomes in relationships lasting over two years.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Recent research indicates a link between sexual timing and relationship success.
- Limited studies explore this association among unmarried couples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sexual timing patterns and relationship quality in unmarried couples.
- To analyze associations with relationship satisfaction, stability, and communication.
Main Methods:
- Survey data from 10,932 individuals in unmarried romantic relationships.
- Analysis of four sexual timing patterns: pre-dating, early initiation, delayed initiation, and abstinence.
Main Results:
- Delayed sexual intimacy generally correlated with positive relationship outcomes.
- Early sexual initiation was associated with lower relationship quality, especially in relationships exceeding two years.
- Relationship length significantly moderated the impact of sexual timing on relationship outcomes.
Conclusions:
- In unmarried relationships, delaying sexual intimacy appears beneficial for relationship quality.
- The negative impact of early sexual initiation intensifies with longer relationship durations.
- Relationship length is a critical factor in understanding the effects of sexual timing.
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