Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Author Spotlight: Understanding Adolescent Social Adversity Effects on Neurodevelopment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
Adolescents' emotions prior to sexual activity and associations with sexual risk factors
Christopher Houck1, Rebecca Swenson, Geri Donenberg
1Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, One Hoppin Street, Suite 204, Providence, RI, 02903, USA, chouck@lifespan.org.
Abstract:
The present study examined the link between the emotional context of sexual situations and sexual risk, specifically by examining the relationship of teens' recall of their affective states prior to sex with their sexual risk behaviors and attitudes. Adolescents (ages 13-19) attending therapeutic schools due to emotional and behavioral difficulties (n = 247) completed audio computer-assisted self-interviews regarding sexual behavior, including ratings of their emotions prior to last sexual activity. Positive emotions were most commonly endorsed (43-57 % of participants), however, significant proportions (8-23 %) also endorsed negative emotions prior to last sex. Both positive and negative emotions were significantly related to risk attitudes and behavior in regression analyses. The affective contexts of sexual experiences may be important predictors of risk in adolescence.
More Related Videos
13:08Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia
Published on: December 2, 2015
08:33A Cross-Disciplinary and Multi-Modal Experimental Design for Studying Near-Real-Time Authentic Examination Experiences
Published on: September 4, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Emerging Adulthood