Longitudinal Associations Between Early Noncoital Sexual and Romantic Behaviors and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms

Research has linked early intercourse and romantic relationships to increased depressive symptoms, especially for female adolescents. However, less is known about the ways in which early noncoital sexual behaviors are associated with mental health. Thus, this study examined whether early kissing, sexual touching, and romantic relationships were associated with depressive symptoms, and whether these associations differed for male, female, and nonbinary adolescents.

Data were from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study (N = 11,868; 48.4% male, 45.6% female; 6.0% nonbinary). Regression analyses assessed whether adolescents who engaged in kissing, touching, and had a romantic relationship at Y2 (11-12) had higher depressive symptoms at Y3 (12-13), controlling for prior depressive symptoms.

Kissing and touching, but not having a romantic relationship, were associated with an increase in depressive symptoms. The association for touching was stronger for nonbinary compared with male adolescents.

Early noncoital sexual behaviors, but not romantic relationships, are associated with an increase in depressive symptoms for adolescents of all genders, with stronger associations for nonbinary adolescents. Findings suggest the importance of focusing on noncoital behaviors in sexuality education programs and providing supports for nonbinary adolescents.