Relationship quality and comfort talking about sex as predictors of sexual health among young women

Abstract

Dating relationships of young adults have gained increased attention in recent years. However, the relationship characteristics and interpersonal factors that are associated with positive sexual health outcomes among young women in monogamous, sexual relationships are not well understood. Using a sample of 339 young adult women, this study examined how relationship quality was associated with sexual health outcomes and whether these associations varied by comfort communicating about sex. Relationship quality and comfort communicating about sex was associated with pregnancy prevention and substance use during sexual activity. Comfort communicating about sex also moderated the link between relationship quality and taking more precautions to prevent pregnancy. Additionally, results indicated that young women who were more comfortable communicating about sex had higher odds of substance use during sexual activity. Findings suggest that research should not underestimate the potential sexual risk of monogamous relationships and that relationship characteristics should be discussed when practitioners are encouraging healthy sexual decision-making.