The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Hugo G. Beigel Award

Abstract

Young adult sexual relationships were examined using a multifaceted, person-centered approach with data from Wave 7 (aged 20–21; N = 126) of the Michigan Study of Adolescent Life Transitions. The study utilized hierarchical cluster analyses based on the following measured variables: frequency of sex, importance of regularly having sex, satisfaction with sex life, experience of coercion for sex, and sexual risk reduction. Five distinct clusters emerged for females (Satisfied, Moderate, Active Unprotected, Pressured, and Inactive) and represented patterns such as more partners paired with less risk reduction (Active Unprotected), high satisfaction paired with frequent sex and high-risk reduction (Satisfied), or higher levels of coercion paired with low satisfaction and low-risk reduction (Pressured). Similar clusters emerged for males, with one additional cluster: the Dissatisfied cluster. Clusters differed with respect to relationship status, marital status, and psychological well-being (both males and females) and parental divorce, living situation, and sexual orientation (females only). The Beigel Award was initiated by Clive M. Davis, the second editor of The Journal of Sex Research (JSR), and approved by the Board of Directors of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS). The award is named in memory of Dr. Hugo Beigel, a founding member of SSSS and the first editor of JSR, a position he held for 13 years. This honor promotes and rewards research excellence in sexual science and is granted annually to the author(s) of an outstanding report published in JSR. The winner(s), selected by the Editor and Associate Editors, receive(s) a cash grant of $500, a Certificate of Research Excellence from SSSS, and a registration fee waiver for the fall annual meeting of SSSS, where the award is presented. The winners of the Beigel Award for 2010 are Jenifer McGuire and Bonnie L. Barber for their article “A Person-Centered Approach to the Multifaceted Nature of Young Adult Sexual Behavior published in the July/August issue (Vol. 47, No. 4). The abstract of the article is reprinted below.