Teen Sexual Encounters Can Predict Divorce, Says Study
Could teen relationships predict divorce?
Have you thought about what you’ll teach your kids about sex when the time comes? A new study says that teens who experience their first sexual encounter at an early age may be at a higher risk for divorce.
The University of Iowa conducted the study which was published in the Journal of Marriage and Family. It found that 31 percent of women who had sex for the first time as teens divorced within five years, and 47 percent divorced within 10 years. The divorce rate for women who delayed sex until adulthood was far lower: 15 percent at five years, and 27 percent at 10 years:
A first sexual experience that was unwanted or not completely wanted was strongly associated with divorce. If the young woman chose to lose her virginity as a teen, the results were more nuanced. When the first intercourse took place early in adolescence –- before the age of 16 –- the women were more likely to divorce, even if that first sexual experience was wanted.
To me this study is probably more representative of a girl’s decision making process and maturity, which would naturally play a part in marriage and conflict resolution (which go hand in hand). But could sex at a young age make someone more likely to divorce?
The premise is pretty ridiculous because the truth is that anyone can divorce. Living with someone day in and day out for years on end is difficult at best. Throw in kids, a demanding career or two, bills, obligations and extended family, and the odds probably lean toward it. And that’s assuming that the two people involved are both of sound mind (not always the case).
I don’t think the study will make anyone change their views on teens and sex; we all have our own unique expectations for our kids. And I highly doubt that any teen will change their views on a study either.
Do you find this study at all helpful as a parent?
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How does divorce affect children? It depends on the kid.
I’m not surprised by the research about divorce. It seems to me that the people that start sex young are people that can’t delay their gratification. When marriage is boring and the thrill is gone they move on.
I touch on this in my book around pg. 53 if you want to read more:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/44437016/Teenagers-Say-the-Darndest-Things
Irwin
Notice how Strollerderby discounts the results of the study that she is reporting, when she writes, “But could sex at a young age make
someone more likely to divorce? The premise is pretty ridiculous because the
truth is that anyone can divorce.” This despite the clear results of the study
she is quoting: women who had sex for the first time as teens were TWICE as
likely to divorce within 5 years and 74% more likely to divorce within 10 years.
That’s a pretty ridiculous premise?
I realize this is a sensitive issue, but an honest discussion can only take
place by not discounting the results out-of-hand because one feels uncomfortable with them. Imagine if we found a way to reduce divorce rates by 74% or at least looked at the mental and behavioral patterns of women who had much lower rates and encouraged youth to learn from them…
I also disagree with her assertion that “I highly doubt that any teen will
change their views on a study either.” The teens that we encounter in health
classes during Relationship Intelligence presentations, are VERY interested in
discussions about how to achieve lasting love relationships, ie. successful
marriages.
I’m not talking about being judgmental and bashing people over the head, but
rather having thoughtful discussions about these kinds of studies, instead of
ignoring (censoring) them, as many socalled “comprehensive” sex ed programs do ALL the time.
Maybe the reason that many youth struggle with destructive habits and dangerous behaviors is because adults are afraid to be honest with them. And why are the adults reluctant? Not out of concern for the youth, but because of their own adult baggage, agendas and sensitivities. How sad!
Richard
http://www.lovesmarts.org