Young and Risky Article

Introduction to Risky Sexual Behaviours

• Definition of Risky Behavior: Involves potential negative consequences (loss) balanced by perceived positive consequences (gain) (Moore & Gullone, 1996).

• High prevalence during adolescence (ages 12-25) due to sensation-seeking desires (Arnett, 1992).

• Examples of risky behaviors include substance use, fighting, and sexual encounters with multiple partners.

Risky Sexual Behavior and its Consequences

• Definition: Any sexual act that may endanger individuals (e.g., multiple partners, unprotected sex).

• Linked to STIs and other physical/mental health risks like unplanned pregnancies and depressive symptoms (Ajayi et al., 2017; Othieno et al., 2015).

• Rise in STI rates noted in recent years, particularly among youth (Statistics Canada, 2017).

• Common STIs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis (recent drastic increases noted).

Generational Perspectives on Sexual Behaviour

• Hookup Culture: Prominent among college students, characterized by casual sexual relationships (Arnett, 1995).

  • Influenced by dating apps and a culture of casual sex, higher sexual curiosity during adolescence.

• Alcohol Influence: Reduces inhibition, increasing risky sexual behavior (Downing-Matibag & Geisinger, 2009).

• Variability in risky sexual behaviors across genders and sexual orientations.

  • Male gay participants report more casual encounters versus heterosexuals.

Millennial Sexual Behaviour Research

• Millennials (1981-1995): Increased condom use (~32.2%) compared to previous generations.

• Behaviours:

  • Use of condoms more frequently in stable relationships versus frequent partner changes (Lau et al., 2002).

• Awareness of sexual health: Millennials less likely to have sex without knowing partner's sexual health status (Hunt et al., 2019).

• Declining teenage pregnancy rates since 1998, attributed to increased contraceptive access (Statistics Canada, 2020).

Transition to Generation Z Behaviours

• Generation Z (1995-2015): More frequent sexual partners and shorter relationships compared to Millennials (Twenge et al., 2015).

• Hypotheses suggested decrease in sexual partners and risky behaviours; findings contradicted:

  • Findings: Higher rates of risky sexual behaviours, including multiple partners observed.

Study Overview and Methodology

• Participants: 120 participants aged 18-24; anonymous survey covering sexual health practices.

• Independent Variables: Gender, sexuality, and age.

• Dependent Variable: Risky sexual behaviour defined by number of partners, condom use, and activities under influence.

• Data comparison used Chi-squared tests for generational differences.

Significant Findings and Results

• Higher than 33% of Generation Z exhibited risky sexual behaviour (3+ partners); only 2.5% for Millennials (X2 p < .00001).

• Engagement in sexual activity: No significant difference between generations (p = 0.77).

• Condom use consistent across generations (p = 0.30).

Internal Generation Z Analysis

• Relationship between age of first sexual encounter and number of partners (X2 p < .00001).

• Reported alcohol and drug use linked to poor sexual health practices; higher risk-taker profile noted.

Discussion of Findings

• Contrary to hypotheses, Generation Z displayed riskier behaviours, potentially due to hookup culture promotion.

• Lower condom usage among those with multiple partners points to a rise in risky sexual behaviour despite awareness.

• Alcohol significantly impacts condom usage, with 81.9% consuming alcohol during intercourse.

• Critical need for effective sexual education and interventions in universities.