Sexuality in Emerging Adulthood

Sexuality in Emerging Adulthood provides a comprehensive overview of sexuality at the stage straddling adolescence and adulthood. The first section of the volume offers conceptualizations and foundational perspectives on sexuality in emerging adulthood, with topics including theory,
developmental considerations, sexual behavior, sexual beliefs and attitudes, associations with romance, casual sex, and sexual orientation. The second section systematically examines contexts and socializing agents of sexual development, including parents, peers, media, and religion. The third
section narrows in on the overarching theme of the series by addressing factors leading to flourishing and floundering in the area of sexuality during emerging adulthood, such as effects of early adversity, sexual health, sexual well-being, sexuality and mental health, and sexual assault.
Accompanying seven of the chapters in the volume are brief scientific reports offering new related research. The volume also contains four method tutorials that discuss topics in sex research such as ethical considerations, recruitment and incentive strategies, and identity-affirming methods.
Concluding with innovative new perspectives on the integration of sexual health promotion and sexual violence prevention, this volume is crucial reading for academic scholars and those working with and supporting emerging adults.

"Scientific theory is essential to research on sexuality and sexual experiences in emerging adulthood. Theory serves a number of important functions for research, including prediction and explanation. Research has often utilized theory to help enhance what we know about sexuality among those in the developmental period of emerging adulthood. In this chapter we offer a primer on theories that have been used regularly when studying sex and relationships using emerging adult samples, including Life Course Development Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, Social Exchange Theory, and The Theory of Sexual Possible Selves. At the conclusion of our discussion of these theories and their role in guiding research and explaining findings on sex and sexuality, we offer theoretical directions to enhance the rigor of the use of theory in future research on sexual experiences among emerging adults"--

"This marvelous book offers an impressive collection of timely scientific insights into sexual development and the health of young adults. The unique combination of theoretical, empirical, and methodological chapters by renowned scholars in this field represents this vastly growing and highly
relevant body of literature beautifully." -- Daphne van de Bongardt, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam

"This interdisciplinary volume is a timely and welcome resource for researchers and practitioners interested in sexual health in emerging adulthood. Using a developmental framework to integrate theory, methods, and empirical findings will guide future work. The focus on experiential diversity and
sexual health -- versus risk -- is especially valuable." -- Carolyn T Halpern, Professor and Chair, Department of Maternal & Child Health

"This exciting volume promises to be a landmark publication in the field of emerging adult sexuality. Edited by two of the leading scholars, it assembles perspectives from established experts as well as rising stars. Chapters cover an impressive range of topics and not only address the problems of
sexuality in this life stage but how it can be a domain of flourishing and healthy growth. Altogether, a timely and welcome contribution." -- Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, Professor, Department of Psychology, Clark University