Explaining the Decline in Young Adult Sexual Activity in the United State, 2007-2017

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Abstract

Objective: The main goal of this study is to identify the causes of the decline in sexual activity among young adults.
Background: The frequency with which young adults have sexual intercourse has declined over recent decades, but the sources of this trend are not well understood. Trends in economic insecurity, relationship formation, parental coresidence, use of electronic media, psychological distress, and substance use have all been suggested as possible causes.
Method: Logistic regression models of recent sexual activity are estimated using longitudinal data from the Transition to Adulthood Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (n = 3,970) spanning 2007 to 2017. Mediation analysis is performed to identify the explanatory factors that account for the decline in sexual activity. Fixed-effect logistic regression models are estimated for a subset of respondents (n = 1,002) to identify causal effects.
Results: Of the possible explanations considered, the decline in the formation of romantic relationships is most important, but the increasing use of computer games and declining alcohol consumption also play a role. Altogether, the measured explanations explain over one-third of the decline in young adult sexual activity. Within individuals, forming a romantic relationship, going to college, getting a job, frequent internet use, and alcohol consumption likely have causal effects on engaging in sexual intercourse.
Conclusion: The decline in sexual activity among young adults is driven in part by trends in the formation of romantic relationships, computer gaming, and alcohol consumption, but the bulk of the decline in sexual activity remains unexplained.

Authors

• Lei Lei, Rutgers University-New Brunswick

• Scott J. South, University at Albany - SUNY