The sexual and dating lives of single heterosexual and LGBTQ+ young adults

• In Event: 41009 - Singlehood and Mental Health

Abstract

While prior research has focused on experiences of singlehood and union formation processes, less is known about the types of relationships that singles are looking for, which have consequences for their likelihood of partnering. This study draws on original survey data to examine current intimate relationship status and romantic relationship intentions among single young adults (18-45) in the US, with an emphasis on understanding how single heterosexual (n = 806) and LGBTQ+ (n = 1324) young adults approach dating and sexual relationships. In this study, declaratively single is defined as singles who are not dating and have no sexual partner, but also singles who are not looking for a romantic relationship and not interested in having sex. While approximately half of single young adults reported looking for both dating/romantic relationships and interest in having sex, the remainder of singles expressed interest only dating or sex, respectively, or reported interest in neither dating nor sex. In addition, loneliness was associated with increased interest in sexual and romantic relationships. The study also focuses on gender gaps between heterosexual single young men and women, where single women were more likely to express interest in neither dating nor sexual relationships compared to single men, and single women were less interested in dating and sex outside of romantic commitment than single men. Finally, the study contributes to understandings of LGBTQ+ singlehood, as the results show significant differences in terms of dating and sexual interest across sexual identity. The results of this study have implications for improving singles’ mental health and well-being, as well as better understanding singles’ sexual health and romantic relationship desires. In addition, the current study provides insight into future family formation among young adults as they transition to adulthood amid a shifting landscape of marriage and family norms.

Author

• Hannah Tessler, University of Michigan