Longitudinal Associations Between Early Noncoital Sexual and Romantic Behaviors and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Research has linked early intercourse and romantic relationships to increased depressive symptoms, especially for female adolescents. However, less is known about the ways in which early noncoital sexual behaviors are associated with mental health. Thus, this study examined whether early kissing, sexual touching, and romantic relationships were associated with depressive symptoms, and whether these associations differed for male, female, and nonbinary adolescents.

Methods

Data were from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study (N = 11,868; 48.4% male, 45.6% female; 6.0% nonbinary). Regression analyses assessed whether adolescents who engaged in kissing, touching, and had a romantic relationship at Y2 (11-12) had higher depressive symptoms at Y3 (12-1

SUBMITTER: Vasilenko SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12682239 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature