The Effect Of Casual Sexual Activity On Mental Health

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Sept. 10, 2019 - PRLog -- Heterosexual sexual activity is foundational to society as it allows for the continuation of humanity from one generation to the next. However, sexual relationships may impact on mental health and wellbeing of the partners.

Teleios recently evaluated committed and non-committed heterosexual sexual relationships and their impact on mental health in adolescents, college students, and young adults. We searched the peer reviewed medical literature from 1966 to present for studies including at least 120 subjects and identified 28 articles.

The review found a very consistent disadvantage of early sexual debut, adolescent sex, hookups, and casual sex compared to committed unmarried and married relationships. Specific mental health measures correlated with non-committed sex included depression, suicidal ideation, aggressive behavior, anxiety, stress, loneliness, poor wellbeing, regret, and guilt.

Regarding the relationship itself, there was reduced general and sexual satisfaction in non-committed relationships. Non-committed sex was also associated with increased negative social behavior including substance use, risky sexual behavior and risk for physical and sexual abuse, drug use and antisocial actions.

In contrast, waiting until at least some element of commitment was present before initiating sex was associated with better mental health, wellbeing, communication, relationship satisfaction, relationship stability, higher sexual satisfaction, and a more positive view of sexuality.

Dr. William C. Stewart, co-founder of Teleios, commented "Sex inside a committed relationship can benefit wellbeing and mental health over casual encounters because it fosters many positive relationship qualities such as: socialization, openness, confidence, encouragement, support, stability, satisfaction and sharing. In contrast, sex outside a committed relationship may be associated with many negative mental health effects."

This review of medical scientific studies suggests casual sexual behaviors among adolescents, college students and adults are associated with many negative effects on relationships, wellbeing, mental health and lifestyle compared to unmarried or married committed sex.

Complete findings of this study as well as other Teleios research can be found on their website (www.teleiosresearch.com).

WC Stewart, AC Kleinhans, JA Stewart, LA Nelson

About Teleios - Teleios is a non-profit foundation that seeks to demonstrate the truth of scripture and the Christian faith through scientific methods by providing evidence for the positive results of a biblically-based lifestyle. Prior studies conducted by Teleios have shown that the practice of the Christian faith (praise, prayer, fellowship, service and Bible study) and security of salvation increases well-being while reducing guilt.