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Pleasure, empowerment, and love: Factors associated with a positive first coitus

Sexuality Research and Social Policy volume 2, pages 41–55 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Descriptions of adolescents’ first coital experiences have typically focused on the negative affect reported by women or on sex differences in levels of positive affect. Analyses of factors associated with a positive first coitus are rare. Accordingly, we examined correlates of a pleasurable first coital experience among 335 undergraduates. Analyses focused on three elements of a positive sexual experience—positive emotionality (e.g., happy), empowerment, and feelings of love—and on four groups of potential correlates: context of the first experience, parental socialization messages, gender attributes and beliefs, and body satisfaction. Each of these four domains emerged as significant correlates. Results suggested that a more intentional (vs. spontaneous) first experience, exposure to parental messages about sexual freedom, less adherence to “traditional” gender roles, and greater body satisfaction were related to a more positive first coital experience. These findings suggest that comprehensive sexual education programs would likely facilitate positive sexual development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, State University of New York Oswego, 460 Mahar Hall, 13126, Oswego, NY

    Andrew P. Smiler

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, 48109, Ann Arbor, MI

    L. Monique Ward

  3. Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., 97202, Portland, OR

    Allison Caruthers

  4. Department of Psychology, State University of New York-Binghamton, PO Box 6000, 13902-6000, Binghamton, NY

    Ann Merriwether

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  1. Andrew P. Smiler
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  2. L. Monique Ward
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  3. Allison Caruthers
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  4. Ann Merriwether
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Correspondence to Andrew P. Smiler, L. Monique Ward, Allison Caruthers or Ann Merriwether.

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Smiler, A.P., Ward, L.M., Caruthers, A. et al. Pleasure, empowerment, and love: Factors associated with a positive first coitus. Sex Res Soc Policy 2, 41–55 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1525/srsp.2005.2.3.41

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