A REVIEW OF SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR IN THE UNITED-STATES

Objective: Knowledge of sexual behavior in the United States is necess ary for 1) directing risk-reduction interventions aimed at preventing transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted pathogens and 2) appreciating the current normative patter ns of sexual behavior. Method: The authors reviewed American surveys t hat included measures of sexual behavior and analyzed the 1988-1990 Ge neral Social Surveys. Results: Most American males have intercourse by 16-17 years of age, and females do so by 17-18 years of age. The majo rity of young adults aged 18-24 have multiple, serial sex partners. Am ong adults 25-59 years old, relative monogamy appears to be the norm: 80% of heterosexually active men and 90% of heterosexually active wome n in this age group report having had only one sex partner in the prec eding year. The average frequency of intercourse among such monogamous individuals is one to three times per week. Approximately 25% of adul ts have had heterosexual anal intercourse. Up to 20% of adult men repo rt that they have had a homosexual experience; 1%-6% report such an ex perience during the preceding year. Conclusions: Through accumulated s tudies, data are now available on normative sexual behavior across the life cycle. Such data should assist in psychiatric diagnosis and in t he development of treatment goals that rely on assumptions regarding n ormative behavior. A large proportion of young heterosexual persons ar e at considerable risk for sexually transmitted disease. Sexual histor y taking and risk-reduction counseling should be integral components o f psychiatric care.