SEXUAL INTERCOURSE AND RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The present study examined the connection between having sexual interc ourse with a premarital partner for the first time and the effect on t he subsequent relationship. This questionnaire study surveyed 447 coll ege students concerning personal factors and characteristics of their relationships with their premarital partners. The results indicated th at several factors were related to the effect on the relationship. Qua lity of the relationship as a sexual decision factor was the best pred ictor of positive effect on the relationship. Suggestions for research on premarital sexuality are discussed as well as implications for int ervention programs in family life education and high school and univer sity human sexuality programs, and with premarital couples.