Does casual sex impact the young adult psyche?

According to a new study, casual sex does not cause emotional or psychological damage in young people. Do you agree? Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that young adults engaging in casual sexual encounters do not appear to be at increased risk for harmful psychological outcomes, as compared to sexually active young adults in more committed relationships.

While this study focused on the psychological impact, researchers warned that the physical risks of casual sex should not be overlooked.

Study author Marla E Eisenberg and colleagues used data from Project Eating Among Teens (EAT), an ongoing study that assessed a diverse sample of 1,311 sexually active young adults.

From 2003-2004, 574 males and 737 females in Minnesota with a mean age of 20.5 were surveyed regarding sexual behaviours and emotional well-being.

Of the sexually active respondents, 55 percent reported that their last sexual partner was an exclusive dating partner followed by 25 percent whose most recent partner was a fiance, spouse, or life partner.

Much lower percentages reported that their last sexual partner was a close but not exclusive partner (12 percent) or a casual acquaintance (8 percent). Over twice as many males as females reported that their last partner was casual.

Although there has been speculation in public discourse that sexual encounters outside a committed romantic relationship may be emotionally damaging for young people, this study found no differences in the psychological well being of young adults who had a casual sexual partner verses a more committed partner.

"While the findings from this study show that young adults engaging in casual sexual encounters do not appear to be at increased risk for harmful psychological outcomes compared to those in more committed relationships, this should not minimise the legitimate threats to physical well-being associated with casual sexual relationships, and the need for such messages in sexuality education programmes and other interventions with young adults," Eisenberg said.

Do you agree with the findings of the study, or do you believe that casual sex is bound to have a psychological impact on a young adult? Let us know of your experiences and opinions on the messageboard below.