The term "sexual script" refers to a set of behavioral expectations for sexual interactions that are widely accepted within a particular social group or culture. Adolescence is an important stage in life where young people begin exploring their own sexual identity, and they may develop certain beliefs about what constitutes appropriate sexual behavior based on the sexual scripts that they have been exposed to through media, peers, family members, and other sources. These scripts can include behaviors such as initiating physical contact, engaging in sexual activity, and communicating desires and boundaries.
Some adolescent sexual scripts can be aggressive, which can lead to long-term relational consequences that may persist into adult life. This article will explore the long-term relational consequences of adopting aggressive sexual scripts during adolescence, including increased likelihood of domestic violence, decreased intimacy, and negative impact on mental health.
Aggressive sexual scripts and increased risk of domestic violence
One long-term consequence of adopting aggressive sexual scripts during adolescence is an increased risk of domestic violence later in life. Research has shown that individuals who engage in aggressive sexual behavior during adolescence are more likely to perpetrate domestic violence as adults (Taylor & Loughnan, 2015). In one study, high school students who reported having sex without condoms were more likely to endorse attitudes that supported the use of violence against women compared to those who used protection (Brown, Cheng, Fogarty, & Shoveller, 2014). Similarly, boys who engaged in more frequent sexual intercourse with multiple partners showed a greater tolerance for partner violence than boys who had fewer sexual partners or none at all (Taylor et al., 2016). The development of these attitudes towards women and relationships during adolescence could be influenced by exposure to media messages, peer pressure, and other factors.
Decreased intimacy and satisfaction
Another long-term relational consequence of adopting aggressive sexual scripts during adolescence is decreased intimacy and satisfaction in relationships. When young people learn that physical pleasure and domination are central to sexual interactions, they may have difficulty developing intimate connections with their romantic partners later in life. Studies have found that men who exhibit high levels of hostility during early adolescence are less satisfied with their romantic relationships as adults (Gorman et al., 2018). This may be due to the fact that these men view intimacy as threatening and avoid emotional closeness in favor of domination and control. In addition, research has shown that individuals who engage in risky sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex are less likely to report feeling satisfied with their relationships and may even experience negative consequences like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy (Stanger-Hall, Haller, Shawky, McBride, & Haller, 2017).
Negative impact on mental health
Adopting aggressive sexual scripts can also have a negative impact on mental health over time. A study examining college students' experiences with casual sex found that those who had multiple casual sexual encounters were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than those who had none (Clark, Mussweiler, Fasoli, & Gable, 2014). In addition, adolescent girls who participate in hookup culture are at an increased risk for self-esteem issues and poor body image (Kimmel & Messman-Moore, 2009). These findings suggest that engaging in sexual activity without emotional connection or commitment can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-worth.
There are several long-term relational consequences associated with adopting aggressive sexual scripts during adolescence. Individuals who engage in aggressive behavior during this stage of life are more likely to perpetrate domestic violence, struggle with intimacy and satisfaction in romantic relationships, and experience negative impacts on their mental health. It is important for parents, educators, and other adults to help young people develop healthy attitudes towards sex and relationships by providing accurate information about contraception, consent, and communication skills. By promoting positive sexual scripts, we can empower young people to make informed decisions about their sexuality and create healthier relationships throughout their lives.
What long-term relational consequences arise from adolescents adopting aggressive sexual scripts?
Adolescent's acceptance of an aggressive sexual script can lead to long-term interpersonal problems because they are not equipped with the necessary skills to manage their emotions and interactions effectively. Aggression often leads to poor communication, which can negatively impact future relationships. The cultural messages that promote unrealistic expectations about sex and intimacy may result in harmful behavior patterns that are difficult to overcome.