Published In
Focal Point: Youth, Young Adults, & Mental Health. Healthy Relationships
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Summer 2011
Subjects
Youth with disabilities -- Sexual health, Young adults with disabilities -- Sexual health, Youth with disabilities -- Interpersonal relations, Young adults with disabilities -- Interpersonal relations
Abstract
Sexual behavior is a normative aspect of young adulthood—90% of young adults have had vaginal intercourse and/or oral sex before the age of 30.1 Similarly, engaging in romantic and/or intimate relationships is seen as an essential developmental task of young adulthood. However, little is known about the sexual and romantic relationships of young adults with serious mental health conditions (SMHC), despite the fact that there is evidence that this population is disproportionately affected by poor sexual health. This article will outline what is known about the sexual and romantic relationships of young adults with SMHC and highlight the importance of engaging in conversations about sexual and romantic relationships with young adults experiencing mental health challenges.
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/15833
Citation Details
Gowen, L.K. (2011). How Mental HEalth Challenges Impact the Sexual and Relational Health of Young Adults. Focal Point: Youth, Young Adults, & Mental Health. Healthy Relationships, Summer 2011, 25(1), pages 15-18.