Sexuality in Emerging Adulthood

Scientific theory is essential to research on sexuality and sexual experiences in emerging adulthood. Theory serves a number of important functions for research, including prediction and explanation. Research has often utilized theory to help enhance what is known about sexuality among those in the developmental period of emerging adulthood. This chapter offers a primer on theories that have been used regularly when studying sex and relationships using emerging adult samples, including life course development theory, symbolic interactionism, social exchange theory, and the theory of sexual possible selves. Following discussion of these theories and their role in guiding research and explaining findings on sex and sexuality, this chapter offers theoretical directions to enhance the rigor of the use of theory in future research on sexual experiences among emerging adults.