Using survival analysis to explore the relationship among attachment theory, religiosity, and sexual initiation

Sexual activity at a young age puts one at greater risk for several adverse effects, including an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, adolescent pregnancy, and substance abuse. Previous research has been conducted on sexual initiation, but no one else has investigated how both a person's attachment style and their level of religiosity affect the sexual initiation. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between attachment style, religiosity, and age of first sex. Participants were 618 Purdue University undergraduates. Self-report measures assessed attachment style, (Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment and the Experiences in Close Relationships), religiosity (Duke Religion Index), and sexual intercourse experiences. Survival analysis was conducted, which revealed religiosity and both aspects of attachment (parental and romantic) to be predictive of a person's age at first sexual intercourse. More specifically, previous research findings were supported, insofar as religiosity, age, and (romantic) attachment style were significant predictors. Additionally, the current research found significant interactions between both types of attachment style and religiosity, and religiosity and the participants' current age. Race and gender were not found to be significant in predicting sexual initiation.