A new study that was conducted on adolescent boys revealed an innate desire for sex and intimacy within a meaningful relationship. Results also showed how much this particular group valued trust within their partnerships.
Researchers from Columbia University observed 33 adolescent males between the ages of 14 and 16 to gain insight into the development and progression of their romantic and sexual relationships. The participants were chosen from a community adolescent clinic that's specifically catered to low-income and mostly African-American adolescents. Most of the subjects were chosen based on the fact that they started their sexual exploits earlier than the national average, which put them at and early and higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. During the study, the subjects were asked to answer open-ended questions about relationships. They were mostly asked to describe the characteristics of a desirable partner, and also to express their opinions about intimacy, trust, and sex.
This new investigative study promoted a better understanding of the adolescent male's relationship trends in two ways. First is that teenage boys regarded close relationships highly and, second, that they have an underlying desire to be in caring and intimate relationships. The study was also able to see how the subjects were able to express vulnerability, and also how they valued trust in a relationship. Their answers also revealed how these teenage boys felt vulnerable because of their lack of knowledge about sex and whether or not they will be able to sexually perform. A small percentage of the participants discussed their sexual conquests. The results from this age group were a stark contrast to those of older adolescents. Where the younger group expressed the importance of care, and trust, and intimacy, the older group was more focused on the sexual aspects of a relationship.
Lead author, Dr. David Bell, said is that "prevailing values in our culture suggests adolescent males want sex, not relationships. However, values and behaviors related to sex and relationships are more likely more complex than typically portrayed. In fact, very few of the participants describe sex as the main goal of opposite-sex interactions and relationships."
