Different Paths, Different Passions: Sexual Passion in Emerging Adults

Sexual passion represents a multidimensional construct encompassing one’s love of sex, investment in sexual activities, and incorporation of sexuality into self-definition, yet its development remains understudied. Using the Triadic Sexual Passion model (i.e., harmonious, obsessive, inhibited), this study examined how early emerging adulthood factors predict sexual passion seven years later. Data from 1,073 emerging adults in the United States assessed demographic, wellbeing, and relational factors at Wave 1, with sexual passion measured at Wave 7. Regression analyses revealed sexual regret associated with lower harmonious passion, while helicopter parenting was significantly associated with higher inhibited passion. Drug use and personal income were associated with obsessive passion. These findings demonstrate how context plays a role in sexual passion, highlighting the need to tailor interventions based upon individual circumstances to promote healthy sexual development during emerging adulthood.