Project Virginity

Main researcher: Marie-Aude Boislard, Ph.D.

Co-researchers: Mylène Fernet, Ph.D.; Christine Thoër, Ph.D.

Collaborator: Isabelle Boisvert, Ph.D.

Research assistant: Carl Rodrigue, M.A.

Students associated to the project: Melissa Anne Fuller, B.A., M.A. (c); Ashrah Lucas, B.A., Ph.D. (c)

Thème of the project: Developmental desynchronization among virgin adults

Main objective: To better understand the connections between virginity, psychosocial adjustment and mental and sexual health

Developmental theories and life-course approaches suggest that individuals completing a normative transition in a different timeframe than their peers are more at risk of having relational or health problems. When not the result of a personal choice, studies indicate that belated virginity suggests that individuals making a normative transition at an age that is out of step with their peers are at increased risk for relationship and health problems. Although some studies reveal that late virginity, when it is not a matter of personal choice, can be associated with problems of anxiety disorders, social withdrawal and obesity, we still know little about the correlates and various profiles of adult virginity, and on the specific needs of these individuals in terms of health and sexuality education. Thus, this research program pursues five objectives:

1) document the disparities in the psychosocial trajectories of young adults whose sexual debut is out of sync with others

2) identify the various psychosexual profiles of adult virgins

3) examine gender differences in the subjective experience of virginity and associated factors

4) examine the socio-historical links between religious beliefs and virginity in early adulthood

5) explore the meaning that specific subgroups of adults place on their virginity.