Premarital Sex in the Seventies

Abstract

Research on premarital sex showed a marked improvement in conceptual clarity and methodological rigor during the 1970s. This literature review of the decade focuses on 2 broad issues: the epidemiology (prevalence and incidence) and the etiology (correlates and causes) of premarital sexual attitudes and behavior. A research and theory agenda for the 1980s is presented. (Authors modified)