The relationship between first sexual intercourse and self-esteem

Abstract

Introduction. First sexual intercourse is a unique experience that affects many areas of young people’s lives, including self-perception. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to reveal the relationship between first sexual intercourse experiences and self-esteem. Methods. The study was approved with LSMU Bioethics Permit No. 2025-BEC2 0444 and conducted from March 26 to April 5, 2025 in public places in Kaunas and Alytus. Data were collected using a convenience sampling and cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire consisted of Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and questions about first sexual intercourse. The study included 41 young adults (aged 18 to 25 years, average age 21.4 ± 1.55). Among them, 17.1% were men, 80.5% were women and 2.4% were other. Data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate analysis, with a significance level of α = 0.05. Results. 82.5% of respondents indicated that they had sexual intercourse. The average age at first sexual intercourse was 18.2 ± 1.45, and the average age of their partners was 20.5 ± 4.21. 84.8% of respondents used a condom during their first sexual intercourse, 6.1% used other forms of protection. Self-esteem scores showed that 63% of individuals had moderate self-esteem, 32% had low self-esteem, and 5% – high self-esteem. Self-esteem scores did not vary by gender, age, education, or marital status. No differences were found between self-esteem groups regarding first sexual experiences.. A moderate correlation was found between preparation for first sexual intercourse and the total self-esteem score (ρ = 0.616; p < 0.001). There was also a weak positive correlation between the assessment of first sexual experiences and the overall self-esteem score (ρ = 0.350; p = 0.046). It was observed that individuals who felt pressure from the social environment had lower self esteem (χ2 = 2.640; p = 0.020). Conclusions. Greater preparation for first sexual intercourse and satisfaction with first sexual experiences are associated with higher self-esteem, while individuals with low self-esteem more often felt pressure from their environment, friends, or sexual partner to initiate sexual intercourse.