Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Rough Sex Behaviors Among Adolescents Ages 14 to 17

Findings From a U.S. Nationally Representative Survey

Bibliographic Data

ID19225762
AuthorsDebby Herbenick (0000-0002-0352-2248, Indiana University Health, corresponding author), Ivanka Simić Stanojević (0000-0002-8581-354X, Indiana University Health), Tsung-chieh Fu, Tsung Chieh Fu (Indiana University Health), Xiwei Chen (0000-0003-1868-8387, Indiana University Bloomington), Sumayyah Ali (Indiana University Bloomington), Paul J Wright (0000-0003-1571-3700, Indiana University Health), Devon Hensel (Indiana University Health), Zoë D Peterson (0000-0003-2975-1062, Indiana University Bloomington), Jaroslaw Harezlak (0000-0002-3070-7686, Indiana University Bloomington), J Dennis Fortenberry (0000-0001-6612-176X, Indiana University School of Medicine)
Year2026
Publication date2026-05-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSexuality Research and Social Policy (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1553-6610 • E-ISSN: 1868-9884
PublisherSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s13178-026-01298-6
OpenAlexW7162040586
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited93

Introduction Sexual practices commonly described as “rough sex” (e.g., choking, slapping) have become prevalent among young adults in the U.S. and internationally. Little is known about adolescents’ engagement in such behaviors. Using U.S. population data, we examined the prevalence and demographic correlates of rough sex behaviors among U.S. adolescents ages 14- to 17- years old. Method Data are from a confidential online U.S. nationally representative survey conducted in December 2022 and January 2023. Results Of the 1010 adolescents surveyed, 180 had engaged in partnered sex and were then shown questions about ten rough sex experiences. Nearly one in three (30.1%) sexually experienced 14– to 17-year-olds had done one or more of the ten rough sex practices to a partner in the prior year and 36.6% ever in their lifetime. More than one-quarter (27.6%) of sexually experienced adolescents reported that someone had done one or more of the rough sex practices to them with permission or consent in the prior year and 37.1% in their lifetime. Also, 11.7% reported that someone had done one or more of the rough sex practices to them without permission or consent in the prior year and 17.3% in their lifetime. Conclusions Among adolescents who had ever engaged in partnered sexual activities, both consensual and non-consensual rough sex experiences were prevalent. Some of these sexual practices—such as sexual choking/strangulation and smothering—pose significant risks to young people’s health. Policy Implications Findings may inform sexuality education curricula, clinical guidance, and public health guidance and interventions

Confidentiality · Human sexuality · Permission · Population · Public health · Reproductive health · Sexual behavior · Sexually active · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Sex work and related issues · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology