The Stamp of Peer Approval: The Longitudinal Associations Between Peer Approval, Riskiness, and Subsequent CSRE Engagement

Most emerging adults, whether attending college or not, engage in multiple casual sex relationships and experiences (CSREs). CSREs are not inherently risky, but subsequent CSREs can increase risk for STIs and unplanned pregnancies. Understanding predictors of subsequent CSRE engagement is important to ensure emerging adults are engaging in CSREs safely. This study examined whether peer approval was positively associated with subsequent CSRE engagement and if the riskiness of a CSRE moderated this association. Peer approval and riskiness of a CSRE were assessed using five daily diaries, and subsequent CSRE engagement was assessed one month later. Riskiness included five indicators: individual and partner alcohol consumption, marijuana and hard drug use, and condom use. Peer approval was positively associated with subsequent CSRE engagement, but the riskiness of the CSRE did not moderate this association. Findings highlight the importance of peer approval in understanding subsequent CSREs for emerging adults, regardless of college status.