In the News: Study Finds Sexually Active Teens More Likely to Suffer Depression

You are here

In the News

Study Finds Sexually Active Teens More Likely to Suffer Depression

Login or Create an Account

With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later!

Sign In | Sign Up

×

According to a study published June 3, 2003, by the Heritage Foundation (http://www.heritage.org), sexually active teens are two to three times more likely to suffer from depression than teens who are not sexually active. Even more troubling, sexually active teens are three to eight times more likely to attempt suicide.

Nearly two thirds of sexually active teenagers express regrets about having sex too early. This suggests, say the authors of the study, "that early sexual activity leads to emotional stress and reduces teen happiness." But some point out that teens who face depression first are then more likely to become sexually active as a way to find emotional or physical happiness, so a simple cause-and-effect relationship is hard to establish. But whichever is the causing factor, the depression and the continued sexual activity seem to "feed" each other in an unhealthy cycle.

God's Word reveals the way to peace of mind and true happiness. He reveals that sex within marriage is a source of great joy, but outside marriage it is sin and leads to emptiness and guilt. When we decide to live in accordance with God's laws, we begin to walk a path that leads to happiness and true peace.

If you struggle with sexual sin, guilt or depression, be sure to speak to a trusted, spiritually mature counselor—a pastor, parent or minister—who can help encourage you and guide you into a strong and healthy relationship with God, whose desire is that you should "have life, and . . . have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).