Association of different identity styles with sexual experience and decision-making among Canadian youth

Three different identity styles among youth are known to be associated with a variety of health-related issues but the association of these identity styles with sexual health has not been investigated. This study documented the identity styles of 657 Canadian students in their teens; the distribution of identity styles was: information-seeking (32.9%); normative (23%); and diffuse (44.1%). Twenty percent of the students reported that they were currently sexually active. Youth with a diffuse identity style were significantly more likely to report being sexually active than those with an information-seeking identity style. Similar associations with identity styles were investigated in relation to student's comfort communicating about sexuality, sexual assertiveness, and potential for sexual risk behaviour and self-efficacy. The findings are discussed in relation to personality characteristics known to be associated with the three identity styles. Educators and counsellors can apply the results to better address the educational needs, social skills, behaviours, and goals of youth according to their differing identity styles.