Tis the season to lose your virginity, suggests one new study. Researchers from Mississippi State University recently found that teens are more likely to lose their virginity in December than in other months of the year. They attribute the so-called "Santa Claus effect" to a combination of the gift-giving spirit, a romantic climate and time off over the holidays.
In summer, partners tend to have more casual, non-committed relationships. But teens who lose their virginity in December are more likely to be in a committed romantic relationship, and the researchers believe the debuts are a form of gift-swapping between partners. "It's a time of giving; it's a time of love," says Martin Levin, one of the study's authors.
In the future, these findings might potentially help policy makers be more effective in sexual awareness programs. "From a practical standpoint, this sort of information can empower people concerned about youth and their wellbeing to promote less risky behaviors," says John Bartkowski, a second co-author.
