The aim of the study was to examine the associations between attachment dimensions, risky sexual behavior, and aspects of sex education in a sample of Slovenian adolescents and young adults. The study included 288 participants aged between 18 and 28. They completed the Experiences in Close Relationships – Revised Questionnaire (ECR-R), the Sexual Risk Survey (SRS), and a questionnaires on sexual behavior, sexual attitudes, and experiences with sex education. We assessed the construct validity of the sex education experiences questionnaire and identified three factors: teaching, reciprocity, and lecturing. The results indicate that both attachment dimensions, anxiety and avoidance, are positively associated with risky sexual behavior and certain aspects of sexual risk-taking. Both dimensions are negatively associated with unprotected sexual behavior. Furthermore, teaching and reciprocity were negatively associated with risky sexual behavior involving casual partners, while lecturing was associated with less permissive sexual attitudes. In addition, teaching and reciprocity were negatively associated with avoidant attachment. These findings emphasize the importance of high-quality, open, and supportive communication about sexuality from parents, as well as the need to consider attachment when developing guidelines to promote healthy and safe sexuality among adolescents and young adults.
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