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Involuntary Sexual Virgins: The Latest Research
Indicators of involuntary virginity appear early in life
“An intriguing 2011 study by Marie-Aude Boislard, François Poulin, and Melanie J. Zimmer-Gembeck offer more tantalizing clues. The researcher found that there is no singular route to adulthood virginity. While media attention has focused on young people purposefully choosing sexual abstinence, others seem to remain a virgin due to a lack of choice. And indeed this is an accurate description of the men that I have worked with. The study found that, during late childhood, individuals who matured into involuntary virgins were: more victimized and ridiculed by peers as children, socially withdrawn (preferred to play alone), and also less liked and accepted by their peers.
Does this mean the childhood mistreatment by peers can predispose one to involuntary virginity? Or are personal characteristics leading to involuntary virginity already impacting peer relationships during childhood? According to Boislard, "Our study suggests that a proportion of adult virgins have been on a life-long trajectory of low integration and unpopularity among peers. This seems to extend to a lack of sexual opportunities in emerging adulthood, but more research in the area is needed to draw conclusions." It doesn't seem, however, that the image depicted in films is necessarily reflective of reality; delayed virginity isn't merely the result of bad luck and missed opportunities.”
