Study: Break-up sex common among young adults

Having sex with an ex seems to be a fairly typical part of the breakup process for young adults, a new study shows. …

The researchers found that nearly half (44 percent) had broken up and gotten back together with a girlfriend or boyfriend. Among those who had rekindled a flame, 53 percent said sex was part of the reconciliation. Racial minorities in particular were more likely to reconcile and have sex with an ex, the study found.

This so-called “relationship churning” is far more common among young people than married adult couples, the researchers say. This could reflect the general instability and romantic exploration that are characteristic of emerging adulthood, though the team warns that such behavior could have negative emotional consequences.