Asexuality includes a spectrum of experience including differences in romantic orientation and attitudes related to sex. This study seeks to review academic literature from 2015 to the present to examine the asexuality and relationship dynamics using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1977).

Aims

This review will synthesize the most current literature on asexual romantic and sexual relationships.

Research Questions

(1) What do we want to understand about dating an individual who identifies as asexual in relationships?

(2) What can we learn by exploring the influences of different systems on asexual relationships?

Although there is a growing body of literature focusing on sexual and gender minority (SGM) mental health disparities and recognizing the importance of addressing mental health topics within this community, limited attention has been paid to asexuality in this context.

Aim

The current study examines how Age of Self-Identification (AAI) and Asexual Identity Strength (AIS) relate to mental health and well-being outcomes.

Hypotheses

H1: We hypothesized that individuals who identify as asexual at older ages would report poorer mental health and lower well-being as compared to those who self-identified earlier.

H2: Additionally, it was expected that AIS would moderate these associations, such that higher identity strength would strengthen the relationship between AAI and mental health outcomes.