Sexuality plays a significant role in human functioning throughout life. The experience and expression of sexuality could be a source of pleasure and well-being or could become a stress factor. Many young people in India who live in a situation where there is non-acceptance of non-marital relationships, negative approach towards sexuality and lack of informal and formal support system, might find navigating through their intimate lives stressful. This brief describes a range of mental health issues such as depression, self-harm and suicidality among young adults and it linkages with sexuality. This research brief is based on the data on 1240 unmarried young adults participated in the Youth in Transition Study.

The Youth in Transition study adopted the life course approach to understand the dynamic process of decision-making of young people. Adopting an innovative approach of collecting information using a relationship history calendar and narrative interview technique, the data collected from 1240 young adults provide important insights about the sexual health needs of this population. Based on the analysis several policy and program implications are described in the report.