Social network constellation and sexuality of sexually abused and comparison girls in childhood and adolescence.
This longitudinal study examines how childhood and early adolescent (age 6 to 15) peer and nonpeer social networks relate to sexual attitudes and behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood (age 12 to 25) for sexually abused and comparison girls. A large number of male peers in childhood is related to heightened sexual activity, sexual preoccupation, increased sexual pressure, and risky sexual behavior in adolescence. High-quality, female, nonpeer relationships have a positive effect on attitudes toward casual sex. Multiple group models illuminate several cross-lag group moderators: (a) Abused girls who are happier with male nonpeers are less preoccupied with sex; (b) abused girls who are happier with male peers are more likely to use birth control; and (c) abused girls who have early physical relationships are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. Treatment implications include monitoring the effects of low-status peer groups, encouraging contact with female role models, and encouraging the formation of high-quality relationships with male peers and nonpeers.
University of Southern California, Washington DC Center, School of Social Work, 512 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA. jennien@usc.edu
J G
JG
Noll
P K
PK
Trickett
F W
FW
Putnam
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support