Parenting practices and adolescent sexual behavior: A longitudinal study.
The effects of parental attitudes, practices, and television mediation on adolescent sexual behaviors were investigated in a study of adolescent sexuality and media (N=887). Confirmatory factor analyses supported an eight-factor parenting model with television mediation factors as constructs distinct from general parenting practices. Logistic regressions indicated that adolescents reporting greater parental disapproval and limits on viewing at Wave 1 were less likely to initiate oral sex between Waves 1 and 2. Adolescents who reported more sexual communication with parents were more likely to initiate oral sex. Results for vaginal intercourse were similar to those for oral sex. Co-viewing was a significant negative predictor of initiation of sexual behavior. Parental attitudes and television mediation can delay potentially risky adolescent sexual behaviors.
Bersamin
Melina
M
Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 450, Berkeley, CA 94706; t: (510) 549-8839; bersamin@prev.org , grube@prev.org , mtodd@prev.org , walker@prev.org.
Todd
Michael
M
Fisher
Deborah A
DA
Hill
Douglas L
DL
Grube
Joel W
JW
Walker
Samantha
S