The mediating effects of family dynamics and parent-adolescent sex communication on sexual risk taking behavior among adolescents
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between family dynamics, parent-adolescent sex communication, adolescent sexual risk behaviors, and rates of adolescent STIs and pregnancy. Correlations, t-tests, and logistic regressions were used to analyze the relationships between all variables. The results supported the hypothesis that family dynamics influences parent-adolescent sex communication. Results also supported the hypotheses that sex communication influences adolescent sexual risk behaviors, as well as rates of adolescent pregnancy. Surprisingly, parent-adolescent sex communication did not significantly correlate with rates of STI diagnoses. As hypothesized, adolescent sexual risk behavior influenced rates of STIs and pregnancy among adolescents. Logistic regression analysis indicated that age, family cohesion, shared activities, parent bonding, parent absence, parent attitudes about adolescent sexual behavior, and adolescent religiosity significantly predict sexual risk behaviors, whereas parent-adolescent communication, parent-adolescent sex communication, and parent religiosity predicted less sexual risk behaviors. This study has important implications for parents, clinicians, and educators who work with adolescents engaging in sexual activity.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Pavkov, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Behavioral psychology|Developmental psychology
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