Predicting Early Sexual Activity with Behavior Problems Exhibited at School Entry and in Early Adolescence
Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of abnormal child psychology
Abstract
Youth who initiate sexual intercourse in early adolescence (age 11–14) experience multiple risks, including concurrent adjustment problems and unsafe sexual practices, The current study tested two models describing the links between childhood precursors, early adolescent risk factors, and adolescent sexual activity: a cumulative model and a meditational model, A longitudinal sample of 694 boys and girls from four geographical locations was utilized, with data collected from kindergarten through high school. Structural equation models revealed that, irrespective of gender or race, high rates of aggressive disruptive behaviors and attention problems at school entry increased risk for a constellation of problem behaviors in middle school (school maladjustment, antisocial activity, and substance use) which, in turn, promoted the early initiation of sexual activity. Implications are discussed for developmental models of early sexual activity and for prevention programming. (Author Abstract)
Description
item.page.type
Article
item.page.format
Keywords
child abuse, externalizing behaviors, aggression, substance abuse, risk factors, research
Citation
Schofield, H. L. T., Bierman, K. L., Heinrichs, B., Nix, R. L., & Conduct Problems Prevention Research Group. (2008). Predicting early sexual activity with behavior problems exhibited at school entry and in early adolescence. Journal of abnormal child psychology, 36(8), 1175-1188.