SEXUAL
ATTITUDES
Donnelly, Joseph, David F. Duncan, Eva Goldfarb, and Carolyn Eadie. 1999. “Sexuality Attitudes and Behaviors of Self-Described Very Religious Urban Students in Middle School.” Psychological Reports vol. 85, pp. 607-610.
Abstract: Data from a survey
of 869 students aged 11-15 yrs and attending 6 urban middle schools were
analyzed to identify differences in sex attitudes and behaviors between
self-reported very religious students and their less religious peers. The two
groups were demographically similar. They differed on only two attitude items,
one suggesting that intercourse was a normal part of teenage dating and the
other suggesting intercourse was alright if the two people were in love. The
groups did not differ in their estimation of their peers' sexual activity or
attitude or in terms of their own intercourse behavior or future intentions.
Results do not support the view that the problem of excess teenage pregnancies
is the result of loss of religious faith, or that religious instruction is a
means to promote sexual abstinence and prevent teen pregnancies. [Source: PI]
Spear, Hila J. 1998. “Teenage Pregnancy: The Experiences of Adolescent Females Who Attend an Alternative School.” PHD Thesis, University of Virginia.
Abstract: Teenage pregnancy
is considered to be a major social and community health problem. One out of ten
adolescent girls in the United States experiences pregnancy (Trussel 1990; Alan
Guttmacher Institute, 1994). During adolescence, pregnancy impacts the
physiological, psychological, and sociological health status of females.
Moreover, pregnancy can have long-term physical, psychological, educational,
and occupational effects on female adolescents as they move toward adulthood
(Santelli & Kirby, 1992; Trad, 1994). The purpose of this study was to
explore and describe the experiences of pregnant adolescent females. More
specifically, the individual adolescent's perceptions and personal perspectives
related to the experience of pregnancy were studied. A naturalistic design was
used. A purposive sample of participants was solicited from an alternative
school program for pregnant teens. The primary data collection method was the
use of in-depth interviewing. Other data included field notes and demographic information.
In addition, the researcher became a participant observer at the alternative
school and observed and interacted with the participants and other students.
Peer auditing and debriefing were important components of the analysis process.
Intense analysis of cases extracted from the narrative data revealed the
following topical categories: (1) decision-making, (2) contraceptive behavior
and sexual attitudes, (3) attitudes of self and others about pregnancy, (4)
interpersonal relationships, (5) self-perception, (6) fears, (7) personal
change, (8) responsibility, and (9) future expectations. In addition, broader
themes, characteristic of the participants' experiences as a whole, were
identified and developed. Themes included fantasy thinking, religion and fate,
propensity for violence, fragmentation of pregnancy, parenting, and marriage,
and to be nurtured and to nurture. The findings indicated that the participants
viewed pregnancy as a challenging yet fairly normative event. Decisions
regarding what to do about their pregnancies were made with relatively little
deliberation and influenced primarily by their mothers. All participants opted
to continue with their pregnancies and planned to parent. Overall, pregnancy
was perceived by the participants as an event that would have little long-term
impact on their lives. They expressed a sense of hopefulness and confidence in
their futures related to their abilities to manage parenthood, achieve
educational goals, and maintain supportive interpersonal relationships with the
fathers of their babies and families.
[Source: PI]
Werner Wilson, Ronald Jay. 1998. “Gender Differences in Adolescent Sexual Attitudes: The Influence of Individual and Family Factors.” Adolescence vol. 33, pp. 519-531.
Abstract: Examined multiple
influences on adolescent sexuality, focusing on sexual attitudes because of
their influence on sexual behavior. Empirical analyses were based on a
nonrandom availability sample of 1,587 public high school students (aged 14-19 yrs)
and 1,372 parents. Multiple regression analyses were conducted in 3 phases to
elaborate models for adolescent attitudes about premarital sexual intercourse;
separate models were developed for females and males. First a regression model
was developed that featured individual adolescent characteristics (e.g., age,
gender, locus of control, self-esteem, and religious participation) as
predictor variables. A 2nd regression model was developed that included family
characteristics (e.g., number of siblings, number of parents at home,
communication with mother and father, family strengths, parent contribution to
sexuality education, parental discussion of sexual values, and the sexual
attitudes of mother and father. The integrated model had more explanatory power
than separate models. Females were influenced by more family factors and males
were influenced by more individual factors.
[Source: PI]
Macbeth, David Michael. 1997. “Risk Factors Associated with Early Adolescent Sexual Values and Behaviors.” PHD Thesis, Utah State University.
Abstract: Adolescent sexual
activity and subsequent pregnancy are an increasing dilemma facing American
society. There appears to be an increase in the incidence of casual sexual
activity among adolescents that leads to over 50% of students between grades 9
and 12 having been involved in sexual intercourse. This study examines changes
in adolescent sexual attitudes, behaviors, and values in a select population
over a 2-year time span. A survey of 548 families with adolescents was used to
determine the impact of the Facts and Feelings home-based sexual abstinence
program on mean scores for academic aspirations, academic achievement, sexual
knowledge, the intention to have intercourse, sexual behavior, religiosity,
mother approachability, father approachability, frequency of parental
communication, sexual abstinence skills, friends', approval of premarital sex,
value against sex prior to marriage, risk of contracting a sexually transmitted
disease, sex being acceptable in relationships, adolescent's values match
parent's values, parents approve of premarital sex, and adolescent's rating of
physical maturity. The sample was randomly split into equal size experimental
and control groups. The treatment materials were given to the experimental
group following a baseline measurement, and the control group received the
materials after the study was completed 2 years later. Data were collected at
four time intervals: pretest, 3-month posttest, 1-year posttest, and 2-year
posttest. Dependent variables were identified from previous research as
possible antecedents to early sexual activity. The youth studied were in the
sixth and seventh grades, and were generally sexually abstinent throughout the
study. Hypotheses were related to gender, group membership, and the interaction
of these variables over time. A majority of the significant findings came in
the hypotheses regarding gender. There were limited findings in the hypothesis
that dealt with group membership, group membership by gender, and the
interaction effects of gender by group over time. Most of the treatment effects
were time limited and not maintained for long periods of time following the
treatment. There was evidence that the Facts and Feeling materials used in the
study were beneficial in changing behavior, values, and attitudes regarding
teenage abstinence for a short time immediately following the treatment
period. [Source: PI]
Metcalf Whittaker, Marilyn. 1996. “Adolescent Attitudes Towards Parental Sex Roles, Family Size, and Birth Control.” Ph.D. Thesis, The University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill.
Abstract: This project is a
secondary analysis of survey data collected by researchers at the University of
Michigan Institute for Social Research. The study seeks to discover the effects
of interactions among respondents' demographic characteristics, religious
affiliations, academic aspirations, and family characteristics on their
attitudes towards parental sex roles, desired number of children, and attitudes
towards birth control issues. In addition, the effects of having had sex
education or birth control education on attitudes towards birth control issues
will be assessed. [Source: DA]
Beitz, Janice Marian. 1995. “Social and Educational Factors Affecting Sex Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of College Students.” Ph.d. Thesis, Temple University.
Abstract: Adolescent sexual
risk behaviors are a national health issue as Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have spread in the
American population. Social cognitive theory suggests that social and
educational factors influence these behaviors. Previous research has found
equivocal results in certain factors' relationships to and their interactive
effect on sexuality. Earlier sex behavior's effect on current cognition has not
been well examined. The purpose of this study was to identify demographic,
psychosocial, and educational variables related to sex knowledge, attitudes,
and behaviors of college students. The study addressed the following questions:
What are the individual and interactive effects of number of sources and
intensity of formal sex education, performance self-esteem, parent-adolescent
communication, and religiosity on sex variables? Does gender affect these independent
variables? How does gender and/or age of first coitus affect selected sex
variables? Measures of the independent variables and sex knowledge, attitudes,
and behaviors were administered. Subjects were 200 full-time college students,
aged 17 to 25 years old, enrolled in two large urban universities and a
community college. For the independent variables, correlation analyses
indicated that formal sex education, parent-adolescent communication, and
religiosity were significantly but very weakly related to sex attitudes. No
other intercorrelations were significant. Simple multiple regression
demonstrated that the variables taken together explained negligible variance in
sex behaviors. Gender generated differences in the independent variables.
Independent t-tests indicated that males scored significantly lower than
females in parent-adolescent communication with mother, social self-esteem, and
religiosity. For age of first coitus and gender, a one-way analysis of variance
indicated that males had significantly more liberal sex attitudes than females.
Subjects with earlier first coitus had significantly more liberal sex attitudes
and greater STDs. No interactions were significant. Age of first coitus itself
was examined. Independent t-tests demonstrated that subjects with earlier first
coitus had significantly less sex knowledge, more liberal sex attitudes, and
greater risk behaviors. Results suggested that first coitus age and gender
affected sexuality differentially. Recommendations were made for educational and
health care practice and further research.
[Source: DA]
Heinrichs, Glenn Allen. 1995. “Adolescent Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors: The Effects of Intrinsic-Extrinsic Religiosity.” Thesis, Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Psychology.
Abstract: This study
examined the relationship of intrinsic/extrinsic (I/E) religiosity in
adolescents as related to sexual behaviors and attitudes. Specifically, the
Intrinsic/Extrinsic Measure of Religious Beliefs-revised (Gorsuch &
McPherson, 1989) was used in conjunction with a self-report measure of
adolescent sexual attitudes and behaviors (McCabe & Collins, 1983).
Additionally, several other variables, gender, sexual-self, significant
religious experiences, and age were investigated to determine their impact on
the relationship of I/E and church attendance with sexual behavior and
attitudes. Hierarchical linear model analyses revealed a significant negative
relationship between both the Intrinsic and Extrinsic religious orientations
and the sexual attitudes and behaviors of the adolescent population studied.
Furthermore, these findings were significant even when attendance at religious
services was partialled out. A secondary hypothesis was confirmed regarding
gender differences as an additional variable describing adolescent sexual
attitudes and behaviors. There were no significant relationships found for
other demographic variables. The results suggest that Intrinsic religiosity is
a significant negatively correlated variable when looking at adolescent sexual
attitudes and behavior regardless of gender or other variables. Implications
for further research are discussed.
[Source: PI]
Lock, Sharon E. and Murray L. Vincent. 1995. “Sexual Decision-Making among Rural Adolescent Females.” Health Values:The Journal of Health Behavior, Education and Promotion vol. 19, pp. 47-58.
Abstract: Analyzed data from
the South Carolina School/Community Program for Sexual Risk Reduction Among
Teens to determine direct and indirect effects of demographic and psychosocial
factors on female adolescents' decisions to engage or not engage in premarital
sexual intercourse. 564 predominantly Black adolescent girls (aged 12-29 yrs)
completed the Adolescent Curriculum Evaluation Questionnaire. The Interaction
Model of Client Health Behavior provided a framework to explain the
interrelationships among the variables. Age, family structure, peer influence,
commitment to partner, and sexual attitudes had direct effects on premarital
sexual intercourse. Race, religiosity, sex role attitude, reproductive
knowledge, and parent-adolescent communication had indirect effects on
premarital sexual intercourse. [Source:
PI]
Sivewright, Gary Michael. 1995. “Influencing Factors on the Sexual Mores of Nazarene Teenagers in the United States.” Ed.d Thesis, Peabody College For Teachers of Vanderbilt University.
Abstract: Evangelical
churches care about the future of their youth. In February of 1987, Seventeen
magazine surveyed teens by randomly selecting 1,100 girls and 1,400 boys ages
13 to 19. More than 900 responded. Of the respondents, 37% of the girls and 46%
of the boys claimed to have had sexual intercourse. Church leaders seek to
discover where teenagers obtain their information about sexuality, what or whom
influences them, and whether teens under the influence of Nazarene churches
respond any differently than teens basically unchurched. In 1987, the Barna
Research Group of Glendale, California, conducted a survey of evangelical
churches, asking for the influences that determine the sexual mores of their
teenagers. My study replicates the Barna survey for the Church of the Nazarene
only and tried to determine the influencing factors on sexual mores of teens
surveyed, in order to ascertain if some influences effect teens more than
others and how Nazarene Church leaders should respond. I asked a random
sampling of Nazarene youth groups to respond to a survey similar to the Barna
(1987) survey, except that I sought more details concerning why teens feel the
way they do. through their answers, I determined the following: (1) What is the
frequency of infLuential activities by Nazarene teens? (2) What sexual
behaviors do Nazarene teens participate in and to what extent? (3) What
comparisons can be made between the sexual behavior for youth of the Church of
the Nazarene and their sexual influences?
[Source: PI]
Ashbourne, Daniel Terrence. 1994. “Adolescent Pre-Pregnancy Decision-Making: Attitudes and Behavioral Intention Relationships.” Ph.d. Thesis, University of Guelph (Canada).
Abstract: This thesis investigates
adolescents' prepregnancy attitudes and behavioral intentions concerning
alternative responses to an unplanned pregnancy. An integrated model with five
components (perceived attitudes of others, level of religion, future
aspirations, role modelling and dating experience) examined the complex
relationships in prepregnancy decision-making for 1377 male and female
adolescents. Structural equation modelling with maximum likelihood estimation
as implemented with LISREL VII (Joreskog & Sorbom, 1989) was used for the
analyses. This new integrated model expands upon Brazzell and Acock's (1988)
model of abortion intentions by including adolescents' attitudes about
abortion, adoption and parenting and their perceptions of significant others'
attitudes towards abortion and adoption. It also eliminates the typical
isolated examination of one intention and attitudes about that same option. The
study examined three behavioral intentions (abortion, adoption and parenting)
using the new integrated model. The model explained more of the variance
regarding each behavioral intention than did that of Brazzell and Acock.
Several gender differences were found, particularly for the component referring
to perceived attitudes of others. Female adolescents were affected more by
their perceptions of others' attitudes around them than were males. Another
significant gender difference occurred with adoption analyses. The combined
attitudes about the options for males, but not females were related to the
behavioral intention to place for adoption. The central relationships between
attitudes and intentions were significant for males and females in abortion and
parenting analyses. Adoption intentions are more difficult to explain, and it
is speculated that adoption may actually be a default option for some
adolescents who are unable to raise the children or consider abortion as an
option. The benefits of using the integrated model for studying prepregnancy
decision-making are outlined, along with strengths, weaknesses, potential areas
for refinement of the model and further research possibilities. Implications
for pregnancy counselling are also considered.
[Source: DA]
Bartle, Nathalie Akin Vanderpool. 1994. “The Spoken and Unspoken Word: Ways in Which Mothers and Adolescent Daughters Communicate About Issues of Sexuality.” Ed.d. Thesis, Harvard University.
Abstract: In this study, I
explored ways in which black and white mothers and adolescent daughters from
different social settings and cultural groups communicate about sexuality. I
also examined how their interactions may influence daughters' decisions related
to sexual behavior. This research is framed by the theoretical perspective on
female development that female identity is integrated with relationship.
Daughters continue an important connection with their mothers during
adolescence even as they begin to differentiate their identities from their
mothers (Chodrow, 1974, Gilligan, 1977, 1982; Miller, 1976). I addressed issues
that are pivotal for building on and expanding this theoretical framework.
Building on previous research that mothers and adolescent daughters do
communicate about sexual issues (Fisher, 1986a; Fox & Inazu, 1980; Hepburn,
1983), I administered a brief questionnaire to groups of young adolescent girls
and their mothers in two school settings--an urban public high school and a
suburban private coed secondary school. From this pool I selected
mother-daughter pairs for individual interviews and for participation in focus
groups. The interview respondents included six black and five white
mother-daughter dyads affiliated with the public school and five black and
seven white mother-daughter pairs from the private school. Methods used to
analyze the data obtained included: (a) content coding, where specific features
were clustered into matrices and themes were constructed; (b) the Reading Guide
(Brown et al., 1988), which complemented the content coding strategy; and (c)
quantitative analyses of the mother-daughter questionnaires focusing on
openness and problems in communication. These three methods allowed me to
present descriptive analyses of communication patterns mothers and adolescent
daughters reported they experienced in addressing sexual issues and permitted
an in-depth analysis for capturing essential elements of meaning from the
qualitative data. The triangulation of these different methods supported an
integrated data analysis and contributed to the offset of biases of any one
particular method. Results demonstrated that mothers and daughters are communicating
about sexual topics. They speak explicitly about most issues, although the
pleasurable aspects of sex are rarely addressed. Both parties acknowledge
difficulty in communicating about sex, and as daughters reach mid-adolescence
and become interested in sexual activity, communication is less frequent. A
number of factors influence the communication process including: developmental
age of daughters, mothers' education, mother-daughter relationships, income
level, cultural values, family structure and religious beliefs. Daughters'
knowledge of sexual issues is broad. Mothers do influence daughters' knowledge,
attitudes and decisions about becoming sexually active and about contraceptive
use. However, daughters generally make decisions about their sexual behavior
without communicating explicitly with their mothers. At a time when concerns
are escalating about the sexual behavior of youth, this study provides valuable
insights into ways sexual knowledge and values are transmitted between mothers
and daughters in various racial and cultural groups. [Source: DA]
Halpern, Carolyn Tucker, J. Richard Udry, Benjamin Campbell, Chirayath Suchindran, and et al. 1994. “Testosterone and Religiosity as Predictors of Sexual Attitudes and Activity among Adolescent Males: A Biosocial Model.” Journal of Biosocial Science vol. 26, pp. 217-234.
Abstract: Examined a
biosocial model of the effects of early adolescent testosterone levels and
religiosity on adolescent males' sexual attitudes and activity over a 3-yr period.
Using panel data for 100 boys (aged 12.5-23 yrs old at study entry),
significant effects of free testosterone and frequency of attendance at
religious services were demonstrated on the transition to 1st intercourse and
other aspects of sexual behavior and attitudes. Ss with higher testosterone
levels at study entry who never or infrequently attended religious services
were the most sexually active and had the most permissive attitudes. Ss with
lower free testosterone who attended services once a week or more were the
least active and reported the least permissive attitudes. For attitude,
ideation, and motivation measures, group differences became less distinct as
the boys aged. [Source: PI]
Bryan, Janice W. and Florence W. Freed. 1993. “Abortion Research: Attitudes, Sexual Behavior, and Problems in a Community College Population.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence vol. 22, pp. 1-22.
Abstract: 80 female and 70
male undergraduates (aged 18-49 yrs) completed surveys regarding their
attitudes toward abortion, their sexual behavior, and their past and current
problems. Although 70% of Ss were raised Catholic, 82% supported abortion
choice. 86% of Ss had engaged in premarital sex, 70% of Ss used contraception,
and 26% of the women had had premarital pregnancies. Compared with pro-abortion
Ss, anti-abortion Ss had more religiosity, believed that abortion was murder,
were more punitive toward the woman and medical personnel involved, were less
sexually active, and were less likely to know someone who had an abortion. Many
Ss had a history of and were currently experiencing serious problems,
especially the women. [Source: PI]
Marsiglio, William and Constance L. Shehand. 1993. “Adolescent Males' Abortion Attitudes: Data from a National Survey.” Family Planning Perspectives vol. 25, pp. 162-169.
Abstract: Roughly 13% of a
nationally representative sample of 1,800 males ages 15-19 approved of abortion
in each of 8 circumstances presented to them, while about 4% disapproved in
every instance. The proportions agreeing that abortion is acceptable ranged as
high as 85%-90% if the pregnancy endangers the woman's health or results from
rape. Any type of religious affiliation, especially religious fundamentalism,
was related to weaker support for abortion; an even stronger correlate of
abortion attitudes was the importance of religion to the respondent (R).
Abortion attitudes varied little by race after social background factors were
controlled. Rs with more liberal attitudes toward premarital sex & Rs who
perceived that they would be upset if they became a father in the immediate
future were particularly likely to express acceptance of abortion. Roughly 61%
of Rs did not feel that a woman should have an abortion if her partner objects,
indicating a possible gender conflict of interest over the abortion issue. [Source: SA]
Sheeran, Paschal, Dominic Abrams, Charles Abraham, and Russell Spears. 1993. “Religiosity and Adolescents' Premarital Sexual Attitudes and Behaviour: An Empirical Study of Conceptual Issues.” European Journal of Social Psychology vol. 23, pp. 39-52.
Abstract: Surveyed 527
adolescents (aged 15-20 yrs) concerning the associations between 6 models of
religiosity (religious upbringing, denominational affiliation,
ritual/behavioral, self-attitude/self-schema, and salience of religious
identity) and personal sexual standards, attitudes toward sexually active
others, virginal status, anticipation of sexual intercourse, and frequency of
both coitus and noncoital sexual experiences over the previous year. A negative
relationship between religiosity and a number of sexual attitudes and behaviors
was observed, though nonsignificant relationships in the case of sexual
experiences without intercourse suggested the maintenance of a technical
virginity to accord with religious precepts. Results support models that
implicate self-conception either in terms of self-attitudes/self-schemas or the
salience of religious identity.
[Source: PI]
Langer, L. M., R. S. Zimmerman, and R. McNeal. 1992. “Explaining the Association of Race and Ethnicity with the Hiv Aids-Related Attitudes, Behaviors and Skills of High-School Students.” Population Research and Policy Review vol. 11, pp. 233-247.
Abstract: This study deals
with intervening factors such as family composition, religiosity, and HIV/AIDS
knowledge in understanding the association of race and ethnicity with
HIV/AIDS-related attitudes and behaviors. Data represent Wave 1 of a five-month
panel design involving 10th grade students in eight public high schools in Dade
County (greater Miami) Florida. Significant differences in attitudes and
behaviors were found among racial/ethnic groups. Specifically, Hispanics had
more negative attitudes about condom use than blacks or whites. Whites had the
most permissive, and blacks the least permissive. sexual attitudes. Hispanics
felt least confident and blacks felt most confident about interpersonal sexual
skills. Blacks were most likely to have had sexual intercourse, and whites
least likely. Religiosity was found to be a significant intervening variable in
the less permissive sexual attitudes of both blacks and Hispanics. The most
significant implication of this study is that racial/ethnic differences in
sexual behavior can be explained more fully by socio- environmental factors
such as family structure or religiosity than by knowledge or attitudes. Thus,
interventions directed toward minority populations should focus on the
development of alternative social environments that would support more positive
behaviors. More specifically, extended family. religious youth groups, and
other community organizations should be brought into the HIV/AIDS risk
reduction arena. [Source: SC]
Pemberton, Larry Donald. 1992. “Religiosity and Adolescent Male Sexual Behavior.” Ph.d. Thesis, The University of Tennessee.
Abstract: Within the body of
research on adolescent sexuality, there has been relatively little attention
given to adolescent males and minimal consideration given to the influence of
adolescent religiosity. In the present study, religiosity is investigated as a
mitigating factor in postponing or preventing adolescent male intimate sexual
behavior. In addition, the adolescent male's age, his attitudes of sexual
permissiveness, and his perception of closeness to his father and of his father
as a committed Christian are considered with religiosity as additive
socialization influences. Data for this study were provided by a Pentecostal
denomination and were collected by confidentially administered questionnaires
from a sample of youth participating in church youth group meetings. A
subsample of 13-18 year old males was used in the present analysis. In an
elaboration model, contingency tables, zero order and partial correlations, and
multiple regression analysis were used to determine and elaborate relationships
in the data. For the subsample as a whole, religiosity was demonstrated to have
a significant negative relationship with sexually intimate behavior.
Religiosity was demonstrated to be a multi-dimensional construct with the
personal beliefs component showing the most direct influence. Of the test
variables in the elaboration, age demonstrated the most significant influence.
Overall, the socialization structure most certainly leading to higher levels of
sexual intimacy consisted of low religiosity, closeness to the father, the
perception that the father was not a committed Christian, and liberal sexual
permissiveness. The socialization structure leading most certainly to low
sexual intimacy consisted of high religiosity, closeness to the father, the
perception that the father was a committed Christian, and conservative sexual
permissiveness. A major conclusion of this study was that religiosity is a
multi-dimensional construct which influences male adolescent sexual behavior to
the extent to which its values have been internalized. Additionally, this study
concluded that several significant socialization influences, including father
variables, age, and attitudes of sexual permissiveness, acted conjointly and
additively with religiosity in relation to the adolescent's level of sexual
intimacy. [Source: DA]
Stone, Rebecca and Cynthia Waszak. 1992. “Adolescent Knowledge and Attitudes About Abortion.” Family Planning Perspectives vol. 24, pp. 52-57.
Abstract: Data from a focus-group
study of adolescents from cities across the US indicate that they lack accurate
knowledge about abortion & the laws governing it, describing it as
medically dangerous, emotionally damaging, & widely illegal. Findings also
reveal that antiabortion views, conservative morality, & religious beliefs
are primary sources of adolescents' attitudes toward abortion. Participants
expressed personal opposition to abortion, but supported its continued legality
as a woman's choice. Although most of the teenagers expressed positive feelings
toward parents, they did not feel that mandatory parental involvement would be
helpful &, in some cases, could be harmful. [Source: SA]
White, Sharon D. and Richard R. DeBlassie. 1992. “Adolescent Sexual Behavior.” Adolescence vol. 27, pp. 183-191.
Abstract: A brief overview
of the past five years of professional literature on adolescent sexuality is
presented to identify factors that influence this social phenomenon, as well as
effective interventions. The importance of the family & religion on sexual
attitudes & behaviors, how sexual activity is related to other age-related
behaviors & delinquency, the relationship between early coital behaviors
& the risk of pregnancy & sexually transmitted idseases, &
attitudes toward contraception & abstinence are discussed. Possible
psychological effects of sexual activity on adolescent development are also
considered. [Source: SA]
Birch, Diana. 1991. “Teenage Belief Systems About Sexual Health.” International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health vol. 5, pp. 37-47.
Abstract: Discusses teenage
belief systems regarding sex and pregnancy. It is only by understanding the
belief systems of the adolescent and his or her peer group that the health
professional can effectively interact with the teenager in a way that has
relevance and meaning. Counseling, contraceptive, antenatal or any other
service will fail if adolescents do not believe that they need them. Parental,
cultural, and religious beliefs, as well as myths, form a basis on which the
adolescent belief system is built. Many teenagers do not believe that they will
become pregnant because of magical beliefs that they are protected, beliefs
that they are too young to get pregnant, or an external locus of control (the
belief that they have no control over their bodies or actions). [Source: PI]
Gibson, John W. and Jean B. Lanz. 1991. “Factors Associated with Hispanic Teenagers' Attitude toward the Importance of Birth Control.” Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal vol. 8, pp. 399-415.
Abstract: Studied how
demographic factors, educational aspirations, maternal characteristics,
religiosity, clarity of long-term goals, and perception of friends' behavior
were associated with attitudes toward the importance of birth control (ATIBC),
using 240 Hispanic 12-28 yr old females who completed a written questionnaire.
Significant relationships were found between ATIBC and 4 predictors: primary
language, mother's education, importance of religion, and friends' perceived
contraceptive use. Adolescents who appeared to attach the least importance to
birth control were those who reported that their best spoken language was
Spanish, whose mothers had less than a 10th-grade education, who viewed
religion as relatively important, and who perceived that their friends would
not use birth control. [Source: PI]
Lock, Sharon Estelle. 1990. “Factors Affecting Premarital Sexual Intercourse and Contraceptive Use among Rural Adolescent Females.” Ph.D. Thesis, University of South Carolina.
Abstract: Many factors
associated with female adolescent sexual decision-making are of interest to
nursing and could be positively influenced by nursing strategies. Secondary
analysis using structural equation modeling was used to determine the direct and
indirect effects of selected demographic and psychosocial factors on female
adolescents' decisions to: (1) engage or not engage in premarital sexual
intercourse, and (2) use effective or ineffective contraception at most recent
intercourse. Data were derived from responses to selected items from a
questionnaire designed to evaluate the South Carolina School/Community Program
for Sexual Risk Reduction Among Teens. In this program, one school district in
a rural South Carolina county received an educational intervention and another
school district in the same county served as the comparison group. Respondents
consisted of 564 predominantly black females ages 12 to 19 years old who
participated in the program in 1987. Cox's Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior
provided a nursing framework to guide the study. Demographic and psychosocial
factors included: town, age, race, religious affiliation, family structure,
socioeconomic status, affordability and accessibility of contraception,
religiosity, parent-adolescent communication, peer influence, commitment to
partner, educational goals, reproductive and contraceptive knowledge, sex-role
attitudes, sexual and contraceptive attitudes, decision-making ability,
self-esteem, health locus of control, and personal responsibility. Multiple
regression, logistic regression and LISREL VII were used to analyze the data.
Findings indicated that town, age, family structure, peer influence, commitment
to partner, and sexual attitudes had significant direct effects on premarital
sexual intercourse. Birth control attitudes and parent-adolescent communication
had significant direct effects on contraceptive use. LISREL analysis indicated
that Cox's model fit the premarital sexual intercourse data poorly, whereas,
the model fit the contraceptive use data reasonably well. Findings suggest that
nursing strategies should focus on the development of peer counseling groups,
promotion of positive attitudes toward sexuality and contraception, and
development of parent support groups.
[Source: DA]
Pleck, Joseph H., Freya L. Sonenstein, and Leighton C. Ku. 1990. “Contraceptive Attitudes and Intention to Use Condoms in Sexually Experienced and Inexperienced Adolescent Males.” Journal of Family Issues vol. 11, pp. 294-312.
Abstract: Analysis of data
collected in the 1988 National Survey of Adolescent Males from 1,880 males aged
15-19 revealed that nearly 60% indicated an "almost certain chance"
to use a condom in future intercourse. Compared to sexually inexperienced
males, those who had sexual experience reported lower perceived costs for
condom use in terms of embarassment, but high costs in terms of reduction of
pleasure. The perceived benefits of using condoms in terms of preventing
pregnancy & gaining appreciation from the partner, & attitudinal
endorsement of male responsibility for contraception were similar for the two
groups. Attitudes discounting the risk of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency
syndrome) reduced intended condom use in both groups. For the sexually
experienced, metropolian residence, high educational aspirations, &
self-esteem were associated with intended condom use. For the sexually
inexperienced, being Hispanic, holding religion to be important, liberal
attitudes about the male sex role, worry about AIDS, & condom use at last
intercourse were associated with intended condom use. [Source: SA]
Thomas, Darwin L. and Craig Carver. 1990. “Religion and Adolescent Social Competence.” Pp. 195-219 in Developing Social Competency in Adolescence. Advances in Adolescent Development, Vol. 3, edited by Thomas P. Gullotta and Gerald R. Adams. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Abstract: (from the chapter)
assesses the relative influence of religious variables on adolescent prosocial
development an attempt is made to situate the increasing interest in the study
of religion and the social sciences with the renewed interest in charting the
stages of religious growth and development along with adolescent growth and
development the effect of religion in the life of the adolescent is developed
by considering both theory and research as they contribute to our understanding
of why and how the religion variables seem to lead to prosocial developments in
the areas of self-esteem, academic and occupational achievement, sexual
attitudes and behavior, and substance addiction and abuse as well as in the
various belief and behavioral dimensions of religiosity per se attempts to
derive central theoretical propositions by looking at the basic relationships
that emerge in each of the above areas.
[Source: PI]
Gassaway, Jeanette Marie. 1989. “Adolescent Sexuality Education: A Survey within the Black Church.” M.a. Thesis, Michigan State University.
Abstract: This study
assessed the informational interests of adolescents and their parents for sexuality
education, adolescents' sexual knowledge and sexual concerns, adolescents'
first, current, and preferred sources of information as indicated by
adolescents and parents, and parent-child communication about sexuality. The
results indicated that adolescents were marginally interested in obtaining more
information about sexuality topics while parents were significantly more
interested in their adolescents obtaining more information on sexuality topics.
Adolescents were knowledgeable about sexual functioning, and were not greatly
concerned about the sexual issues presented. Mother, school, and friends were
both adolescents' first and current sources of sexuality information. They
preferred mother, school, and church. Parents reported that mother, school, and
father were adolescents' current sources of sexuality information. Parents
preferred mother, church, and father. Parents reported discussing and wanting
to discuss sexuality with their children and feeling comfortable in doing so
significantly more than adolescents.
[Source: DA]
Murstein, Bernard I., Michelle J. Chalpin, Kenneth V. Heard, and Stuart A. Vyse. 1989. “Sexual Behavior, Drugs, and Relationship Patterns on a College Campus over Thirteen Years.” Adolescence vol. 24, pp. 125-139.
Abstract: 737 college
students at a small liberal arts college received questionnaires regarding
their sexual philosophies, behavior, relationship with most recent partner,
self-perceived attractiveness, relationship with parents, use of drugs and
alcohol, attitudes toward marriage and abortion, and other subjects in 1974,
1979, and 1986. Results show that sexual behavior increased dramatically from
1974 to 1979 and then decreased in 1986 to approximately where it was in 1974.
It is suggested that data reflect an increase in individualism and a weakening
of the influence of religion and parental relationship on sexual behavior.
However, newly prominent diseases, including acquired immune deficiency
syndrome (AIDS), have pushed college youth toward more committed sexual
relationships, although not to abstention.
[Source: PI]
Thornton, Arland and Donald Camburn. 1989. “Religious Participation and Adolescent Sexual Behavior and Attitudes.” Journal of Marriage and the Family vol. 51, pp. 641-653.
Abstract: Causal interconnections
between adolescent sexuality & the religious affiliation &
participation of adolescents are considered, based on interviews conducted in
1962, 1963, 1966, & 1967 with mothers of a sample of children selected from
birth records of the Detroit, Mich, metropolitan area in July 1961; interviews
were also conducted with both mother & child in 1980 (original N = 916
families). Findings are consistent with previous research in showing religious
involvement & adolescent sexual attitudes & behavior to be strongly
correlated. Young people who attend church frequently & who value religion
in their lives have the least permissive attitudes & are less experienced
sexually. Results also support the traditional hypothesis that religious
participation effects adolescent sexuality, but also indicate that sexual
behavior & attitudes significantly influence religious involvement. [Source: SA]
Miller, Brent C. and Terrance D. Olson. 1988. “Sexual Attitudes and Behavior of High School Students in Relation to Background and Contextual Factors.” Journal of Sex Research vol. 24, pp. 194-200.
Abstract: Investigated how a
number of background and contextual variables relate to sexual attitudes and
behavior when they are combined in a multivariate analysis, using survey data
from 2,423 adolescents (95% 15-28 yrs old). Results show a strong relationship
between premarital sexual attitudes and behavior. However, attitude/behavior
discrepancies suggest that adolescent sexuality is complex. Religious variables
were strong predictors of sexual attitudes and behavior. [Source: PI]
Schmidt, Paul F. 1988. “Moral Values of Adolescents: Public Versus Christian Schools.” Journal of Psychology and Christianity vol. 7, pp. 50-54.
Abstract: 118 students in
public high school and 73 students in Christian schools completed a true false
test measuring 8 pairs of moral and immoral attitudes. Findings indicate that
there were significant differences on a "total morality index"
favoring the Christian school students. Significant differences were obtained
in 3 particular areas: Money, Body/Health, and Sexuality. Christian school
students were more inclined than public school students to be aware of and
confess their minor character flaws, contradicting the view that Christian
students tend to present themselves in a socially desirable light. [Source: PI]
Giles, Shewanna Lagale K. 1987. “The Sexual Attitudes of Black Adolescent Females.” M.S.S.W. Thesis, The University of Texas At Arlington.
Abstract: An exploratory
study of the sexual attitudes of Black adolescent females was conducted. A 54
pecent return rate was obtained. The study explores relationships among
demographic factors and reported psychological variables regarding sexual
security, sexual self image, and sexual autonomy. Data analysis involved the
use of general frequencies, and Pearson's Correlation. Correlation analysis of
the sample indicated a significant correlation between age, religion, family
relationships relative to sexual attitudes and behaviors. The importance of this
research lies in its contribution to understanding Black adolescent
development, their attitude formation and the clarification of stereotypes
regarding sexuality in Black adolescents. This is of fundamental importance in
trying to combat the teenage pregnancy epidemic. [Source: DA]
Hoge, Dean R., Jann L. Hoge, and Janet Wittenberg. 1987. “The Return of the Fifties: Trends in College Students' Values between 1952 and 1984.” Sociological Forum vol. 2, pp. 500-519.
Abstract: An analysis of
value trends during the 1950s-1980s using questionnaire data obtained in (1) a
1952 survey of M students (N not provided) at 11 US Colls & Us, & (2)
replication studies conducted in 1968/69, 1974, 1979, & 1984 at Dartmouth
Coll, NH (N = 360, 366, 316, & 334, respectively), & the U of Michigan
(N = 400, 348, 331, & 364, respectively). In most value domains the trends
are U-shaped, reversing from the 1950s direction in the 1960s & 1970s; by
1984, attitudes were similar to those of the 1950s or moving in that direction.
Domains examined include: traditional religion; career choice; faith in
government & the military; advocacy of social constraints on deviant social
groups; attitudes about free enterprise, government, & economics; sexual
morality; marijuana use; & personal obligations. Two attitude areas do not
show a return to 1950s values: (1) other-direction was high in 1952, then
dropped in the 1960s & did not rise; & (2) the level of politicization
rose greatly from 1952 to the 1960s, then dropped again only slightly. [Source: SA]
Miller, Brent C., Roger B. Christensen, and Terrance D. Olson. 1987. “Adolescent Self-Esteem in Relation to Sexual Attitudes and Behavior.” Youth and Society vol. 19, pp. 93-111.
Abstract: The relationship
between self-esteem & sexual intercourse experience was investigated in
surveys of 2,423 high school students in 3 western US states in 1983/84. In
this sample, self-esteem was related to sexual attitudes & behavior in ways
that are consistent with a normative context hypothesis. That is, among those
who were in conservative groups (frequent church attenders & Mormons) there
was a significant negative relationship between self-esteem & permissive
sexual attitudes & behavior. The relationship was also mediated by personal
attitudinal permissiveness, with self-esteem being positively related to sexual
intercourse among adolescents who believed that premarital sex was usually or
always right, & negatively related to sexual intercourse among those who
believed it was always wrong. [Source:
SA]
Miller, Brent C., Robert Higginson, J. Kelly McCoy, and Terrance D. Olson. 1987. “Family Configuration and Adolescent Sexual Attitudes and Behavior.” Population and Environment vol. 9, pp. 111-123.
Abstract: Measures of family
configuration, derived from the number, age, & sex of siblings & the
number of parents, were related to adolescent sexual attitudes & behavior
in an analysis of 1983 questionnaire survey data from 836 high school students
in Salt Lake City, Utah, & Albuquerque, NM. Zero-order correlations showed
that sexual intercourse experience was less common among adolescents who lived
with both parents & also among those who had more younger siblings.
However, controlling for adolescents' age, sex, race, religion, church attendance,
& parents' educational attainment eliminated the relationships between
family configuration variables & sexual attitudes & behavior. Only
parents' marital structure, reflecting whether adolescents lived with both
original parents or not, continued to be weakly related to adolescents' sexual
attitudes & behavior. [Source: SA]
Sweet, Loretta Elaine. 1987. “Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior among Black Male Adolescents.” Ph.d. Thesis, University of Pennsylvania.
Abstract: This study
examined the relationship of religiosity, perceived parental strictness, family
structure, and socioeconomic status to sexual knowledge, attitudes, and
behavior among black male adolescents. Two hundred inner-city black male junior
and senior high school students between the ages of 11 and 19 years anonymously
completed a 45-minute questionnaire containing all the measures. The data were
analyzed using multiple regression analysis. In these analyses, the relation of
a particular independent variable was examined while the effects of the other
independent variables were statistically controlled. In addition, the analyses
statistically controlled for student's age. The results revealed that the
sexual attitudes of the students who were higher in religiosity were both more
moralistic and more responsible than were those of their peers. These students
also used contraception more frequently when they had sexual intercourse.
Students who perceived their parents as stricter were older when they first had
sexual intercourse. Students who lived with both parents were less likely to
have made someone pregnant and were more likely to have been in a steady
relationship the first time they had sexual intercourse. Students with higher
socioeconomic class were younger on their first date, when they had their first
steady romantic relationship, and when they had sexual intercourse for the
first time. As might be expected, there were a number of significant relations
involving age, for instance, older students had more sexual knowledge and experience
and used contraceptives more consistently during the past year. In general, the
students in this sample engaged in sexual intercourse at an early age without
using contraception. Their mean age at first intercourse was 11 years, and
78.3% of those who had intercourse did not use contraception on the first
occasion. The results suggest the need for human sexuality programs which
includes contraception for black male adolescents aged 11 years and younger.
Limitations of the study are discussed, and suggestions for future research on
black male adolescent sexuality are offered.
[Source: DA]
Collins, John K. and Lesley Robinson. 1986. “The Contraceptive Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Unmarried Adolescents.” Australian Journal of Sex, Marriage and Family vol. 7, pp. 132-152.
Abstract: Studied the
premarital contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 288 14-25 yr
old males and females. The Contraceptive Knowledge Schedule, the Social
Desirability scale of the Personality Research Form, the Contraceptive Practice
Schedule, and an attitude measure were administered. Results reveal a
substantial incidence of unprotected coitus among adolescents. Females had more
adequate knowledge and more favorable attitudes and reported greater contraceptive
efficiency and use than males. Discussion of contraception with one's partner
was associated with greater efficiency and use, while greater educational
attainments were associated with increased knowledge and favorability toward
contraceptive practices. Less sexually experienced adolescents were inclined to
be nonusers of contraception, as were those who disapproved of premarital
intercourse. Other than the finding that adolescents who had never attended
church used contraception at an earlier age, religiosity was not associated
with either knowledge of, efficiency of, or favorability toward contraceptive
use. [Source: PI]
Earle, John R. and Philip J. Perricone. 1986. “Premarital Sexuality: A Ten-Year Study of Attitudes and Behavior on a Small University Campus.” Journal of Sex Research vol. 22, pp. 304-310.
Abstract: An analysis of
changes in sexual attitudes & behaviors among undergraduates at a small,
private, church-related southern U between 1970 & 1981, based on
questionnaire responses from 3 samples (N = 243 in 1970, 182 in 1975, & 368
in 1981). Results indicate significant increases in rates of premarital
intercourse & in the average number of partners, & significant
decreases in the average age at first experience, for both Ms & Fs.
Attitudes toward sexual activity are more strongly related to sexual behaviors
for Fs than for Ms; however, Fs are more conservative than Ms in their
attitudes toward the kinds of relationships in which premarital coitus is
personally acceptable. Influences of religiosity, SE background,
fraternity/sorority membership, age at onset of dating, & societal
attitudes are examined. [Source: SA]
Herring, Lynda L. 1985. “The Effect of Family Adaptability and Cohesion on Psychosexual Development.” Ph.d. Thesis, Kansas State University.
Abstract: The primary
purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of college students'
perceptions of their family cohesiveness and adaptability on the development of
their sexual attitudes and values. Additionally, demographic factors were
observed for differences. Previous research dealing with adolescent sexuality
has focused on the sexual behavior of the adolescent, rather than the attitudes
which precede behavior. This study attempted to supply to some degree, a first
step toward building an integrated, multi-dimensional relationship theory of
systemic family dynamics as it relates to the psychosexual development of young
people. Responses were elicited from 820 college students at Central Missouri
State University, Warrensburg, Missouri. The questionnaire was a combination of
two recognized instruments, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales (FACES
II) and the Sexual Attitude and Value Inventory in addition to demographic
information. Major conclusions drawn from this study showed that demographic
influences had a difference upon the way college students perceived their
psychosexual development. Females scored higher on the way they viewed the
importance of birth control, in their opposition to the use of pressure and force
in sexual activity, and in recognition of the importance of the family. Males
scored higher on their attitude toward sexuality in life. Individuals who had
had intercourse appeared to have a greater understanding of their personal
sexual response and had a more positive attitude toward sexuality in life in
addition to having higher esteem. Other demographics showing significance
involved the degree of importance of religion and size of the home community.
Overall, family adaptability and cohesion had some direct positive impact on
all measured aspects of sexual attitudes and values and the majority of the
activity was directional. That is, the closer and less structured a family
became, the more positive the perceptions of sexual values and attitudes. Family
cohesion appeared to be a larger factor in positive sexual attitudes and values
than family adaptability. The implications of this study could have substantial
effect upon the quality of life through Family Life Educators, researchers,
clinicians, and others interested in a systemic perspective of family
functioning and/or sexuality. [Source:
DA]
Killeen, Katherine Winston. 1985. “Gender Differences in Attitudes toward Contraceptive Use.” Ph.D. Thesis, Washington University.
Abstract: Failure to use contraceptives
is a critical problem among American youth because sexual activity is common,
and illegitimacy and abortion rates are high among young women. This study
investigates gender differences in attitudes toward contraceptive use within
the framework of the theory of reasoned action (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975).
Self-administered questionnaires were completed by a nonprobability, purposive
sample of 339 never-married, sexually active college students (158 males and
181 females) between the ages of 17 and 22 years. No statistically significant
or meaningful differences between male and female respondents were found in
regards to demographic and sexual background characteristics. Regression
analyses revealed that the Fishbein/Ajzen model was not of comparable
explanatory magnitude for males and females. Overall, the model accounted for
19% of the variance in contraceptive use intentions for males and 26% for
females. Males and females were found to differ as well in the weighting of the
model's components (the normative component was more heavily weighted for
females whereas the attitudinal component was more heavily weighted for males)
and also in regards to the specific elements making up the model's components.
Six other variables believed to be related to contraceptive use were also
examined. Regression analyses revealed that for males frequency of intercourse,
level of intimacy, and the experience of one's partner becoming pregnant were
independent and significant predictors of contraceptive use intention. For
females, affiliation with a religious group rather than no religious
affiliation was an independent and significant predictor of contraceptive use
intention. When independent and significant predictors of contraceptive use
were included in an expanded model, it was able to account for 29% of the
variance among males and 32% of the variance among females. [Source: DA]
McCormick, Naomi, Angela Izzo, and John Folcik. 1985. “Adolescents' Values, Sexuality, and Contraception in a Rural New York County.” Adolescence vol. 20, pp. 385-395.
Abstract: Administered a
questionnaire to 75 male and 88 female high school students from a rural county
of New York that asked them about their personal values and sexual and
contraceptive experiences. Results indicate that religiosity was unrelated to
Ss' sexual behavior and use of contraceptives. Very religious Ss were not more
likely to abstain from having sexual intercourse than less religious students;
religiosity did not influence the effectiveness of contraceptives used by
nonvirgins. Ss who had more liberal premarital sexual standards and profeminist
Ss became significantly more sexually intimate with their dates than either
sexually conservative or sex-role traditional Ss. However, neither premarital
sexual standards nor sex-role attitudes were useful for predicting nonvirgins'
coital frequency and use of effective contraceptives. The different groups of
Ss exhibited remarkably homogeneous sexual and contraceptive behavior.
Nonvirgins had coitus sporadically or on the average of only twice a month. In
addition, regardless of their values, most nonvirgins were contraceptive
risk-takers. Rejecting the most reliable methods that are available (e.g.,
birth control pills and the intrauterine device), the condom was the most
effective contraceptive used by most Ss (57%), and 21% of the nonvirgins relied
exclusively on such ineffective contraceptives as withdrawal, trusting in luck,
and douching. [Source: PI]
Blake, Judith. 1984. “Catholicism and Fertility: On Attitudes of Young Americans.” Population and Development Review vol. 10, pp. 329-340.
Abstract: The fertility
expectations of practicing Catholic, nominal Catholic, & non-Catholic
youths are compared. Analysis of a subsample (N = 29,495) of data obtained from
the National Center for Education Statistics Study, "High School &
Beyond" (1980, no publication information given) reveals that: (1)
practicing Catholic girls expect 19% more children than non-Catholic ones, (2)
practicing Catholic boys expect 17% more than their non-Catholic counterparts;
(3) Catholics attending Catholic schools expect more children than those
attending public schools; & (4) the more religious the Catholic youth, the
larger the family size anticipated. Results suggest a positive relationship
between adherence to Catholic doctrine & the definition of the maternal
role in terms of traditional sex-role differentiation. [Source: SA]
Canter, Rachelle J. and Suzanne S. Ageton. 1984. “The Epidemiology of Adolescent Sex-Role Attitudes.” Sex Roles vol. 11, pp. 657-676.
Abstract: The results of an
examination of the epidemiology of sex-role attitudes among a national
probability sample of 1,626 US adolescents generally corroborate earlier findings
with more limited samples: more traditional sex-role attitudes are reported by
M, Lc, & minority Rs. The magnitude of the sex difference overshadows the
remaining differences. In addition, the impact of sex-role attitudes on
conventional & delinquent behaviors & values is assessed. Sex-role
groups differ in their involvement in the conventional settings of family,
school, religion, & work, as well as in minor forms of delinquency & in
their values concerning conventional & delinquent behaviors. The findings
are discussed in terms of their contribution to general understanding of
adolescent sex-role attitudes. [Source:
SA]
Hendricks, Leo E., Diane P. Robinson Brown, and Lawrence E. Gary. 1984. “Religiosity and Unmarried Black Adolescent Fatherhood.” Adolescence vol. 19, pp. 417-424.
Abstract: 48 unmarried Black
adolescent fathers and 50 unmarried Black adolescent nonfathers under age 21
yrs were interviewed with regard to their religious behavior and attitudes;
social and demographic characteristics; sexual knowledge, attitudes, and
practices; and problems and coping methods to examine the relationship between
religiosity and unmarried adolescent fatherhood. Results indicate that fathers
did not differ from nonfathers in the degree that they were religiously
oriented but in the manner that they gave expression to their religious
involvement. Fathers were more likely to be responsive to nongroup modes of
institutionalized religion (i.e., media forms), whereas nonfathers' religious
involvement was likely to be within institutionalized groups. Findings also
suggest that unmarried Black adolescent fathers are more likely to be employed,
drop out of school, and not to use contraceptives. Media forms are recommended
to practitioners as useful ways of reaching out to young Black fathers. [Source: PI]
Hong, Sung mook. 1984. “Permissiveness, More or Less: Sexual Attitudes in the General Public.” Australian Journal of Sex, Marriage and Family vol. 5, pp. 89-96.
Abstract: Analyzed survey
responses on sexual permissiveness from 657 members (321 males and 336 females)
of the general public in terms of age, church attendance, sex, and education
variables. 134 Ss were under 20 yrs of age, 153 were between 21 and 30 yrs old,
137 were between 31 and 40 yrs old, 126 were between 41 and 50 yrs old, and 107
were over 50 yrs old. 186 described themselves as regular church goers, 288 as
occasional, and 182 as nonattenders. Educational level for 69 was elementary
school; for 388, secondary school; and for 192, college. While age and church
attendance were found to significantly affect attitudes toward both premarital
and extramarital relations, sex and education influenced only attitudes toward
premarital permissiveness. When compared with college students, the results also
reveal more conservative attitudes on the part of the general public toward
both premarital and extramarital relations. For all categories of analysis,
prevailing attitudes toward premarital relations were liberal, while the
attitudes toward extramarital relations remained uniformly restrictive. [Source: PI]
Thompson, Roger. 1984. “Adolescent Culture in Colonial Massachusetts.” Journal of Family History vol. 9, pp. 127-144.
Abstract: Examined are 4
issues in recent research on adolescence in early modern society: the
recognition of a distinctive age period between puberty & marriage,
parent-teenager relationships, adolescent sexuality, & youth culture. An
investigation of these topics in seventeenth-century New England is conducted
using court, town, & church records from Middlesex County, Mass, from 1649
to 1699. The 26 reported incidents involving groups of young people suggest the
presence of a youth culture in the county, especially in Charlestown &
Cambridge, but also evident in 8 other towns. This culture emerged during the
1660s, possibly in the institutional context of the militia, & members were
from all SCs. It is concluded that adolescence was generally recognized as a
distinct stage of life & that a marked generation gap existed. Youth culture
represented an alternative to norms & values of the adult world &
puritan patriarchalism, transcending SC & religious distinctions & with
enough institutional regularity to be regarded as more than just a subgroup of
deviants. Implications are provided for future research & revisions in
current studies of family dynamics, generational relations, the pathology of
conversion, & puritan sexual attitudes.
[Source: SA]
Canson Pegues, Patricia. 1982. “The Sexual Attitudes of African-American Adolescent Females.” Ph.d. Thesis, The Wright Institute.
Abstract: This study focuses
on the sexual attitudes of Black adolescent females. It explores relationships
among demographic factors (i.e., age and religion), family life variables
(e.g., closeness of the family) and self reported psychological variables
regarding sexual image, sexual autonomy, and sexual security. Thirty one 16, 17
and 18 year old Black female high school students recruited from urban high
schools and youth centers served as subjects. Subjects completed a three part
questionnaire based on items from the Offer Self Image Questionnaire which
measured sexual self esteem, the Sorenson Survey of Sexual Attitudes which
measured sexual autonomy and sexual security, and the Westside Health Survey
which elicited demographic and sexual activity information. Data analysis
involved exploration of the sample first as a whole and second by its
dichotomization into sexually active and inactive subjects. Correlation
analysis of the sample as a whole indicated that age and religion were not
significantly related to the subjects sexual attitudes. Sexual autonomy,
measured by high scores on items which reflected sexual control and choice, was
positively related to the family life variable of family closeness, and to the
future goal variable of career aspiration. Chi square comparisons between
subjects who were more secure about how to handle sex (as indicated by high
scores on sexual self image items) and subjects who were less secure, indicated
that the latter group felt that they knew less about sexuality than their
peers, and were highly ambivalent about whether to abort or keep unplanned
pregnancies. When sexually active and inactive subjects (i.e., those who
respectively have or have not experienced sexual intercourse) were compared,
sexually active subjects described a closer relationship with their mothers,
had generally closer family ties and in general did not require a commitment to
a love relationship in order to be sexually active. Inactive girls, on the other
hand, described their family relationships as less close, explained their lack
of sexual activity as unreadiness for the responsibilities of intimacy or as an
inability to find the right partner. The importance of this research lies in
its contribution to understanding Black adolescent development, to the
clarification of myths and stereotypes regarding sexuality in Black females and
to the continuing search for understanding of human sexuality. [Source: DA]
Davids, Leo. 1982. “Ethnic Identity, Religiosity, and Youthful Deviance: The Toronto Computer Dating Project--1979.” Adolescence vol. 17, pp. 673-684.
Abstract: Analyzed data on
298 Jewish (J) college students in the Toronto Computer Dating Project.
Findings indicate that J identity is quite independent of J religiosity: 5 of 6
Ss reported a high sense of J identity but less than 1 out of 10 reported
themselves to be highly religious. J schooling was not concentrated among Ss of
higher religiosity. Chemical/drug abuse was found to be an extremely minimal
problem. Sexual liberalism (SL) was fairly evenly distributed among Ss, but
males scored higher on SL than females. When SL was considered in conjunction
with J schooling and religiosity, it was found that more J schooling had a
slight association with more traditional moral attitudes (i.e., lower SL
scores), and that a higher religiosity was associated with lower SL scores.
These findings suggest that Ss who were more involved in religious practice and
to whom religion was a greater force in their thinking had a tendency toward
the moral side of the SL continuum, while those who were not involved in
religion were more likely to have the nontraditional attitude that favors
premarital sex. These findings confirm those of other researchers (e.g., K. L.
Cannon and R. Long, 1971). Implications for youth policy and program planning
are discussed. [Source: PI]
Fisher, Terri Dale. 1982. “Parent-Child Communication and Adolescents' Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes.” Ph.d. Thesis, University of Georgia.
Abstract: Previous studies
have indicated that teenagers whose parents have talked to them about sex tend
to be less sexually active and more likely to use an effective method of
contraception. This study sought to determine the effects of parent-child
communication about sex on young adolescents' reproduction and contraceptive
knowledge and their sexual attitudes. In addition, the characteristics of
parents who often had sexual discussions with their offspring were examined, as
well as the effects of pretesting on sexual knowledge and attitudes. The
research participants were 10 male and 12 female 12-14 year olds and their
parents. The participating families were basically middle-class, white,
Protestant, and well educated. Parents and their children completed the 24-item
version of the Miller-Fiske Sexual Knowledge Test as well as Calderwood's
Checklist of Attitudes Toward Aspects of Human Sexuality. Other questionnaires
were used to determine background information about the parents and their
children. Only half of the children were pretested. The parent who was the
predominant sex educator for each family was determined, and these parents were
placed into "high sexual communication" and "low sexual communication"
categories. These two groups of parents were found to be equivalent in terms of
occupational status, education, religion, marital status, and sexual
permissiveness, but parents in the high communication group scored
significantly higher on the sexual knowledge test. There were no significant
differences in the sexual knowledge, attitudes, or contraceptive choices of the
children in the high communication and low communication groups, but the
correlation between parents' and children's sexual attitudes in the high communication
group (.76) was significantly higher than that of parents and children in the
low communication group (.28). There were no significant effects of pretesting
on the children's scores on the knowledge, attitude, or contraceptive choice
tests. Adolescent subjects who had previously taken a sex education course
scored significantly higher on the sexual knowledge test than those who had not
taken such a course. The predominant effect of parent-child discussion about
sex seems to be on the children's sexual attitudes and values. [Source: DA]
Altopp, David Paul. 1981. “A Study of Sexual Attitudes, Sexual Behaviors, and the Religiosity of High School Students in Free Methodist Church Youth Groups.” Ph.d. Thesis, Southern Illinois University At Carbondale.
Abstract: The major purpose
of this study was to examine the relationship between the degree of religiosity
and both sexual attitudes and sexual behaviors of high school students in
grades ten through twelve who attend the Free Methodist Church. An attempt was
also made to measure the relationship of selected socio-demographic variables
with sexual attitudes and sexual behaviors. The sample for this study (67
female, 61 male) was obtained from seven Free Methodist Churches, four in
Illinois and three in Indiana. All data was collected at each individual church
by the researcher. The instrument contained four parts: socio-demographic
information, sexual attitudes scale, sexual behaviors inventory, and a
religiosity scale. The religiosity scale had been developed and tested by
Faulkner and DeJong (1966). A test-retest reliability analysis was conducted on
the instrument because it had never been used before in its complete form.
Results indicated the instrument was adequately reliable. Six null hypotheses
were tested. They are as follows: (1) Degree of religiosity will not vary with
sexual attitudes (rejected); (2) Degree of religiosity will not vary with
sexual behaviors (retained); (3) The socio- demographic variables under study
will not be correlated with sexual attitudes (rejected); (4) The socio-
demographic variables under study will not be correlated with sexual behaviors
(retained); (5) The set of independent variables will not contribute
significantly to the variance of sexual attitudes (rejected); and (6) The set
of independent variables will not contribute significantly to the variance of
sexual behaviors (retained). All statistical tests were made at the .05 alpha
level. Subjects who participated in this study exhibited an overall high degree
of religiosity as measured by the Faulkner-DeJong scale (1966). Analysis of the
items on the sexual attitudes scale showed the subjects to be primarily
conservative in their sexual attitudes. They were most uncertain on items
dealing with masturbation and abortion. Whether or not two people are in love
appears to be the most influencing factor in whether or not to engage in
petting. A majority of the subjects believe sexual intercourse should be
reserved for marriage. Males were noticeably more liberal in their sexual
attitudes than females. Both male and female subjects were closest in their
beliefs toward homosexuality than any other sexual activity for which
information was sought on the sexual attitudes scale. Subjects in this study
reported participation in sexual behaviors but not at the high percentage
levels as the recent study on teenage sexuality by Hass (1979). The most often
reported sexual behavior for both male and female subjects was petting. While
degree of religiosity demonstrated a significant relationship to sexual
attitudes, there was no relationship found between degree of religiosity and
sexual behavior. For the subjects in this sample, there appears to be some
discrepancy between what the subjects say they believe about the items on the sexual
attitudes scale and what their actual sexual behaviors are. Further study is
recommended to determine why this discrepancy exists. [Source: DA]
Herold, Edward S. and Marilyn S. Goodwin. 1981. “Adamant Virgins, Potential Nonvirgins and Nonvirgins.” Journal of Sex Research vol. 17, pp. 97-113.
Abstract: Using data
obtained from 106 single high school and 408 single college females, variables
differentiating among adamant virgins (AVs), potential nonvirgins (PNs), and
nonvirgins were analyzed. AVs were Ss who had not experienced intercourse and
were not likely to engage in premarital intercourse (PMI). PNs were Ss who had
not experienced PMI but were likely to engage in PMI. Variables significantly
related to virginity status in chi-square analyses were age, religiosity,
career aspirations, parental acceptance of PMI, dating commitment, and dating
frequency. Using discriminant analysis, it was found that peer experience with
PMI was the most important predictor of virginity status, followed in importance
by dating commitment and religiosity. Results suggest that studying PNs can
help explain the relationship between sexual attitudes and behavior and factors
influencing the transition from virginity to nonvirginity. [Source: PI]
Seltzer, Judith Rhoads. 1981. “Premarital Sexual Attitudes of Young Women in the United States, 1971 and 1976.” Ph.d. Thesis, The Johns Hopkins University.
Abstract: This study is
concerned with premarital sexual attitudes of young, never-married women in the
United States in 1971 and 1976. The primary research problem was to identify
factors in a conceptual model which would explain variation in premarital
sexual attitudes and to determine how these factors were related to premarital
sexual attitudes. Other purposes of the study were to describe trends in
premarital sexual attitudes during the 1970s and to compare attitudes of black
and white never-married young women. The data are from two national surveys of
young women aged 15-19 conducted in 1971 and 1976. The sample in each survey
was a probability sample, stratified by race, representative of females 15 to
19 years of age living in the coterminous United States. The plan of analysis
involved developing measures of premarital sexual attitudes, testing and
describing simple relationships based on cross-classification, and analyzing
the conceptual model using a multivariate technique. The analysis was carried
out separately by race and by sexual activity so that in each survey year there
were four subgroups: white sexually active, white sexually inactive, black
sexually active, and black sexually inactive. Although neither sexual activity
nor race were included as explanatory variables in the conceptual model, these
two factors were very useful in describing premarital sexual attitudes of young
American women. Sexually active respondents had much more permissive attitudes
than did the sexually inactive. Attitudes of blacks were generally more
permissive than those of whites regardless of sexual experience (except that
sexually active whites had more permissive attitudes than sexually active
blacks in 1971). The results of the descriptive analysis also indicate that
only for the sexually active respondents were attitudes more permissive in 1976
than in 1971. Given that a higher pecentage of young women were sexually active
by the latter date, the trend from 1971 to 1976 was not only toward more
permissive attitudes, but also toward broader acceptance of those attitudes.
The results of the explanatory analysis suggest that traditional institutions
of church and family (closeness to parents) still have an important negative
influence on permissive premarital attitudes of young women aged 15-19
regardless of sexual experience. However a higher level of educational
attainment for parents or raisers (and similarly educational aspiration of the
respondents) has a positive influence on premarital sexual attitudes among
whites. Prior to initiation of sexual activity, various factors such as
involvement in the courtship system (dating and marriage plans) and involvement
in extra-curricular activities were important predictors of attitudes for at
least one subgroup. Once young women had acquired sexual experience such
factors were no longer important, and other factors identified with sexual activity
itself, number of partners and age at first intercourse, were important. Of all
potential explanatory factors studied in the model (for 1976), peer influence
appears to be the dominant predictor of adolescent attitudes for all racial and
sexual activity subgroups. [Source: DA]
Roebuck, Julian and Marsha G. McGee. 1977. “Attitudes toward Premarital Sex and Sexual Behavior among Black High School Girls.” Journal of Sex Research vol. 13, pp. 104-114.
Abstract: Examined the premarital
sexual attitudes and sexual behavior of 242 Black high school females. It was
hypothesized that sexual attitudes and behavior vary in relationship to family
structure, social class, and religious participation. Results show that Black
family structure appeared to have a significant influence on premarital sexual
permissiveness of daughters, particularly in the matriarchal family. Social
class appeared slightly to influence attitudes, but behavior between classes
was similar. No relationship was found between religious participation and
attitudes toward premarital sex and sexual behavior, although the more active
religious girls were more permissive or as permissive toward premarital sex as
the less active religious girls.
[Source: PI]
Bardis, Panos D. 1975. “Abortion Attitudes among Catholic College Students.” Adolescence vol. 10, pp. 433-441.
Abstract: Explored the
abortion attitudes of 200 students (freshmen-seniors) attending a midwestern
liberal arts college affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Ss' attitudes
were quantified by means of P. Bardis' (1972) Abortion Scale. A 2nd tool was a
questionnaire dealing with independent variables (e.g., sex, age, number of
siblings, birth order, marital status, and education). Findings show the following:
(a) Catholics in general tended to be more conservative than Protestants. (b)
There were no statistically significant differences between urban and rural
residents and between single and engaged Ss. On the other hand, females, social
science majors, and those having no plans for graduate studies were
significantly more conservative than males, natural science majors, and those
planning to do graduate work, respectively. (c) Abortion scores were
significantly negatively correlated with religious services attended, amount of
Catholic education, and, to a limited extent, father's occupation, but
nonsignificantly with age, number of siblings, birth order, college rank,
parental education, and mother's occupation.
[Source: PI]
Wallace, Jerry M. 1972. “Factors Associated with the Premarital Sexual Standards of North Carolina Baptist Young People.” Thesis, North Carolina State University.
Hampe, Gary D. 1971. “Interfaith Dating: Religion, Social Class and Premarital Sexual Attitudes.” Sociological Analysis vol. 32, pp. 97-106.
Light, Harriett K. 1970. “Attitudes of Rural and Urban Adolescent Girls toward Selected Concepts.” Family Coordinator vol. 19, pp. 225-227.
Abstract: Examined the
attitudes of 164 rural and 161 urban adolescent girls toward family, religion,
peer groups, premarital sex, ethnic prejudice, morality, and education. Ss were
matched on age (16-17 yr. old), grade in high school (juniors-seniors) and
socioeconomic status (middle class). Each S was given a questionnaire
consisting of 45 statements with 5 choices for responding to each. Data were
analyzed using chi-square. Results show highly significant differences between
rural/urban girls toward family, religion, morality, premarital sex, and
education: (a) family and religion are more likely to influence attitudes of
rural than urban girls; (b) rural girls continue to accept conventional ethical
standards, urban girls are more receptive to new morality; and (c) rural girls
place greater value on education than do urban girls. [Source: PI]
Marth, Selden B. 1962. “Guilt Feelings and Disapproval Projections as Related to Parents, Church, God, and Fate, in Adolescent Sexual Development.” Th.D. Thesis, School of Theology At Claremont.
Trobisch, Walter. 1962. “Attitudes of Some African Youth toward Sex and Marriage.” Practical Anthropology vol. 9, pp. 9-14.
Heath, R. W., M. H. Maier, and H. H. Remmers. 1958. “Youth's Attitudes toward Various Aspects of Their Lives.” Purdue Opinion Panel Poll Report p. 24.
Abstract: The majority of
teenagers appear to be absorbing the values of the culture and reflect pretty
much the attitudes of the culture toward drinking, dating, divorce, religion,
and juvenile delinquency. [Source: PI]