THE ONSET AND CROSS-TEMPORAL PATTERNING OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE IN MIDDLE ADOLESCENCE - PROSPECTIVE RELATIONS WITH BEHAVIORAL AND EMOTIONAL-PROBLEMS

This study examined precursors and correlates of sexual intercourse pa tterns (e.g., earlier/later onset persistence across time) among tenth and eleventh graders. Data regarding intercourse were collected for l ifetime and for 6-month periods at 4 occasions of measurement over a 2 -year span. Significant differences in behavioral (e.g., delinquency) and emotional (e.g., depression) problems were indicated via repeated- measures MANOVA analyses. Significant interactions among intercourse p atterns, gender, and time on emotional and behavioral problems indicat ed synergistic relations. Planned comparisons indicated that the trans ition to the onset of sexual intercourse was associated with increases in delinquency and a slower rate of increase for school grades. Earli er onset and a more persistent pattern of sexual intercourse were asso ciated with more childhood problem behaviors, earlier alcohol use, and higher levels of preadolescent antisocial behavior.