AN INTEGRATION OF THEORY - ADOLESCENT SEXUAL CONTACTS

The purpose of the present study was to examine the predictive validit y of several theoretical factors drawn from control, social learning, and differential association theories for explaining adolescent sexual behavior. The sample consisted of 1478 adolescents who attended ten p rivate schools located in different areas of this country. When examin ed together in multivariate regression equations, the theoretical fact ors accounted for 47.2% and 42.7% of the respective variances in frequ ency of sexual intercourse among males and females. The single factor of differential association with peers accounted for most of the respe ctive variances (males, 33.1%; females, 26.8%). The discussion address ed the theoretical implications of the present findings for future res earch.