Early sexual experiences among pregnant and parenting adolescents

Citation
Nd. Kellogg et al., Early sexual experiences among pregnant and parenting adolescents, ADOLESCENCE, 34(134), 1999, pp. 293-303
Citations number
34
Categorie Soggetti
Psycology
Journal title
ADOLESCENCE
ISSN journal
00018449 → ACNP
Volume
34
Issue
134
Year of publication
1999
Pages
293 - 303
Database
ISI
SICI code
0001-8449(199922)34:134<293:ESEAPA>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
One hundred sixty-six pregnant or parenting adolescent females completed a survey regarding early sexual experiences (wanted and unwanted), family dys function and violence, and health-risky behaviors occurring prior to age 18 . Fifty-three percent had at least one unwanted sexual experience. Younger age at first unwanted sexual experience was associated with younger age at first wanted sexual experience. Adolescent females with an unwanted sexual experience, as compared to those without, were more likely to be victims of physical violence, to have run away, to be substance abusers, and to have family members with drug or alcohol problems. Four factors explained 39% of the variance in age at first pregnancy: presence of a family member with a drinking problem, age first got hit with a belt or other object by a famil y member, age first got drunk, and age at first wanted sexual experience. I t was concluded that the prevention of teenage pregnancy entails a multifac eted approach that addresses family life, early sexual experiences, and hea lth-risky behaviors.