• 410-01 - Predictors of Healthy Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors in Adolescence
  Presented by: Alyssa McElwain, Jennifer Kerpelman, Joe Pittman, Francesca Adler-Baeder
• 410-02 - Parenting, Peers, and Perceived Norms: What Predicts Attitudes Toward Sex Among Younger Teens?
  Presented by: Ronald Cox, Jr., Karina Shreffler, Kami Schwerdtfeger, Michael Merten, Martha Zapata Roblyer, Jamie Dowdy
• 410-03 - “Hooking Up”: Health Implications for Young Adults
  Presented by: Deborah Coehlo, Rebecca Ward, I. Joyce Chang, Michael F. Smith
• 410-04 - The Influence of Alcohol Use on Casual Sex
  Presented by: Lindsey Aaron, Courtney Watson, Markie Blumer

Abstracts

Predictors of Healthy Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors in Adolescence

Presented by: Alyssa McElwain, Jennifer Kerpelman, Joe Pittman, Francesca Adler-Baeder

This study aimed to investigate the associations between relational variables (interpersonal competence, dating identity exploration, relationship anxiety, and faulty relationship beliefs) and adolescents’ sexual attitudes and behaviors. The sample (N=865) included only non-virgin adolescents. Results indicate that higher levels of interpersonal competence and dating identity exploration significantly predicted healthier sexual attitudes. Healthier sexual attitudes and dating identity exploration significantly predicted longer relationships before having sexual intercourse and healthy sexual attitudes predicted having fewer sexual partners. Modest associations (marginal significance) were found between interpersonal competence and both younger age at sexual debut and having a more serious relationship before having sex.

Parenting, Peers, and Perceived Norms: What Predicts Attitudes Toward Sex Among Younger Teens?

Presented by: Ronald Cox, Jr., Karina Shreffler, Kami Schwerdtfeger, Michael Merten, Martha Zapata Roblyer, Jamie Dowdy

Studies suggests that parenting, peers, perceived social norms, and teen attitudes toward sex are linked to teen intent to have sex and early onset of sexual intercourse. Few studies have looked at what predicts teen attitudes toward sex.  A general population sample of approximately 1,700 seventh-grade students examined how parenting, peers, perceived social norms, and TV watching influenced the probability of teens endorsing a favorable attitude toward sex. Results suggest that perceived social norms, having a friend who had become pregnant, and supportive parenting have the strongest associations with endorsing a favorable attitude toward sex. Implications for prevention are discussed.

“Hooking Up”: Health Implications for Young Adults

Presented by: Deborah Coehlo, Rebecca Ward, I. Joyce Chang, Michael F. Smith

This study investigated the health risks involved with the sexual encounter referred to as "hooking up". Three hundred and nineteen college students from three campuses across the United States completed a survey designed to explore the incidence, process, safe sex practices, and emotional responses to hooking up. The results indicated that 68% of this population had engaged in hooking up. Only 47% of these participants used safe sex practices while hooking up. The emotional responses included regret. These findings indicate that hooking up raises health concerns for families including increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and emotional regret.

The Influence of Alcohol Use on Casual Sex

Presented by: Lindsey Aaron, Courtney Watson, Markie Blumer

Researchers focused on the influence of alcohol intake on late adolescent/early adult sexual behavior. Data from 570 participants in the National Health and Social Life Survey that focused on the effects of alcohol and partner count on casual sex, alcohol's effect on condom usage and gender differences in ascribing one night stands to alcohol use was utilized. Analysis revealed a link between engagement in one night stands and alcohol use, condom usage was less frequent in males who consumed alcohol, and propensity for one night stands increased as male partner count increased. Implications for family scientists and health practitioners explored.