Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 46, Issue 3, Supplement , Pages S59-S74 , March 2010

Character as a Predictor of Reproductive Health Outcomes for Youth: A Systematic Review

  • Lawrence Duane House, M.A.

      Affiliations

    • Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to: L. Duane House, MA, Health Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341.
    • ,
  • Trisha Mueller, M.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
    • ,
  • Belinda Reininger, Dr.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • University of Texas Prevention Research Center, University of Texas School of Public Health, Regional Campus, Brownsville, Texas
    • ,
  • Kathryn Brown, M.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • Coordinating Center for Environmental Health and Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
    • ,
  • Christine M. Markham, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • University of Texas Prevention Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas

Received 16 August 2009 ,Accepted 26 November 2009.

References 

  1. CDC. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States 2007. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2008;
  2. CDC. HIV/AIDS surveillance report, 2006. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2008;
  3. Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspect Sex Reprod Health. 2004;36:6–10
  4. Kirby D. Understanding what works and what doesn't in reducing adolescent sexual risk-taking. Fam Plann Perspect. 2001;33:276–281
  5. Pittman KJ, Irby M, Tolman J. Preventing problems, promoting development, encouraging engagement: Competing priorities or inseparable goals?. Washington, DC: Forum for Youth Investment; 2003;
  6. Catalano RF, Berglund ML, Ryan JA, et al. Positive youth development in the United States: Research findings on evaluations of positive youth development programs. Prev Treat. 2002;5
  7. Hawkins JD, Catalano RF, Miller JY. Risk and protective factors for alcohol and other drug problems in adolescence and early adulthood: Implications for substance abuse prevention. Psychol Bull. 1992;112:64–105
  8. Rew L, Wong YJ. A systematic review of associations among religiosity/spirituality and adolescent health attitudes and behaviors. J Adolesc Health. 2006;38:433–442
  9. Webster's New College Dictionary. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin; 1995;
  10. Kirby D, Lepore G, Ryan J. Sexual risk and protective factors. Factors affecting teen sexual behavior, pregnancy, childbearing, and sexually transmitted disease: Which are important? Which can you change?. Washington, DC: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy; 2005;
  11. House LD, Bates J, Markham CM, Lesesne C. Competence as a predictor of sexual and reproductive health outcomes for youth: A systematic review. J Adolesc Health. 2010;46:S7–S22
  12. Sieving RE, Bearinger LH, Resnick MD, et al. Adolescent dual method use: Relevant attitudes, normative beliefs and self-efficacy. J Adolesc Health. 2007;40:275;e15–22
  13. Rostosky SS, Regnerus MD, Wright ML. Coital debut: The role of religiosity and sex attitudes in the Add Health Survey. J Sex Res. 2003;40:358–367
  14. Cuffee JJ, Hallfors DD, Waller MW. Racial and gender differences in adolescent sexual attitudes and longitudinal associations with coital debut. J Adolesc Health. 2007;41:19–26
  15. Bruckner H, Martin A, Bearman PS. Ambivalence and pregnancy: Adolescents' attitudes contraceptive use and pregnancy. Perspect Sex Reprod Health. 2004;36:248–257
  16. Crosby R, Leichliter JS, Brackbill R. Longitudinal prediction of sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents: Results from a national survey. Am J Prev Med. 2000;18:312–317
  17. Jaccard J, Dittus PJ. Adolescent perceptions of maternal approval of birth control and sexual risk behavior. Am J Public Health. 2000;90:1426–1430
  18. Jaccard J, Dodge T, Dittus P. Do adolescents want to avoid pregnancy? Attitudes toward pregnancy as predictors of pregnancy. J Adolesc Health. 2003;33:79–83
  19. Dittus P, Jaccard J. Adolescents' perceptions of maternal disapproval of sex: Relationship to sexual outcomes. J Adolesc Health. 2000;26:268–278
  20. Dodge T, Jaccard J. Participation in athletics and female sexual risk behavior: The evaluation of four casual structures. J Adolesc Res. 2002;17:42–67
  21. McNeely C, Shew ML, Beuhring T, et al. Mothers' influence on the timing of first sex among 14- and 15-year-olds. J Adolesc Health. 2002;31:256–265
  22. Meier AM. Adolescents' transition to first intercourse, religiosity and attitudes about sex. Soc Forces. 2003;81:1031–1052
  23. Miller BC, Norton MC, Curtis T, et al. The timing of sexual intercourse among adolescents: Family, peer, and other antecedents. Youth Soc. 1997;29:54–83
  24. Baumer EP, South SJ. Community effects on youth sexual activity. J Marriage Fam. 2001;63:540–554
  25. O'Sullivan LF, Brooks-Gunn J. The timing of changes in girls' sexual cognitions and behaviors in early adolescence: A prospective, cohort study. J Adolesc Health. 2005;37:211–219
  26. Whitbeck LB, Yoder KA, Hoyt DR, et al. Early adolescent sexual activity: A developmental study. J Marriage Fam. 1999;61:934–946
  27. O'Donnell L, Myint UA, O'Donnell CR, et al. Long-term influence of sexual norms and attitudes on timing of sexual initiation among urban minority youth. J Sch Health. 2003;73:68–75
  28. Blinn-Pike L, Berger TJ, Hewett J, et al. Sexually abstinent adolescents: An 18-month follow-up. J Adolesc Res. 2004;19:495–511
  29. Santelli JS, Kaiser J, Hirsch L, et al. Initiation of sexual intercourse among middle school adolescents: The influence of psychosocial factors. J Adolesc Health. 2004;34:200–208
  30. Martino SC, Collins RL, Elliott MN, et al. Exposure to degrading versus nondegrading music lyrics and sexual behavior among youth. Pediatrics. 2006;118:e430–e441
  31. Taris TW, Semin GR. Parent-child interaction during adolescence, and the adolescent's sexual experience: Control, closeness and conflict. J Youth Adolesc. 1997;26:373–398
  32. Day RD. The transition to first intercourse among racially and culturally diverse youth. J Marriage Fam. 1992;54:749–762
  33. Forste R, Haas DW. The transition of adolescent males to first sexual intercourse: Anticipated or delayed?. Perspect Sex Reprod Health. 2002;34:184–190
  34. Benda B, Corwyn RF. Developmental differences in theories of sexual behavior among rural adolescents residing in AFDC families. Deviant Behav. 1999;20:359–385
  35. Donnelly J, Goldfarb E, Duncan DF, et al. Self-esteem and sex attitudes as predictors of sexual abstinence by inner-city early adolescents. N Am J Psychol. 1999;1:205–212
  36. Fingerson L. Do mothers' opinions matter in teens' sexual activity?. J Fam Issues. 2005;26:947–974
  37. DiIorio C, Dudley WN, Soet JE, et al. Sexual possibility situations and sexual behaviors among young adolescents: The moderating role of protective factors. J Adolesc Health. 2004;35:528;e11–20
  38. Bersamin MM, Walker S, Fisher DA, et al. Correlates of oral sex and vaginal intercourse in early and middle adolescence. J Res Adolesc. 2006;16:59–68
  39. DiIorio C, Dudley WN, Kelly M, et al. Social cognitive correlates of sexual experience and condom use among 13- through 15-year-old adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2001;29:208–216
  40. Holmbeck GN, Crossman RE, Wandrei ML, et al. Cognitive development, egocentrism, self-esteem, and adolescent contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. J Youth Adolesc. 1994;23:169–193
  41. Jemmott LS, Jemmott JB. Sexual knowledge, attitudes, and risky sexual behavior among inner-city black male adolescents. J Adolesc Res. 1990;5:346–369
  42. Jimenez J, Potts MK, Jimenez DR. Reproductive attitudes and behavior among Latina adolescents. J Ethnic Cult Divers Soc Work. 2002;11:221–249
  43. Lackey JF, Moberg DP. Understanding the onset of intercourse among urban American adolescents: A cultural process framework using qualitative and quantitative data. Hum Organ. 1998;57:491–501
  44. Lauritsen JL. Explaining race and gender differences in adolescent sexual behavior. Soc Forces. 1994;72:859–883
  45. Loewenstein G, Furstenberg FF. Is teenage sexual behavior rational?. J Appl Soc Psychol. 1991;21:957–986
  46. Miller BC, Christensen RB, Olson TD. Adolescent self-esteem in relation to sexual attitudes and behavior. Youth Soc. 1987;19:93–111
  47. Bersamin MM, Walker S, Waiters ED, et al. Promising to wait: Virginity pledges and adolescent sexual behavior. J Adolesc Health. 2005;36:428–436
  48. East PL. The younger sisters of childbearing adolescents: Their attitudes, expectations, and behaviors. Child Dev. 1996;67:267–282
  49. Robinson KL, Price JH, Thompson CL, et al. Rural junior high school students' risk factors for and perceptions of teen-age parenthood. J Sch Health. 1998;68:334–338
  50. Ku L, Sonenstein FL, Lindberg LD, et al. Understanding changes in sexual activity among young metropolitan men: 1979–1995. Fam Plann Perspect. 1998;30:256–262
  51. Villarruel AM, Jemmott JB, Jemmott LS, et al. Predictors of sexual intercourse and condom use intentions among Spanish-dominant Latino youth. Nurs Res. 2004;53:172–181
  52. Benda B, Corwyn RF. Testing theoretical elements as predictors of sexual behavior by race among rural adolescents residing in AFDC families. Soc Work Res. 1998;22:75–88
  53. Carvajal SC, Parcel GS, Basen-Engquist K, et al. Psychosocial predictors of delay of first sexual intercourse by adolescents. Health Psychol. 1999;18:443–452
  54. Dittus PJ, Jaccard J, Gordon VV. Direct and nondirect communication of maternal beliefs to adolescents: Adolescent motivations for premarital sexual activity. J Appl Soc Psychol. 1999;29:1927–1963
  55. Zabin LS, Astone NM, Emerson MR. Do adolescents want babies? The relationship between attitudes and behavior. J Res Adolesc. 1993;3:67–86
  56. Marsiglio W. Adolescent males' orientation toward paternity and contraception. Fam Plann Perspect. 1993;25:22–31
  57. Bryan A, Rocheleau CA, Robbins RN, et al. Condom use among high-risk adolescents: Testing the influence of alcohol use on the relationship of cognitive correlates of behavior. Health Psychol. 2005;24:133–142
  58. Murphy JJ, Boggess S. Increased condom use among teenage males, 1988-1995: The role of attitudes. Fam Plann Perspect. 1998;30:276–280303
  59. Pleck JH, Sonenstein FL, Ku L. Masculinity ideology: Its impact on adolescent males' heterosexual relationships. J Soc Issues. 1993;49:11–29
  60. Crosby R, Salazar LF, Diclemente RJ. Lack of recent condom use among detained adolescent males: A multilevel investigation. Sex Transm Infect. 2004;80:425–429
  61. Greene K, Hale JL, Rubin DL. A test of the theory of reasoned action in the context of condom use and AIDS. Commun Rep. 1997;10:21–33
  62. Shafii T, Stovel K, Davis R, et al. Is condom use habit forming? Condom use at sexual debut and subsequent condom use. Sex Transm Dis. 2004;31:366–372
  63. Basen-Engquist K, Parcel GS. Attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy: A model of adolescents' HIV-related sexual risk behavior. Health Educ Behav. 1992;19:263–277
  64. Laraque D, McLean DE, Brown-Peterside P, et al. Predictors of reported condom use in central Harlem youth as conceptualized by the health belief model. J Adolesc Health. 1997;21:318–327
  65. Levin ML, Robertson AA. Being prepared: Attitudes and practices related to condom carrying among minority adolescents. J HIV/AIDS Prev Educ Adolesc Child. 2002;5:103–121
  66. Orr DP, Langefeld CD, Katz BP, et al. Factors associated with condom use among sexually active female adolescents. J Pediatr. 1992;120(2 Pt. 1):311–317
  67. Pleck JH, Sonenstein FL, Ku LC. Changes in adolescent males' use of and attitudes toward condoms, 1988-1991. Fam Plann Perspect. 1993;25:106–110117
  68. Noar SM, Morokoff PJ, Redding CA. An examination of transtheoretical predictors of condom use in late-adolescent heterosexual men. J Appl Biobehav Res. 2001;6:1–26
  69. Hingson RW, Strunin L, Berlin BM, et al. Beliefs about AIDS, use of alcohol and drugs, and unprotected sex among Massachusetts adolescents. Am J Public Health. 1990;80:295–299
  70. Kingree JB, Betz H. Risky sexual behavior in relation to marijuana and alcohol use among African-American, male adolescent detainees and their female partners. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2003;72:197–203
  71. Kingree JB, Braithwaite R, Woodring T. Unprotected sex as a function of alcohol and marijuana use among adolescent detainees. J Adolesc Health. 2000;27:179–185
  72. Lindberg LD, Ku L, Sonenstein FL. Adolescent males' combined use of condoms with partners' use of female contraceptive methods. Matern and Child Health J. 1998;2:201–209
  73. Pendergrast RA, DuRant RH, Gaillard GL. Attitudinal and behavioral correlates of condom use in urban adolescent males. J Adolesc Health. 1992;13:133–139
  74. Pleck JH, Sonenstein FL, Ku L. Adolescent males' condom use: Relationships between perceived cost-benefits and consistency. J Marriage Fam. 1991;53:733–745
  75. Reitman D, St Lawrence JS, Jefferson KW, et al. Predictors of African American adolescents' condom use and HIV risk behavior. AIDS Educ Prev. 1996;8:499–515
  76. Magura S, Shapiro JL, Kang SY. Condom use among criminally-involved adolescents. AIDS Care. 1994;6:595–603
  77. Serovich JM, Greene K. Predictors of adolescent sexual risk taking behaviors which put them at risk for contracting HIV. J Youth Adolesc. 1997;26:429–443
  78. Rosenthal SL, Biro FM, Succop PA, et al. Impact of demographics, sexual history, and psychological functioning on the acquisition of STDS in adolescents. Adolescence. 1997;32:757–769
  79. Bunnell RE, Dahlberg L, Rolfs R, et al. High prevalence and incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in urban adolescent females despite moderate risk behaviors. J Infect Dis. 1999;180:1624–1631
  80. Hein K, Dell R, Futterman D, et al. Comparison of HIV+ and HIV- adolescents: Risk factors and psychosocial determinants. Pediatrics. 1995;95:96–104
  81. Miller BC, Norton MC, Fan X, et al. Pubertal development, parental communication, and sexual values in relation to adolescent sexual behaviors. J Early Adolesc. 1998;18:27–52
  82. Treboux D, Busch-Rossnagel NA. Age differences in parent and peer influences on female sexual behavior. J Res Adolesc. 1995;5:469–487
  83. Treboux D, Busch-Rossnagel NA. Social network influences on adolescent sexual attitudes and behaviors. J Adolesc Res. 1990;5:175–189
  84. Christopher FS, Johnson DC, Roosa MW. Family, individual, and social correlates of early Hispanic adolescent sexual expression. J Sex Res. 1993;30:54–61
  85. Hanson SL, Myers DE, Ginsburg AL. The role of responsibility and knowledge in reducing teenage out-of-wedlock childbearing. J Marriage Fam. 1987;49:241–256
  86. Zabin LS, Sedivy V, Emerson MR. Subsequent risk of childbearing among adolescents with a negative pregnancy test. Fam Plann Perspect. 1994;28:212–217
  87. Holden GW, Nelson PB, Velasquez J, et al. Cognitive, psychosocial, and reported sexual behavior differences between pregnant and nonpregnant adolescents. Adolescence. 1993;28:557–572
  88. Adolph C, Ramos DE, Linton KL, et al. Pregnancy among Hispanic teenagers: Is good parental communication a deterrent?. Contraception. 1995;51:303–306
  89. Sieverding JA, Adler N, Witt S, et al. The influence of parental monitoring on adolescent sexual initiation. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159:724–729
  90. Collazo AA. Theory-based predictors of intention to engage in precautionary sexual behavior among Puerto Rican high school adolescents. J HIV/AIDS Prev Child Youth. 2004;6:91–120
  91. Krahe B, Reiss C. Predicting intentions of AIDS-preventive behavior among adolescents. J Appl Soc Psychol. 1995;25:2118–2140
  92. Pleck JH, Sonenstein FL, Ku LC. Contraceptive attitudes and intention to use condoms in sexually experienced and inexperienced adolescent males. J Fam Issues. 1990;11:294–312
  93. Stanton B, Li X, Black M, et al. Sexual practices and intentions among preadolescent and early adolescent low-income urban African-Americans. Pediatrics. 1994;93(6 Pt. 1):966–973
  94. Costa FM, Jessor R, Fortenberry JD, et al. Psychosocial conventionality, health orientation, and contraceptive use in adolescence. J Adolesc Health. 1996;18:404–416
  95. Evans AE, Sanderson M, Griffin SF, et al. An exploration of the relationship between youth assets and engagement in risky sexual behaviors. J Adolesc Health. 2004;35:424;e21–30
  96. Stanton B, Li X, Pack R, et al. Longitudinal influence of perceptions of peer and parental factors on African American adolescent risk involvement. J Urban Health. 2002;79:536–548
  97. Cleveland HH. The influence of female and male risk on the occurrence of sexual intercourse within adolescent relationships. J Res Adolesc. 2003;13:81–112
  98. Collins RL, Elliott MN, Berry SH, et al. Watching sex on television predicts adolescent initiation of sexual behavior. Pediatrics. 2004;114:e280–e289
  99. East PL, Felice ME, Morgan MC. Sisters' and girlfriends' sexual and childbearing behavior: Effects on early adolescent girls' sexual outcomes. J Marriage Fam. 1993;55:953–963
  100. Halpern CT, Joyner K, Udry JR, et al. Smart teens don't have sex (or kiss much either). J Adolesc Health. 2000;26:213–225
  101. Jaccard J, Dittus PJ, Gordon VV. Maternal correlates of adolescent sexual and contraceptive behavior. Fam Plann Perspect. 1996;28:159–165185
  102. Lock SE, Vincent ML. Sexual decision-making among rural adolescent females. Health Values: J Health Behav Educ Promot. 1995;19:47–58
  103. Marin BV, Coyle KK, Gomez CA, et al. Older boyfriends and girlfriends increase risk of sexual initiation in young adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2000;27:409–418
  104. Rai AA, Stanton B, Wu Y, et al. Relative influences of perceived parental monitoring and perceived peer involvement on adolescent risk behaviors: An analysis of six cross-sectional data sets. J Adolesc Health. 2003;33:108–118
  105. Small SA, Luster T. Adolescent sexual activity: An ecological, risk-factor approach. J Marriage Fam. 1994;56:181–192
  106. Furstenberg FF, Morgan SP, Moore KA, et al. Race differences in the timing of adolescent intercourse. Am Sociol Rev. 1987;52:511–518
  107. Maguen S, Armistead L. Abstinence among female adolescents: Do parents matter above and beyond the influence of peers?. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2006;76:260–264
  108. Benda B, Corwyn RF. Abstinence and birth control among rural adolescents in impoverished families: A test of theoretical discriminators. Child Adolesc Soc Work J. 1999;16:191–214
  109. Dittus PJ, Jaccard J, Gordon VV. The impact of African American fathers on adolescent sexual behavior. J Youth Adolesc. 1997;26:445–465
  110. Baker SA, Thalberg SP, Morrison DM. Parents' behavioral norms as predictors of adolescent sexual activity and contraceptive use. Adolescence. 1988;23:265–282
  111. Fasula AM, Miller KS. African-American and Hispanic adolescents' intentions to delay first intercourse: Parental communication as a buffer for sexually active peers. J Adolesc Health. 2006;38:193–200
  112. Hampton MR, Jeffery B, McWatters B, et al. Influence of teens' perceptions of parental disapproval and peer behaviour on their initiation of sexual intercourse. Can J Hum Sex. 2005;14:105–121
  113. Nahom D, Wells E, Gillmore MR, et al. Differences by gender and sexual experience in adolescent sexual behavior: Implications for education and HIV prevention. J Sch Health. 2001;71:153–158
  114. Romer D, Black M, Ricardo I, et al. Social influences on the sexual behavior of youth at risk for HIV exposure. Am J Public Health. 1994;84:977–985
  115. Whitaker DJ, Miller KS. Parent-adolescent discussions about sex and condoms: Impact on peer influences of sexual risk behavior. J Adolesc Res. 2000;15:251–273
  116. Robinson KL, Telljohann SK, Price JH. Predictors of sixth graders engaging in sexual intercourse. J Sch Health. 1999;69:369–375
  117. Stack S. The effect of geographic mobility on premarital sex. J Marriage Fam. 1994;56:204–208
  118. Teitler J, Weiss C. Effects of neighborhood and school environments on transitions to first sexual intercourse. Sociol Educ. 2000;73:112–132
  119. Widmer ED. Influence of older siblings on initiation of sexual intercourse. J Marriage Fam. 1997;59:928–938
  120. Chewning B, Douglas J, Kokotailo PK, et al. Protective factors associated with American Indian adolescents' safer sexual patterns. Matern and Child Health J. 2001;5:273–280
  121. Kinsman SB, Romer D, Furstenberg FF, et al. Early sexual initiation: The role of peer norms. Pediatrics. 1998;102:1185–1192
  122. Davis EC, Friel LV. Disentangling the effects of family structure and family content. J Marriage Fam. 2001;63:669–681
  123. Miller KS, Forehand R, Kotchick BA. Adolescent sexual behavior in two ethnic minority groups: A multisystem perspective. Adolescence. 2000;35:313–333
  124. Kalagian W, Delmore T, Loewen I, et al. Adolescent oral contraceptive use: Factors predicting compliance at 3 and 12 months. Can J Hum Sex. 1998;7:1–8
  125. Longmore MA, Manning WD, Giordano PC, et al. Contraceptive self-efficacy: Does it influence adolescents' contraceptive use?. J Health Soc Behav. 2003;44:45–60
  126. Crosby RA, DiClemente RJ, Wingood GM, et al. Identification of strategies for promoting condom use: A prospective analysis of high-risk African American female teens. Prev Sci. 2003;4:263–270
  127. DiClemente RJ, Lodico M, Grinstead OA, et al. African-American adolescents residing in high-risk urban environments do use condoms: Correlates and predictors of condom use among adolescents in public housing developments. Pediatrics. 1996;98(2 Pt. 1):269–278
  128. Ellen JM, Adler N, Gurvey JE, et al. Adolescent condom use and perceptions of risk for sexually transmitted diseases: A prospective study. Sex Transm Dis. 2002;29:756–762
  129. DiClemente RJ. Predictors of HIV-preventive sexual behavior in a high-risk adolescent population: The influence of perceived peer norms and sexual communication on incarcerated adolescents' consistent use of condoms. J Adolesc Health. 1991;12:385–390
  130. Lescano CM, Vazquez EA, Brown LK, et al. Condom use with “casual” and “main” partners: What's in a name?. J Adolesc Health. 2006;39:443;e1–7
  131. Boyer CB, Tschann JM, Shafer M. Predictors of risk for sexually transmitted diseases in ninth grade urban high-school students. J Adolesc Res. 1999;14:448–465
  132. Barthlow DJ, Horan PF, DiClemente RJ, et al. Correlates of condom use among incarcerated adolescents in a rural state. Crim Justice Behav. 1995;22:295–306
  133. Murphy DA, Rotheram-Borus MJ, Reid HM. Adolescent gender differences in HIV-related sexual risk acts, social-cognitive factors and behavioral skills. J Adolesc. 1998;21:197–208
  134. Rosenthal SL, Biro FM, Succop PA, et al. Reasons for condom utilization among high-risk adolescent girls. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1994;33:706–711
  135. Norris AE, Ford K. Moderating influence of peer norms on gender differences in condom use. Appl Dev Sci. 1998;2:174–181
  136. Brown LK, DiClemente RJ, Park T. Predictors of condom use in sexually active adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 1992;13:651–657
  137. St. Lawrence JS. African-American adolescents' knowledge, health-related attitudes, sexual behavior, and contraceptive decisions: Implications for the prevention of adolescent HIV infection. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1993;61:104–112
  138. Liebowitz SW, Castellano DC, Cuellar I. Factors that predict sexual behaviors among young Mexican American adolescents: An exploratory study. Hisp J Behav Sci. 1999;21:470–479
  139. Crosby RA, DiClemente RJ, Wingood GM, et al. Correlates of unprotected vaginal sex among African American female adolescents: Importance of relationship dynamics. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2000;154:893–899
  140. Kelley SS, Borawski EA, Flocke SA, et al. The role of sequential and concurrent sexual relationships in the risk of sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2003;32:296–305
  141. Kotchick BA, Shaffer A, Forehand R, et al. Adolescent sexual risk behavior: A multi-system perspective. Clin Psychol Rev. 2001;21:493–519
  142. Bachanas PJ, Morris MK, Lewis-Gess JK, et al. Predictors of risky sexual behavior in African American adolescent girls: Implications for prevention interventions. J Pediatr Psychol. 2002;27:519–530
  143. Gillmore MR, Spencer MS, White RD. Repeat pregnancies among adolescent mothers. J Marriage Fam. 1997;59:536–550
  144. Gillmore MR, Archibald ME, Morrison DM, et al. Teen sexual behavior: Applicability of the theory of reasoned action. J Marriage Fam. 2002;64:885–897
  145. Basen-Engquist K, Tortolero S, Parcel GS. HIV risk behavior and theory-based psychosocial determinants in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic white adolescents. J Health Educ. 1997;28:44–50
  146. Lux KM, Petosa R. Using the health belief model to predict safer sex intentions of incarcerated youth. Health Educ Behav. 1994;21:487–497
  147. Schaalma H, Kok G, Peters L. Determinants of consistent condom use by adolescents: The impact of experience of sexual intercourse. Health Educ Res. 1993;8:255–269
  148. Bryan A, Fisher JD, Fisher WA. Tests of the mediational role of preparatory safer sexual behavior in the context of the theory of planned behavior. Health Psychol. 2002;21:71–80
  149. Rosengard C, Adler NE, Gurvey JE, et al. Protective role of health values in adolescents' future intentions to use condoms. J Adolesc Health. 2001;29:200–207
  150. Rose A, Koo HP, Bhaskar B, et al. The influence of primary caregivers on the sexual behavior of early adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 2005;37:135–144
  151. Ku LC, Sonenstein FL, Pleck JH. The association of AIDS education and sex education with sexual behavior and condom use among teenage men. Fam Plann Perspect. 1992;24:100–106
  152. Miller BC, Olson TD. Sexual attitudes and behavior of high school students in relation to background and contextual factors. J Sex Res. 1988;24:194–200
  153. Adamczyk A, Felson J. Friends' religiosity and first sex. Soc Sci Res. 2006;25:924–947
  154. Beck SH, Cole BS, Hammond JA. Religious heritage and premarital sex: Evidence from a national sample of young adults. J Sci Stud Relig. 1991;20:173–180
  155. Manlove JS, Terry-Humen E, Ikramullah EN, et al. The role of parent religiosity in teens' transitions to sex and contraception. J Adolesc Health. 2006;29:578–587
  156. Thorton A, Camburn D. Religious participation and adolescent sexual behavior and attitudes. J Marriage Fam. 1989;51:641–653
  157. L'Engle KL, Brown JD, Kenneavy K. The mass media are an important context for adolescents' sexual behavior. J Adolesc Health. 2006;38:186–192
  158. Wilder EI, Watt TT. Risky parental behavior and adolescent sexual activity at first coitus. Milbank Q. 2002;80:481–524iii-iv
  159. Miller L, Gur MP. Religiousness and sexual responsibility in adolescent girls. J Adolesc Health. 2002;31:401–406
  160. Nonnemaker JM, McNeely CA, Blum RW. Public and private domains of religiosity and adolescent health risk behaviors: Evidence for the national longitudinal study of adolescent health. Soc Sci Med. 2003;57:2049–2054
  161. Sheeran P, Abrams D, Abraham C, et al. Religiosity and adolescent's premarital sexual attitudes and behavior. An empirical study of conceptual issues. Eur J Soc Psychol. 1993;23:39–52
  162. Vesely SA, Wyatt VH. The potential protective effects of youth assets from adolescent sexual risk behaviors. J Adolesc Health. 2004;34:356–365
  163. Woodroof JT. Premarital sexual behavior and religious adolescents. J Sci Stud Relig. 1985;24:343–366
  164. Miller BC, Bingham CR. Family configuration in relation to the sexual behavior of female adolescents. J Marriage Fam. 1989;51:499–506
  165. DuRant RH, Sanders JM. Sexual behavior and contraceptive risk taking among sexually active adolescent females. J Adolesc Health Care. 1989;10:1–9
  166. Adam MB, McGuirre JK. Acculturation as a predictor of the onset of sexual intercourse among Hispanic and white teens. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159:261–265
  167. Ball J, Armistead L, Austin BJ. The relationship between religiosity and adjustment among African American, female, urban adolescents. J Adolesc. 2003;26:431–446
  168. Billy JO, Brewster KL, Grady WR. Contextual effects on the sexual behavior of adolescent women. J Marriage Fam. 1994;56:387–404
  169. DuRant RH, Pendergrast R, Seymore C. Sexual behavior among Hispanic female adolescents in the United States. Pediatrics. 1990;85:1051–1058
  170. Gupta N. Sexual initiation and contraceptive use among adolescent women in Northeast Brazil. Stud Fam Plann. 2000;31:229–238
  171. Holder DW, Durant RH, Harris TL, et al. The association between adolescent spirituality and voluntary sexual activity. J Adolesc Health. 2000;26:295–302
  172. Lammers C, Ireland M, Resnick M, et al. Influences on adolescents' decision to postpone onset of sexual intercourse: A survival analysis of virginity among youths aged 13-18 years. J Adolesc Health. 2000;26:42–48
  173. Langer LM, Zimmerman RS, McNeal R. Explaining the association of race and ethnicity with the HIV /AIDS-related attitudes, behaviors and skills of high school students. Popul Res Pol Rev. 1992;11:233–247
  174. Doss JR, Vesely SK, Oman RF, et al. A matched case control study: Investigating the relationship between youth assets and sexual intercourse among 13-14 year olds. Child Care Health Dev. 2007;33:40–44
  175. Hellerstedt WL, Peterson-Hickey M, Rhodes KL, et al. Environmental, social, and personal correlates of having ever had sexual intercourse among American Indian youth. Am J Public Health. 2006;96:2228–2234
  176. Steinman KJ, Zimmerman MA. Religious activity and risk behavior among African American adolescents: Concurrent and developmental effects. Am J Community Psychol. 2004;33:151–161
  177. Neumark-Sztainer D, Story M, French SA, et al. Psychosocial correlates of health compromising behaviors among adolescents. Health Educ Res. 1997;12:37–52
  178. Perkins DF, Luster T, Villarruel FA, et al. An ecological, risk-factor examination of adolescents' sexual activity in three ethnic groups. J Marriage Fam. 1998;60:660–673
  179. Benda BB, Corwyn RF. A test of a model with reciprocal effects between religiosity and various forms of delinquency using 2-stage least squares regression. J Soc Serv Res. 1997;22:27–52
  180. Rosenbaum E, Kandel DB. Early onset of adolescent sexual behavior and drug involvement. J Marriage Fam. 1990;52:783–798
  181. Crockett LJ, Bingham CR, Chopak JS, et al. Timing of first sexual intercourse: The role of social control, social learning and problem behavior. J Youth Adolesc. 1996;25:89–111
  182. Paul C, Fitzjohn P, Dickson N. The determinants of sexual intercourse before age 16. J Adolesc Health. 2000;27:136–147
  183. Bearman PS, Bruckner H. Promising the future: Virginity pledges and first intercourse. Am J Sociol. 2001;106:859–912
  184. Resnick MD, Bearman PS, Blum RW, et al. Protecting adolescents from harm: Findings from the national longitudinal study on adolescent health. JAMA. 1997;278:823–832
  185. Haurin J, Mott FL. Adolescent sexual activity in the family context: The impact of older siblings. Demography. 1990;27:537–557
  186. Mott FL. The determinants of first sex by age 14 in a high-risk adolescent population. Fam Plann Perspect. 1996;28:13–18
  187. Rich LM, Kim SB. Employment and the sexual and reproductive behavior of female adolescents. Perspect Sex Reprod Health. 2002;34:127–134
  188. Forste RT, Heaton TB. Initiation of sexual activity among female adolescents. Youth Soc. 1988;19:250–268
  189. Grunseit AC, Richters J. Age at first intercourse in an Australian national sample of technical college students. A N Z J Public Health. 1999;24:11–16
  190. Hogan DP, Sun R, Cornwell GT. Sexual and fertility behaviors of American females aged 15-19 years: 1985, 1990, 1995. Am J Public Health. 2000;90:1421–1425
  191. Jones RK, Darroch JE, Singh S. Religious differentials in the sexual and reproductive behaviors of young women in the United States. J Adolesc Health. 2005;36:279–288
  192. McCree DH, Wingood GM, DiClemente R, et al. Religiosity and risky sexual behavior in African American adolescent females. J Adolesc Health. 2003;33:2–8
  193. Ku L, Sonenstein FL, Pleck JH. Factors influencing first intercourse for teenage men. Public Health Rep. 1993;108:680–694
  194. Murry V. Black adolescent females: A comparison of early versus late coital initiators. Fam Relat. 1994;43:342–348
  195. Benson MD, Torpy EJ. Sexual behavior in junior high school students. Obstet Gynecol. 1995;85:279–284
  196. Manlove J, Ryan S, Franzetta K. Contraceptive use and consistency in U.S. teenagers' most recent sexual relationships. Perspect Sex Reprod Health. 2004;36:265–275
  197. Raine T, Minnis AM, Padian NS. Determinants of contraceptive method among young women at risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Contraception. 2003;68:19–25
  198. Martin TC. Contraceptive use patterns among Spanish single youth. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2005;10:219–228
  199. Studer M, Thornton A. Adolescent religiosity and contraceptive usage. J Marriage Fam. 1987;49:117–128
  200. Reschovsky J, Gerner J. Contraceptive choice among teenagers: A multivariate analysis. J Fam Econ Issues. 1991;12:171–194
  201. DiBlasio FA, Benda BB. Adolescent sexual behavior: Multivariate analysis of a social learning model. J Adolesc Res. 1990;5:449–466
  202. Shapiro J, Radecki S, Charchian AS, et al. Sexual behavior and AIDS-related knowledge among community college students in Orange County, CA. J Community Health. 1999;24:29–43
  203. Manlove J. The influence of high school dropout and school disengagement on the risk of school-age pregnancy. J Res Adolesc. 1998;8:187–220
  204. Jeynes WH. The effects of religious commitment on the attitudes and behaviors of teens regarding premarital childbirth. J Health Soc Policy. 2003;17:1–17
  205. Lundberg S, Plotnick RD. Adolescent premarital childbearing: Do economic incentives matter?. J Labor Econ. 1995;13:177–200
  206. Thornberry TP, Smith CA, Howard GJ. Risk factors for teenage fatherhood. J Marriage Fam. 1997;59:505–522
  207. Plotnick RD. The effects of attitudes on teenage premarital pregnancy and its resolution. Am Sociol Rev. 1992;57:800–811
  208. West P, Wight D, Macintyre S. Heterosexual behaviour of 18-year-olds in the Glasgow area. J Adolesc. 1993;16:367–396
  209. Bingham CR, Miller BC, Adams GR. Correlates of age of first intercourse in a national sample of young women. J Adolesc Res. 1990;5:18–33
  210. Hayward MD, Grady WR, Billy JO. The influence of socioeconomic status on adolescent pregnancy. Soc Sci Q. 1992;73:750–772
  211. Gavin LE, Catalano RF, David-Ferdon C, et al. A review of positive youth development programs that promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health. J Adolesc Health. 2010;46:S75–S91

 The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PII: S1054-139X(09)00642-9

doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.11.218

Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 46, Issue 3, Supplement , Pages S59-S74 , March 2010

Article Tools