Parenting Practices and Adolescent Sexuality

Adolescent sexual behavior is at the forefront of social science researchbecause it is central to a number of social and medical issues; it remains amajor public concern. Underlying factors that influence adolescent sexualbehavior are investigated within a sociological framework. Aspects ofsexuality are explored through the application of self-control theory whichposits that parents are responsible for development of self-control in theirchildren, and that the level of self-control determines the propensity toengage in risk-related behavior. It is hypothesized that adolescent perceptionsof parental warmth and control influence adolescent level of self-control; thatlevel of self-control influences engagement in risk-taking behavior; and thatrisk-taking behavior influences whether or not adolescents feel they are at riskfor acquiring STDs. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study ofAdolescent Health, this study employs structural equation modeling usingLISREL. Results showed adolescent level of self-control influences risk-takingbehavior, and that engagement in risk-taking behavior does influenceadolescent perception of risk for acquiring STDs. The findings are of greatvalue for primary and secondary educators, public officials and policy makers,guidance counselors, parents or other concerned family members, and evenfor adolescents.