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Testing a Model: A Developmental Perspective of Adolescent Male Sexuality
Author(s) -
Smith Laureen H.,
Guthrie Barbara J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal for specialists in pediatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1744-6155
pISSN - 1539-0136
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6155.2005.00024.x
Subject(s) - human sexuality , permissive , psychology , developmental psychology , ethnic group , perspective (graphical) , structural equation modeling , sexual behavior , gender studies , medicine , sociology , statistics , mathematics , virology , artificial intelligence , anthropology , computer science
PURPOSE. This study tested a model of adolescent male sexuality and evaluated its usefulness for predicting sexual behaviors among a diverse sample.DESIGN AND METHODS. Secondary analysis using a national sample was conducted. Sexuality was conceptualized as depending on family, peers, and school. Neighborhood was hypothesized to influence sexuality indirectly. Sexuality was hypothesized to influence sexual behaviors and age at first sex. Structural equation modeling techniques were used with ethnic comparisons.RESULTS. Family was the strongest predictor of sexuality. Males who were closer to their family were sexually conservative; males closer to peers were sexually permissive. Neighborhood's influence was moderated through family and school. Ethnic differences were not found.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Sexuality assessments and strengthening family relationships are essential.