Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Family Influences on Adolescent Females’ Sexual Health

  • Chapter
Handbook of Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health

Part of the book series: Issues in Women’s Health ((WOHI))

Abstract

Sexual behavior that puts adolescents, particularly female adolescents, at risk for adverse health outcomes is an overwhelming public health problem in the United States. Sexual risk behaviors, including early sexual initiation, unprotected intercourse, and sex with multiple partners, place female adolescents at risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Approximately one million teenagers become pregnant each year (Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1993) and 3 million adolescents, about one of every eight teens or one in four sexually active teens, acquire an STD annually (Eng & Butler, 1997). About 20% of all new HIV infections occur in young people under age 25 (Office of National AIDS Policy, 1996).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adolph, C, Ramos, D. E., Linton, K. L., & Grimes, D. A. (1995). Pregnancy among Hispanic teenagers: Is good parental communication a deterrent? Contraception, 51, 303–306.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alan Guttmacher Institute. (1993). Sex and America’s teenagers. New York: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Basen-Engquist, K., & Parcel, G. (1992). Attitudes, norms and self-efficacy: A model of adolescents’ HIV-related sexual risk behavior. Health Education Quarterly, 19, 263–277.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Becvar, D. S., & Becvar, R. J. (1993). Family therapy: A systemic integration (2nd ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benda, B. B., & DiBlasio, F. A. (1994). An integration of theory: Adolescent sexual contacts. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 23, 403–420.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bull, S., & Hogue, C. J. (1998). Exploratory analysis of factors associated with teens’ repeated childbearing. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 9(1), 42–61.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Calamidas, E. (1992). Reaching youth about AIDS: Challenges confronting health educators. Health Values, 15, 55–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coates, T. J., DiClemente, R. J., Flay, B., Kirby, D., & Sittitrai, W. (in press). Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cobb, B. K. (1997). Communication types and sexual protective practices of college women. Public Health Nursing, 14, 293–301.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crosby, R. A., Leichliter, J. S., & Brackbill, R. (2000). Longitudinal prediction of STDs among sexually experienced adolescents: Results from a national survey. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 18, 367–372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Denning, P. F., & Fleming, P. L. (1998). Communities at risk—Estimating the impact of the HIV epidemic upon adolescents and young adults at the local level. Paper presented at the 126th annual meeting of the American Public Health Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • DiClemente, R. J., & Wingood, G. M. (2000). Expanding the scope of HIV prevention for adolescents: Beyond individual-level interventions. Journal of Adolescent Health, 26, 377–378.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DiClemente, R. J., & Houston-Hamilton, A. (1989). Health promotion strategies for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus infection among minority adolescents. Health Education, 20, 39–43.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DiIorio, C, Kelley, M., & Hockenberry-Eaton, M. (1999). Communication about sexual issues: Mothers, fathers, and friends. Journal of Adolescent Health, 24, 181–189.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dittus, P. J., & Jaccard, J. (2000). Adolescents’ perceptions of maternal disapproval of sex: Relationship to sexual outcomes. Journal of Adolescent Health, 26, 268–278.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dittus, P. J., Jaccard, J., & Gordon, V. V. (1999). Direct and nondirect communication of maternal beliefs to adolescents: Adolescent motivations for premarital sexual activity. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 29, 1927–1963.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dutra, R., Miller, K. S., & Forehand, R. (1999). The process and content of sexual communication with adolescents in two-parent families: Associations with sexual risk-taking behavior. AIDS and Behavior, 3, 59–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eng, T. R., & Butler, W. T. (1997). The hidden epidemic: Confronting sexually transmitted diseases. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forehand, R., & Kotchick, B. A. (1996). Cultural diversity: A wake-up call for parent training. Behavior Therapy, 27, 187–206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Forehand, R., & Wierson, M. (1993). The role of developmental factors in planning behavioral interventions for children: Disruptive behavior as an example. Behavior Therapy, 24, 117–141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J. D., Catalano, R. F., Kosterman, R., Abbott, R., & Hill, K. G. (1999). Preventing adolescent health-risk behaviors by strengthening protection during childhood. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 153, 226–234.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holtzman, D., & Rubinson, R. (1995). Parent and peer communication effects on AIDS-related behavior among U.S. high school students. Family Planning Perspectives, 27, 235–240.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Inazu, J. K., & Fox, G. L. (1980). Maternal influence on sexual behavior of teen-age daughters: Direct and indirect sources. Journal of Family Issues, 1(1), 81–102.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jaccard, J., Dittus, P. J., Gordon, V. V. (1996). Maternal correlates of adolescent sexual and contraceptive behavior. Family Planning Perspectives, 28, 159–165, 185.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jessor, R., Turbin, M. S., & Costa, F. M. (1998). Protective factors in adolescent health behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75, 788–800.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. (1997). Impact of HIV and sexual health education on the sexual behaviour of young people: A review update. Geneva, Switzerland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser Family Foundation. (1999). Talking with kids about sex and relationships [on-line]. Available: http://www.talkingwithkids.org/sex.html.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirby, D. (1999). Looking for reasons why: The antecedents of adolescent sexual risk-taking, pregnancy, and childbearing. Washington, DC: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kotchick, B. A., Dorsey, S., Miller, K. S., & Forehand, R. (1999). Adolescent sexual risk-taking behavior in single-parent ethnic minority families. Journal of Family Psychology, 13, 93–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lammers, C, Ireland, M., Resnick, M., & Blum, R. (1999). Influences on adolescents’ decision to postpone onset of sexual intercourse: A survival analysis of virginity among youths aged 13 to 18 years. Journal of Adolescent Health, 26, 42–48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lawrance, L., Levy, S. R., & Rubinson, L. (1990). Self-efficacy and AIDS prevention for pregnant teens. Journal of School Health, 60, 19–24.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leland, N. L., & Barth, R. P. (1993). Characteristics of adolescents who have attempted to avoid HIV and who have communicated with parents about sex. Journal of Adolescent Research, 81(1), 58–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luster, T, & Small, S. A. (1997). Sexual abuse history and number of sex partners among female adolescents. Family Planning Perspectives, 29(5), 204–211.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Metzler, C. W., Noell, J., Biglan, A., Ary, D., & Smolkowski, K. (1994). The social context for risky sexual behavior among adolescents. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 17, 419–431.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, B. C. (1998). Families matter: A research synthesis of family influences on adolescent pregnancy. Washington, DC: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, K. S., Clark, L. F., Wendall, D. A., Levin, M. L., Gray-Ray, P., Velez, C. N., & Webber, M. P. (1997). Adolescent heterosexual experience: A new typology. Journal of Adolescent Health, 20, 179–186.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, K. S., Kotchick, B. A., Dorsey, S., Forehand, R., Ham, A. Y. (1998a). Family communication about sex: What are parents saying and are their adolescents listening? Family Planning Perspectives, 30, 218–222, 235.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, K. S., Levin, M. L., Whitaker, D. J., & Xiaohe, X. (1998b). Patterns of condom use among adolescents: The impact of mother-adolescent communication. American Journal of Public Health, 88, 1542–1544.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, K. S., Forehand, R., Kotchick, B. A. (1999). Adolescent sexual behavior in two ethnic minority samples: The role of family variables. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 61, 85–98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, K. S., Forehand, R., & Kotchick, B. A. (in press). Adolescent sexual behavior in two ethnic minority samples: A multi-system perspective delineating targets for prevention. Adolescence.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Institutes of Health. (1997). NIH consensus development conference: Interventions to prevent HIV risk behaviors: Program and abstracts. Bethesda, MD: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nolin, J. J., & Petersen, K. K. (1992). Gender differences in parent-child communication about sexuality: An exploratory study. Journal of Adolescent Research, 7, 59–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noller, P., & Callan, V. J. (1990). Adolescents’ perception of the nature of communication with parents. Journal of Youth and Adolescents, 19, 349–362.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Office of National AIDS Policy. (1996). Youth and HIV/ AIDS: An American agenda. Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reinisch, J. M., & Beasley, R. (1990). The Kinsey Institute new report on sex. New York: St. Martin’s Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Resnick, M. D., Bearman, P. S., Blum, R. W, Bauman, K. E., Harris, K. M., Jones, J., Tabor, J., Beuhring, T, Sieving, R. E., Shew, M., Ireland, M., Bearinger, L. H., & Udry, J. R. (1997). Protecting adolescents from harm: Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. Journal of the American Medical Association, 278, 823–832.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodgers, K. B. (1999). Parenting processes related to sexual risk-taking behaviors of adolescent males and females. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 61(1), 99–109.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, C. R. (1986). A theory of therapy, personality, and interpersonal relationships, as developed in the client-centered framework. In H. Kirschenbaum & V. L. Henderson (Eds.), The Carl Rogers reader. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Romer, D., Black, M., Ricardo, L, Feigelman, S., Kaljee, L., Galbraith, J., Nesbit, R., Hornick, R. C, & Stanton, B. (1994). Social influences on the sexual behavior of youth at risk for HIV exposure. American Journal of Public Health, 84, 977–985.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Romer, D., Stanton, B., Galbraith, J., Feigelman, S., Black, M. M., & Li, X. (1999). Parental influence on adolescent sexual behavior in high-poverty settings. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 153, 1055–1062.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, P. S., & Biggar, R. J. (1998). Trends in HIV incidence among young adults in the United States. Journal of the American Medical Association, 279, 1894–1899.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenthal, D., Moore, S., & Flynn, I. (1991). Adolescent self-efficacy, self-esteem and sexual risk-taking. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 1, 77–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (1997). SIECUS report. New York: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shoop, D. M., & Davidson, P. M. (1994). AIDS and adolescents: The relation of parent and partner communication to adolescent condom use. Journal of Adolescence, 17, 137–148.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Small, S. A., & Luster, T. (1994). Adolescent sexual activity: An ecological, risk-factor approach. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 56, 181–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stanton, B. F., Xiaoming, L. I., Galbraith, J., Cornick, G., Feigelman, S., Kaljee, L., & Zhou, Y (2000). Parental underestimates of adolescent risk behavior: A randomized, controlled trial of a parental monitoring intervention. Journal of Adolescent Health, 26, 18–26.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Whalen, C. K, Henker, B., Hollingshead, J., & Burgess, S. (1996). Parent-adolescent dialogues about AIDS. Journal of Family Psychology, 10, 343–357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitaker, D. J., & Miller, K. S. (2000). Parent-adolescent discussions about sex and condoms: Impact on peer influences of sexual risk behavior. Journal of Adolescent Research, 15, 251–273.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitaker, D. J., Miller, K. S., May, D. C, & Levin, M. L. (1999). Teenage partners’ communication about sexual risk and condom use: Importance of parent-teenager discussions. Family Planning Perspectives, 31, 117–121.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Whitaker, D. J., Miller, K. S., & Clark, L. F. (in press). Reconceptualizing adolescent sexual behavior: Beyond did they or didn’t they? Family Planning Perspectives.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wickrama, K. A. S., Conger, R. D., Wallace, L. E., & Elder, G. H. (1999). The intergenerational transmission of health-risk behaviors: Adolescent lifestyles and gender moderating effects. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 40, 258–272.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wortley, P. M., & Fleming, P. L. (1997). AIDS in women in the United States: Recent trends. Journal of the American Medical Association, 278, 911–916.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yarber, W. L. (1992). While we stood by… the limiting of sexual information to our youth. Journal of Health Education, 23, 326–335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yarber, W. L. (1995). Principles for creating AIDS/sexuality education messages for youth. Journal of Sex Research, 32, 269–274.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory Unviersity, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, USA

    Richard A. Crosby

  2. Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, 30333, USA

    Kim S. Miller

Authors
  1. Richard A. Crosby
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kim S. Miller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Gina M. Wingood ScD, MPH  & Ralph J. DiClemente PhD  & 

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2002 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Crosby, R.A., Miller, K.S. (2002). Family Influences on Adolescent Females’ Sexual Health. In: Wingood, G.M., DiClemente, R.J. (eds) Handbook of Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health. Issues in Women’s Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0689-8_7

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0689-8_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-5196-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-0689-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation