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Timing of first sexual intercourse: The role of social control, social learning, and problem behavior

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Abstract

Prior research has pointed to several distinct processes that may affect the timing of first intercourse among adolescents. In the present study, the role of six hypothesized processes was assessed in a sample of 289 rural adolescent boys and girls. Results support the importance of family socialization and problem-behavior for both sexes, the role of biological factors for boys, and the role of social control processes for girls. Two other hypothesized influences—social class and poor psychosocial adjustment—were not supported in either gender. These results indicate that multiple processes influence the timing of first intercourse; thus, they underscore the need for eclectic predictive models that incorporate the multiplicity of influences.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, 16802, University Park, Pennsylvania

    Lisa J. Crockett (Associate Professor)

  2. Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

    C. Raymond Bingham (Research Assistant Professor)

  3. Department of Health Science Education, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia

    Joanne S. Chopak (Assistant Professor)

  4. Department of Health Education, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania

    Judith R. Vicary (Associate Professor)

Authors
  1. Lisa J. Crockett
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  2. C. Raymond Bingham
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  3. Joanne S. Chopak
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  4. Judith R. Vicary
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Additional information

Received Ph.D. in Human Development from the University of Chicago. Current research interests include adolescent psychosocial development and risk behaviors.

Received Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the Pennsylvania State University. Current research interests include adolescent sexuality and health-related behaviors.

Received Ph.D. in Health Education from The Pennsylvania State University. Current research interests include adolescent health.

Received Ph.D. in Education from The Pennsylvania State University. Current interests include adolescent substance abuse and pregnancy, as well as community health interventions.

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Crockett, L.J., Raymond Bingham, C., Chopak, J.S. et al. Timing of first sexual intercourse: The role of social control, social learning, and problem behavior. J Youth Adolescence 25, 89–111 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537382

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537382

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