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Article
Timing of First Sexual Intercourse: The Role of Social Control, Social Learning, and Problem Behavior
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
  • Lisa J. Crockett, Pennsylvania State University
  • C. Raymond Bingham, Michigan State University
  • Joanne Chopak-Foss, Georgia Southern University, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
  • Judith R. Vicary, Pennsylvania State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-1996
DOI
10.1007/BF01537382
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.

Citation Information
Lisa J. Crockett, C. Raymond Bingham, Joanne Chopak-Foss and Judith R. Vicary. "Timing of First Sexual Intercourse: The Role of Social Control, Social Learning, and Problem Behavior" Journal of Youth and Adolescence Vol. 25 Iss. 1 (1996) p. 89 - 111
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/joanne_chopak-foss/121/