Factors that impact sexual behavior among adolescents

Thesis (M.S.W.) California State University, Los Angeles, 2012Committee members: Dale Weaver, Connie Corley, Dale WeaverAdolescent, Alcohol, Parental Involvement, Peer Pressure, Self-Esteem, Sexual BehaviorSexual activity among adolescents is a prevailing issue due to risk factors such as STIs, HIV, and teenage pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence that parental involvement, peer-pressure, substance usage, and self-esteem has on adolescents engaging in sexual behavior. The expected result of this study is that poor self-esteem, negative peer pressure, and substance usage may increase the chances of adolescents engaging in sexual intercourse. In contrast, parental involvement may decrease this behavior. Secondary data from the National Longitudinal study of Adolescent Health was used for this study. The results from this study signify that self-esteem, peer pressure, substance usage, and parental involvement impact adolescents engaging in sexual activity. Implications from this study demonstrate that health care systems, schools, and parents need to educate adolescents not just on contraception and abstinence but also on the factors that influence early onset of sexual behavior