Citation

Leigh GK, Weddle KD, Loewen IR. J. Adolesc. Res. 1988; 3(3-4): 333-344.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/074355488833008

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

During the past three decades, sexual intercourse has increased in preva lence and has gradually become an earlier experience for young adoles cent females. Despite the prevalence, results of previous research have appeared to be inconsistent and noncumulative. A life course perspective and a sub-sample of Black females between 15-19 years of age from the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle III survey were used to identify the relationship between significant life events and other influences on the timing of the transition to first intercourse for these adolescents. Life events, such as dating, were important influences on the timing of transi tion, as were other demographic factors, such as mother's education and family income. It is important to understand the context and develop mental sequencing in order to understand the timing of transitions, which is quite different than simply identifying an "age of coitus."

Language: en