Citation
Meier, Ann M. (2003). Adolescents' transition to first intercourse, religiosity, and attitudes about sex.
Social Forces. vol. 81 (3) pp. 1031-1052
Abstract
Using two waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study examines two sets of relationships between attitudes, religiosity, and first sex among adolescents. First, I estimate the effects of religiosity and attitudes about sex on the likelihood of engaging in first sex. Then, I estimate the effect of having sex on subsequent religiosity and attitudes. The findings are consistent with past research that finds attitudes are a significant predictor of sexual activity. The effect of religiosity on first sex is mediated by attitudes about sex. Regarding reciprocal effects, having sex for the first time has a significant effect on later attitudes, but not religiosity. This study highlights the importance of going beyond traditional, recursive models that consider only one side of a causal relationship.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/sof.2003.0039Keyword(s)
Religion Sexual Behavior
Reference Type
Journal Article
Journal Title
Social Forces
Author(s)
Meier, Ann M.
Year Published
2003
Volume Number
81
Issue Number
3
Pages
1031-1052
DOI
10.1353/sof.2003.0039
Reference ID
247
