Citation
Orozco-Lapray, Diana L. (2014). A taxonomy of adolescent decisions for sexual behaviors: A latent profile analysis.
2014 Add Health Users Conference. Bethesda, MD.
Abstract
Whether to engage in sexual behaviors is a critical decision often made during adolescence. The current study examines this sexual dilemma for the broader adolescent population through the theory of reasoned action. The current study uses data from adolescents who completed waves 1 and 2 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n=152) to develop a taxonomy of adolescent profiles of sexual behaviors. The measures for the current study are derived from the theory of reasoned action, and planned behavior, and address sexual intercourse and birth control use. The current study employs latent profile analysis to derive the proposed taxonomy, and examines the associations to outcomes through logistic and linear regression and analysis of variance. Current results indicate the existence of five consistent profiles among adolescents at waves one and two. These profiles are tentatively identified as: conservatively parented adolescents (27%), false-sense-of-control adolescents (27%), cautious adolescents (21%), precarious adolescents (12%), and impetuous adolescents (12%). Current analysis examines the association of each of these profiles with engagement in sexual intercourse, hooking-up and contraceptive use. It is expected that profiles reflect adolescents’ projected decision when faced with opportunities for sexual activity, thus profile membership should indicate the extent to which an adolescent engages in the three outcome sexual behaviors.
URL
https://addhealth.cpc.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/docs/events/20140613_Add_Health_Users_Conference_Abstracts.pdfReference Type
Conference proceeding
Book Title
2014 Add Health Users Conference
Author(s)
Orozco-Lapray, Diana L.
Year Published
2014
City of Publication
Bethesda, MD
Reference ID
6216
