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Laureen Smith, PhD, RN, MSN, School of Nursing, Oakland University, 458 O'Dowd Hall, Rochester, MI 48309, 248-370-4097, lhsmith@oakland.edu
The purpose of this study was to develop a model of adolescent male sexuality and evaluate the usefulness of sexuality in predicting sexual behaviors. Research questions were: 1.What factors influence the formation of sexuality? 2. Does sexuality influence sexual behaviors? 3. Do sexual behaviors influence sexuality at an older age? 4. Do the same factors influence sexuality formation for European American and African-American males? Male sexuality was conceptualized as directly depending on three factors: family, peers and school. Neighborhood was hypothesized to influence sexuality indirectly through the above factors. Sexuality was hypothesized to influence coitus, pre-coital behaviors and age at first sex. This study was conducted by using a sub-sample of the Add Health database (n = 2114) with data collected from 1994 and 1996. SEM techniques indicate that the model is a good fit to the data since all fit indices (CFI, NNFI, GFI) are > .90 with the exception of NFI (.87) and RMSEA was .04. The model fit European Americans and African Americans equally well. Family was the strongest predictor of sexuality in 1994(r = -.243) followed by peers (r = .209). Neighborhood’s influence was through family and school factors but not peers. Sexuality measured in 1994 predicted pre-coital behaviors, coitus and age at first sex in 1994. When sexuality was measured in 1996, it no longer predicted age at first sex in 1996. Sexual behaviors measured in 1994 did not predict sexuality measured in 1996. Sexuality measured in 1996 predicted pre-coital behaviors in 1996.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.