The Open Family Studies Journal

2013, 5 : 10-18
Published online 2013 October 18. DOI: 10.2174/1874922401305010010
Publisher ID: TOFAMSJ-5-10

Family Influences on Adolescent Sexual Activity and Alcohol Use

Tsui-Sui Annie Kao and Winifred Ann Carter
University of Michigan, School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482, USA.

ABSTRACT

Sexual activity and alcohol use continue to have negative effects on the well-being of today’s adolescents. This study used multiple regression analysis to examine relationships among personal factors, family factors, and adolescent sexual activity and alcohol use over three time points. Significant protective factors, which were inversely related to risky behavior, included general adolescent–mother communication, father and family connectedness, and disapproving parental attitudes towards sex. Permissive parenting was associated with self-efficacy for safe sex, early sexual initiation, and increased alcohol use. Health care providers should work to promote positive parent–child relationships and familial protective effects.

Keywords:

Parent–child relationship, adolescent risky behaviors, sexual onset.