The Influence of Relationship Context on Relationship-Specific Contraceptive Behavior Among Youth

Yasamin Kusunoki, University of California, Los Angeles
Dawn Upchurch, University of California, Los Angeles

A substantial body of literature has informed our understanding of individual-level sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics associated with sexual activity and protective practices among adolescents and young adults. Far less, however, is known about relationship-specific sexual behavior, despite the growing number of studies that indicate that sexual activity and protective practices occur within a relational context. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), this paper seeks to explain variation in the type of contraceptive method used within adolescent and young adult sexual relationships by examining the influences of both individual and relationship factors. We exploit the longitudinal aspect of Add Health to construct comprehensive sexual histories from adolescence to young adulthood and provide a detailed description of the ways in which these relationships unfold over the life course. We utilize a multilevel approach to investigate the influences of individual and relationship factors on relationship-specific contraceptive behavior.