The Role of Family Structure, Family Processes, and Family Content in Predicting Adolescent Sexual Activity

Abbey Fruth, Bowling Green State University
Monica A. Longmore, Bowling Green State University
Peggy C. Giordano, Bowling Green State University

Past research on adolescent sexual activity has focused mostly on how family structure affects adolescents’ sexual activity. However, besides family structure, there are also family processes that may influence adolescents’ sexual behavior. The current study uses the Toledo Adolescent Relationship Study (n=1307) to understand how family processes and family content affect adolescent sexual activity. Specifically we examine two issues. First, are dating specific measures of family processes better predictors than general family processes in determining adolescents’ sexual activity? Second, do parents’ past and present behaviors and values affect the likelihood that adolescents are sexually active? While primarily research has examined general family processes in relation to adolescents’ sexual activity, this research extends prior research by including dating specific family processes and measures of parental behavior and beliefs. Our findings indicate the importance of examining dating specific family processes and content variables as key predictors of adolescent sexual activity.