Factors that contribute to unhealthy sexual behavior
Sieving et al. (2002) found that interactions between individual perceptions, personality characteristics, socio-cultural norms and values and biology and genetics influence sexual behavior in adolescents (Sieving et al., 2002). More specifically, Sieving continues to say that these interactions can be broken down into family, peer, school, community and neighborhood, and individual factors.
Family:
Research has shown that among the greatest impacts the family can have on an adolescent’s sexual behavior is through effective communication (Sieving et al., 2002; Pick and Palos, 1995). Thus, anything that compromises a parent’s ability to effectively communicate with their child about sex can put a child at risk of developing unhealthy behaviors or attitudes. As outlined by Sieving et al. (2002), hindrances to family communication can include low parental education, low parental expectations, family suicide attempts or completions, and permissive attitudes towards sex. Specifically, the risks that can stem from ineffective or lack of communication between parents and children about sex include less likelihood of using contraception, and a greater incidence of pregnancy or STDs that may result (Pick and Palos, 1995).
Peer:
Peer factors can also have a substantial influence on unhealthy sexual behavior. Regular unprotected sexual activity and substance use among peers, older peers, early dating and romantic relationships all have the potential of exerting an unhealthy outlook towards sex on an individual. Especially during the early teen years, kids want to fit in, and they observe the norms of their peers and tend to act in similar ways. In a survey of 412 tenth graders, Sieving et al. (2002) found that 63% said that their friends were their major source of sexual information. This shows the significant influence peers can have on each other’s sexual attitudes and behavior.
School:
If an adolescent is out of school, they are at a higher chance for sexual risk. School acts as a life structure, providing tasks and goals that in turn help contribute to a healthier lifestyle. In a recent study, Douglas Kirby found that “among youth who are in school, greater attachment is associated with less sexual risk taking. In particular, investment in school, school involvement, attachment to school, or school performance have been found to be related to age initiation of sex, frequency of sex, pregnancy, and childbearing” (Kirby, 2002, p. 28). School also offers educational and informative information on safe sex. Kirby (2002) comments that schools can reduce sexual risk taking in adolescents since most youths are in school prior to and during the initiation of sex.
Community:
Communities can influence an individual’s sexual behavior. Low median income, low median education, high divorce rate, and high residential turnover may all contribute to unhealthy sexual behavior. These factors relate to an unsettled, uncomfortable, and uneducated living environment that may exert low morals and standards on an individual in terms of sex. Brewster et al. (1993) conducted a study to identify the role of community characteristics in adolescent sexual behavior, specifically, the timing of first sexual intercourse and the use of protection. Most importantly, they found that adolescent’s reproductive choices are in part shaped by social disintegration, socioeconomic class, and the availability of employment opportunities. This was especially true for females. Thus, a positive community atmosphere is capable of having a beneficial impact on adolescent sexual behavior.
Individual:
Individual factors that put one at risk for unhealthy sexual practices are extremely important. Early maturation may lead an adolescent to physically feel ready for sexual behavior, even though they are not ready mentally. Use of alcohol or drugs inhibits an individual’s decision making, and lower one’s standards while under the influence (see “role of alcohol” section in preventing and reducing the risk). Research compiled by Frank Cole on the role of self-esteem and safe sex practices shows that adolescents with higher levels of self-esteem are more likely to have risky sexual practices and have more than one partner (Cole, 1997). Cole’s discussion on the results uses a quote from a previous study by A. Walsh entitled “Self-esteem and Sexual Behavior” (1991). Walsh stated, “Sexual activity is behavior, and engaging in any kind of behavior that carries with it the risk of rejection requires a certain level of the self-confidence that accompanies self-esteem” (Cole, 1997, p. 70). Sieving (2002) also states that impulsive behavior can put one at a greater risk for unhealthy sexual behavior. If impulsivity, or the likelihood to act upon something without thinking about it and its consequences beforehand is common, one is more likely to engage in sexual activity without adequate preparation for safety.