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Romantic and sexual behavior in young adolescents : repeated surveys in a population-based cohort

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Waylen , Andrea E., Ness, Andrew, McGovern, Phil, Wolke, Dieter and Lowen, Nicola (2009) Romantic and sexual behavior in young adolescents : repeated surveys in a population-based cohort. Journal of Early Adolescence, Vol.30 (No.3). pp. 432-443. ISSN 0272-4316

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0272431609338179

Abstract

Adverse outcomes of teenage sexual activity are common in the United Kingdom. We used a computer-assisted interview to ask young adolescents aged 11-12 years (N = 6856) and 12 -13 years (N = 6801) who were part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children about romantic and intimate behaviors. 24% of 11-12 year olds and 41% of 12-13 year olds reported holding hands and 17% and 32% respectively reported having been kissed on the mouth. A minority of 12-13 year olds reported sexual behavior including intercourse. The majority of participants who reported intimate sexual behavior did not regret it. Boys reported all activities more than girls and were less likely to express regret. Our findings suggest that the timing and content of sex education should take into account the frequency with which young people are experimenting with sexual behaviors.

Item Type:	Submitted Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Psychology Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Youth -- Sexual behavior, Teenagers -- Sexual behavior, Sexual instruction
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Early Adolescence
Publisher:	Sage Publications, Inc.
ISSN:	0272-4316
Date:	16 June 2009
Volume:	Vol.30
Number:	No.3
Page Range:	pp. 432-443
Identification Number:	10.1177/0272431609338179
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/425