Family mediators of acculturation and adolescent sexual behavior among latino youth

Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, Alida Bouris, James Jaccard, Catherine A. Lesesne, Bernardo Gonzalez, Kosta Kalogerogiannis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The present study develops and evaluates a theoretical framework of mediators of the relationship between acculturation and adolescent sexual behavior. Four hundred Latino mother-adolescent dyads from the Bronx, New York were interviewed. The study explored the relationship between intentions to have sexual intercourse and explanatory variables such as adolescent romantic relationship status and partner preferences, maternal approval of dating, adolescent perceptions of maternal approval of dating, and maternal and adolescent levels of familismo and acculturation. Findings revealed complex dynamics between acculturation and adolescent sexual behavior. Protective and risk-inducing associations were observed, with important gender differences operating for boys and girls. Implications for the development of applied prevention programs are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)395-419
Number of pages25
JournalJournal of Primary Prevention
Volume30
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2009

Keywords

  • Acculturation
  • Adolescent sexual behavior
  • Familismo
  • Latino youth
  • Parent-child relationships

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Family mediators of acculturation and adolescent sexual behavior among latino youth'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this