Examined male adolescent behavior, attitudes, and knowledge concerning condom use. Findings from 241 sexually active black adolescent males revealed that factors associated with condom use included higher grade level, having 2 or more sexual partners in past 6 months, communication about contraception with sexual partner, desire for sexually…

Examines the sexual practices of 235 females aged 15 to 19 years and their readiness to use specific contraceptive methods. Results indicate that, despite the availability of newer contraceptive methods, most sexually active adolescents were least resistant to using condoms, perceiving the male condom as an acceptable preventative both for…

Explored early socialization of beliefs and attitudes toward menarche in 258 adolescents, aged 11 to 14 years, male and female pre- and postmenarcheal, from southern Italy. Results showed a consistent lack of accurate information by a high percentage of subjects, both male and female; negative beliefs were held only by girls, boys tended to ignore…

Reviews evidence relating to the paucity of sex-oriented knowledge by adolescents across cultures. Such sex learning is obtained almost entirely from peers since cultural inhibitions and puritan attitudes often prevent open discussions with teachers and parents. A comprehensive program of sex education and sex counseling is needed. (JAC)

Explored the level of scientific knowledge regarding sexuality and contraception of Black and Hispanic inner-city adolescents. Results indicated that Hispanic males were the most knowledgeable, Hispanic females the least, and Black males and females were intermediate. A cultural basis for this difference is considered, and the need to design…

Investigated influence of family variables on sexual attitudes and knowledge of 65 college students. Subjects rated parents highest in terms of influence on sexual opinions, beliefs, and attitudes, but rated parents lower than friends, schools, and books as information sources. Sexual knowledge was not related to family variables examined.…

Examines the variables related to multiple episodes of sexually transmitted disease (STD) among adolescent females (n=88) and males (n=44). Results indicate that acquisition of an STD is related to the demographic characteristics of age and gender, as well as to the number of lifetime partners and attitudes about STD acquisition. (RJM)

Reports on interviews of 48 sexually active adolescents concerning the possible secondary consequences of taking measures to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Adolescents generated 134 consequences, suggesting that considering all the relevant consequences for a rational decision about STD prevention is not…

Surveyed 396 sexually experienced college students. Results indicated that, compared to early coital initiators, late coital initiators were more effective contraceptors during initial coitus, had more committed relationships with initial sex partners, engaged in more contraceptive use discussion and planning, and used more authoritative and…

Surveyed approximately 300 late adolescents to assess their knowledge of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and to determine whether and how their sexual behavior had changed as a result. Findings suggest that late adolescents were quite knowledgeable regarding AIDS and its transmission; however, only about one-third had altered their…

Examined moral reasoning and sexual behavior. Results supported two hypotheses: (1) risk-taking sexual behavior was inversely correlated with moral reasoning; and (2) for high moral reasoners, two measures of sexual risk taking were negatively correlated with knowledge about AIDS: as knowledge increased, risk taking during sexual intercourse…

Examined adolescent mothers' communication with significant others and their knowledge about sex, pregnancy, and birth control. Adolescent mothers (N=23) reported their communication with their own mothers to be one of mutual understanding. Most reported obtaining sex, pregnancy, and birth control information from significant others. Respondents'…

Surveyed high school students (N=268) comparing those who had and had not taken sex education classes. Results indicated that gender identity exerts a significant impact on sexual attitudes and knowledge. Age and grade achievement influence sexual behavior. (RC)

Investigated relationship between perceived parental sexual communicator style and adolescent sexual behavior and information accuracy. College students (N=234) provided such information across three time frames (junior high school, high school, college). Found significant relationships between perceived parental sexual communicator styles and…

Conducted a survey of 288 adolescents to see how their sources of sexual information, sexual interests, and actual knowledge were related to their sex, age, urban or rural residence, and ethnicity. Findings suggest that demographic characteristics of students should be considered by persons interested in adolescent sexual knowledge. (Author)