Background: School assets--such as connectedness, caring relationships with adults, high behavioral expectations from adults, and meaningful participation--are associated with positive outcomes for adolescents. However, little is known about how school assets differ among adolescents with intersecting marginalized identities. Methods: We used the…

In this article, the authors talk about research relationships in higher education. Research partnerships are generally inexpensive and highly productive (their synergies produce much more work than the sum of the parts). The two partners are generally honest about their collaborations and their roles within them; rigorous in their…

There is growing attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) issues in schools, including efforts to address such issues through the curriculum. This study examines whether students' perceptions of personal safety and school climate safety are stronger when curricula that include LGBTQ people are present and…

For the first time in twenty years the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, 2009) is considering changes to federal regulations governing research. The Common Rule provides the basis for government regulations and Institutional Review Boards (IRB). Proposed changes will have a significant impact on Institutional Review Board…

According to the Ford Foundation, "a deeper understanding of human sexuality is an essential element of human rights and healthy social relationships." Beginning with this assumption, we seek to be informed by and to inform policies and local practices; to initiate broad conversations that address sexual health and healthy sexualities…

Few studies have examined school-based factors associated with variability in the victimization and health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Among 15,965 students in 45 Wisconsin schools, we identified differences based on Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) presence. Youth in schools with GSAs reported less truancy,…

This study explores perceptions of Mexican mother-adolescent communication about sexuality. Participants interviewed included four mother-expecting son pairs and four mother-pregnant daughter pairs. Our interviews revealed important adolescent gender differences. Pena (shame/embarrassment) played a major role vis-a-vis indirect communication about…

Current research in adolescent sexuality has largely focused on vaginal-penile intercourse, with less attention to noncoital sexual activity. This study examined how maternal factors influence the transition from virginity to noncoital behavior among White and Asian American youth who have never experienced vaginal intercourse. We conducted…

Used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to investigate links between sexual orientation and suicidality. There was a strong link between adolescent sexual orientation and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This relationship was mediated by critical youth suicide risk factors (depression, hopelessness, alcohol abuse,…

Identifies and discusses six challenges involving the incorporation of sexual orientation issues into the classroom: lack of student exposure to accurate information; selecting a lecture topic; attitudes of intolerance among students; avoiding generalizations; making the topic of sexual orientation relevant to the lives of students; and instructor…

This study examined associations among family type (same-sex vs. opposite-sex parents); family and relationship variables; and the psychosocial adjustment, school outcomes, and romantic attractions and behaviors of adolescents. Participants included 44 12- to 18-year-old adolescents parented by same-sex couples and 44 same-aged adolescents…

Used data from the National Child Development Study of Great Britain to examine the sex education lessons reported at age 16 and subjects' report of teenage motherhood at age 23. Results showed that sex education may be associated with teenage motherhood positively or negatively, depending on the topic and the individual's marital status when she…