Abstract

VARGAS-TRUJILLO, Elvia; BARRERA, Fernando; BURGOS, María Consuelo  and  DAZA, Berta Cecilia. The intention of having sexual relations during the adolescence: the role of the television, parental relationships and cognitions. Univ. Psychol. [online]. 2006, vol.5, n.1, pp.69-84. ISSN 1657-9267.

This study assessed the influence of television, parent-child relationship and adolescents’ cognitions over the intentions to engage in sexual activity during adolescence. Sample consisted of 231 high-school students (116 women and 115 men), between 12 and 18 years old, from low, middle and high socioeconomic status. A self-report questionnaire was used to gather information on the study’s variables. Correlation and regression analysis show that intentions are determined by personal attitudes and subjective norm, thus supporting the Theory of Planned Behavior. Sexual self-efficacy was not a significant predictor of the intentions to engage in sexual activity during adolescence. Some variables related to TV were found to be strong determinants of personal attitudes toward sexual activity during adolescence. The findings are discussed with implications for actions by parents, educators and those responsible of TV policies.

Keywords : Television; teenagers; adolescence; parent and teenager relationship; attitudes; sexual intercourse; gender identity.

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