Intention to engage in sexual behavior: influence of family functioning and positive youth development over time

Abstract

This study examined the influences of family functioning and positive youth development on the intention among adolescents to engage in sexual behavior using a longitudinal design involving two waves of data. Using a cross-lagged approach, analyses using structural equation modeling showed that positive youth development qualities at Time 1 predicted the intention to engage in sexual activity in the future at, Time 2, via family functioning at Time 2. However, positive youth development at Time 2 did not mediate the effect of family functioning at Time 1 on the intention to engage in sexual behavior at Time 2. Family functioning at Time 2 was concurrently associated with the intention to engage in sexual activity at Time 2. This study highlighted the importance of family functioning and positive youth development in reducing risky sexual behavior of early adolescents in Hong Kong.

The Role of Positive Youth Development as a Mediator of the Relationship between Family Function and Lecturer-Student Relationship

“…The family function scale consisted of 32 items developed based on 5 dimensions, including mutuality, harmony, communication, support, and control (Ma & Shek, 2014). Examples of items included: "My family members support each other" and "My family members communicate with each other."…”

Do Adolescent Sexual Behavior and Intention to Engage in Sexual Behavior Change in High School Years in Hong Kong?

“…28,29 Previous findings have also shown that higher levels of positive youth development were associated with lower levels of adolescent sexual behavior and intention. 11,12,30 More specifically, in terms of intrapersonal competencies, Lando-King and colleagues 31 found that girls with higher intrapersonal skills (eg, emotional intelligence, self-directed thinking and actions) reported fewer male sex partners in the past 6 months. Authors reasoned that adolescents who are equipped with intrapersonal competencies might be more thoughtful about their decisions to engage in or abstain from sexual intercourse.…”