Longitudinal adjustment patterns of boys and girls experiencing early, middle, and late sexual intercourse.

Abstract

This study examined the association between psychosocial development and the timing of first sexual intercourse in a sample of White, rural adolescents. Two theoretical models were tested. The first model, derived from problem behavior theory, proposed that earlier timing of first sexual intercourse is associated with longitudinal patterns of transition proneness and poor psychosocial adjustment. The second model, the stage termination model, proposed that early first sexual intercourse interferes with subsequent development, thereby resulting in negative developmental outcomes. Problem behavior theory was supported. For both boys and girls, earlier timing of first sexual intercourse was associated with longitudinal patterns of greater transition proneness and poorer psychosocial adjustment. The stage termination model was not supported. No evidence was found suggesting that early timing of first sexual intercourse results in negative psychosocial outcomes.

Adolescent Sexuality: Behavior and Meaning

“…It could also represent an emerging lifestyle or pattern of adaptation. Bingham and Crockett (1996) found that adolescents who experienced early, middle, and late sexual debut exhibited distinct developmental trajectories, with those who initiated sex early showing a longitudinal pattern of poorer adjustment in multiple domains, including academic achievement, family relationships, and misconduct.…”

Rethinking Timing of First Sex and Delinquency

“…Overall, Billy et al (1988) concluded that "adolescent premarital coitus does not precipitate overwhelming changes in an adolescent's psychological framework." Second, Bingham and Crockett (1996) examined differences in 12th-grade psychosocial adjustment among early, middle, and late initiators, controlling for adjustment prior to first sex (assessed during middle school). They found that the timing of first sex was associated with no psychosocial outcomes, including minor deviance, drunkenness, drug use, church attendance, academic plans, grades in school, family relationships, or peer relationships, after controlling for previous adjustment.…”

Developmental assets and age of first sexual intercourse among adolescent African American males in Mobile, Alabama

“…Youth who experience initial sexual intercourse at an early age may have an increased chance of long-term health concerns, negative behaviors, and lowered selfesteem and family quality [20][21][22]. One study found that 81% of youth who experienced first sexual intercourse between the ages of 12 -15 years wished that they had waited longer to have sex [23].…”