Impulsivity in Mexican Adolescent Sexuality

Abstract

This study broadens our understanding of the role of impulsivity in Mexican adolescent sexuality by examining how impulsivity constructs (i.e., positive urgency, negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking) were associated with Mexican adolescent normative sexual behaviors and intentions. We also examined the role of gender and age in these associations. We administered measures of impulsivity, sexual intentions, and sexual behaviors to a sample of 563 Mexican adolescents, aged 12 to 16. The results indicated several associations between impulsivity and sexual outcomes. For instance, adolescents who exhibited lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance were more likely to expect to have sex (sexual intentions) and to engage in heavy petting. Age and gender moderated a few associations. Female adolescents (but not males) who reported more sensation seeking were more likely to expect to have sex (sexual intentions). Older adolescents (but not younger) who reported higher levels of positive urgency were more likely to engage in heavy petting. The current study expands the understanding of how a variety of impulsivity constructs are associated with the sexual intentions and behaviors of Mexican adolescents.