Perceived Consequences of First Intercourse Among Mexican Adolescents and Associated Psychosocial Variables

Abstract

To expand our understanding of first sexual experiences among adolescents in Latin America, this study examined associations between several psychosocial correlates (gender, religiosity, age at first intercourse, and type of relationship with sexual partner, as well as benevolent and hostile sexism attitudes) and perceived consequences of first sexual intercourse in a sample of Mexican adolescents. Findings indicate that male participants and adolescents who had their first intercourse at older ages (16 or older) reported more positive consequences, whereas girls, and religious adolescents reported more negative consequences. When examining the link between sexist attitudes and perceived consequences by gender, findings may indicate that these attitudes were better predictors among male adolescents. Specifically, boys who endorsed more hostile sexism reported having felt rush, felt that they enhanced their reputation, and worried that their partner wanted more commitment. Moreover, boys who endorsed more benevolent sexism reported feeling cheered up, worried about pregnancy, and that their partner wanted more commitment. In contrast, benevolent sexism was associated with only one consequence (worry about pregnancy) among girls. This study expands our understanding of Mexican adolescent sexual experiences and the link between sexist attitudes and perceived consequences of first intercourse.