The Role of Peers and Siblings in Adolescent Sexual Decisions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the contributions of peer and sibling relationships to adolescent sexual attitudes and behavior. Data were collected from a sample of 492 participants, ages 14 to 18 years, from a large suburban high school in the Midwest. The results revealed that more than half of the female participants were initiated into nonvirginity by experienced males, which provides some support for the social contagion theory. Perceived peer approval was the strongest predictor, with siblings also contributing. Some mediation analyses were significant as well. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.