Understanding Changes in Sexual Activity Among Young Metropolitan Men: 1979-1995

Abstract:
Data on the sexual behavior, sexual attitudes, educational experiences, and demographics of more than 2,000 never-married metropolitan males aged 17-19 from the 1979 National Survey of Young Men and the 1988 and 1995 waves of the National Survey of Adolescent Males were analyzed to examine factors that predict sexual behavior and attitudes. The percentage of males aged 17-19 who had ever had sex increased from 66% in 1979 to 76% in 1988 and then decreased to 68% in 1995. The frequency of sexual intercourse in the year prior to the survey increased significantly over time, although the lifetime number of sexual partners did not. Acceptance of premarital sex increased significantly from 1979 to 1988, then decreased significantly from 1988 to 1995. Over time, young men were increasingly likely to prefer having and supporting a baby to marriage, abortion, or adoption as the resolution to a non-marital pregnancy. Trends in attitudes were strongly associated with sexual behaviors, with more conservative attitudes predicting less sexual activity. AIDS education was associated with decreased sexual activity overall, but not among black youths. The authors conclude that more conservative sexual attitudes and increased exposure to AIDS education are key predictors of decreased sexual activity among adolescent males. However, broader societal factors, such as fear of AIDS and increased awareness of problems associated with teen pregnancy and STDs, might underlie both attitudinal and behavioral changes.

Author(s): Ku, Leighton; Sonenstein, Freya L.; Lindberg, Laura D.; Bradner, Carolyn H.; Boggess, Scott; and Pleck, Joseph H.

Publication: Family Planning Perspectives


Date Published: 11/1/1998

Pages: 7

Location Code: 8323