NCJ Number
226935
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 38 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 719-731
Date Published
May 2009
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between parenting practices and risky sexual behaviors in Hispanic immigrant youth.
Abstract
Findings reveal that maternal support and communication about sex were significantly associated with risky sexual behaviors over time. Findings reinforce the extant literature on the effectiveness of positive parenting among Hispanic families in preventing risky sexual behaviors among youth. The findings are also consistent with previous research pointing out the association between receptive communication about sex and lower levels of risky sexual behaviors in multiethnic youth. Maternal monitoring and general communication were not significantly associated with risky sexual behaviors. Working with immigrant families and youth requires a further appreciation and understanding of how the process of immigration and adaptation to the host culture might be related to parenting efforts and child outcomes across generations. More importantly, professionals working with immigrant families and youth need to be sensitive to the particular needs of those populations without overemphasizing the inherent challenges presented by the adaptation process to a new culture. Data were drawn from 2,016 Hispanic immigrant adolescents between the ages of 12 and 16, using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Tables, figure, and references