Identified factors that helped prevent attitudes tolerant of risky sexual behavior among inner-city, African American, preadolescent girls age 10-13 years. Survey data indicated that feminine gender role orientation, self-concept, and ethnic identity related to attitudes less tolerant of risky sexual behaviors. Masculine gender role orientation related to attitudes endorsing risky sexual behaviors. The impact of ethnicity on function was most significant for girls who had experienced menarche. (SM)