ERIC Number: EJ930868
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Aug
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0140-1971
EISSN: N/A
The Developmental Association of Sexual Self-Concept with Sexual Behavior among Adolescent Women
Hensel, Devon J.; Fortenberry, J. Dennis; O'Sullivan, Lucia F.; Orr, Donald P.
Journal of Adolescence, v34 n4 p675-684 Aug 2011
Developing a sexual self-concept is an important developmental task of adolescence; however, little empirical evidence describes this development, nor how these changes are related to development in sexual behavior. Using longitudinal cohort data from adolescent women, we invoked latent growth curve analysis to: (1) examine reciprocal development in sexual self-concept (sexual openness, sexual esteem and sexual anxiety) over a four year time frame; (2) describe the relationship of these trajectories with changes in sexual behavior. We found significant transactional effects between these dimensions and behavior: sexual self-concept evolved during adolescence in a manner consistent with less reserve, less anxiety and greater personal comfort with sexuality and sexual behavior. Moreover, we found that sexual self-concept results from sexual behavior, as well as regulates future behavior. (Contains 1 figure and 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Females, Adolescents, Sexuality, Sexual Identity, Anxiety, Self Concept, Developmental Stages, Longitudinal Studies, Self Esteem, Correlation, Behavior Change, Adolescent Development
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A