Sexual Behavior and Outcome Expectancy Among Impoverished Black Adolescents: Implications for Sex Education

• In Event: 68.036 - Youth Seeking Well-Being

Abstract

While rates of sexual activity among adolescents have declined, they remain alarmingly high, particularly among Black Americans. Using a social cognitive framework, we examine trajectories of outcome expectancy concerning sexual initiation among impoverished Black adolescents. Specifically, we examine how sexual initiation is perceived to reflect maturity, a critical developmental milestone. Maturity is particularly important for impoverished minority adolescents, who face numerous barriers to healthy self-esteem. Data come from the Mobile Youth Survey, a longitudinal survey of adolescent risk. Results show that outcome expectancy for boys is higher than for girls; that outcome expectancy for both genders decline wit age; and that the rates of decline differ by gender. These results provide insight into psychological reasons for early sexual initiation.

Authors

• Elizabeth Schlichting, University of Alabama

• Anneliese Bolland, The University of Alabama

• John Bolland, The University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa