Testing a Model: A Developmental Perspective of Adolescent Male Sexuality.

This study tested a model of adolescent male sexuality and evaluated its usefulness for predicting sexual behaviors among a diverse sample. Secondary analysis using a national sample was conducted. Sexuality was conceptualized as depending on family, peers, and school. Neighborhood was hypothesized to influence sexuality indirectly. Sexuality was hypothesized to influence sexual behaviors and age at first sex. Structural equation modeling techniques were used with ethnic comparisons. Family was the strongest predictor of sexuality. Males who were closer to their family were sexually conservative; males closer to peers were sexually permissive. Neighborhood's influence was moderated through family and school. Ethnic differences were not found. Sexuality assessments and strengthening family relationships are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]