A review of parenting and adolescent sexual behavior: The moderating role of gender

In spite of the established link between parenting and adolescent sexual risk behavior, less is known about the role of adolescent gender as a potential moderator of this association. This literature review integrates findings from 24 studies to examine gender as a moderator of the link between parenting and youth sexual risk behavior. Despite the wide variability in methodology across the reviewed studies, findings suggest that monitoring may be more protective against sexual risk behavior for boys than girls, whereas parental warmth and emotional connection may be an especially salient factor for girls. The results of this review support further research on gender as an important factor in better understanding the role of parenting in the development of adolescent sexual behavior. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential role of gender-specific, tailored family-focused prevention programs targeting sexual behavior.

► We review research examining gender as a moderator of parenting and sexual behavior.
► Parental monitoring may be more protective against sexual risk behavior for males.
► Parental warmth and emotional connection may be most salient for adolescent girls.
► Results highlight the importance of gender specific, family focused prevention work.