Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
347213 Children and Youth Services Review 2011 11 Pages PDF
Abstract

Focus groups were conducted to assess what Mexican American and White male and female adolescents wished they had known about romantic and sexual relationships. Relevant gender and ethnic differences emerged in adolescents' desires and findings across all groups supported a need for comprehensive sexual education that contextualizes sexual activity within a framework that emphasizes socio-emotional skills and well-being. Adolescents' desires were emotional, relational, physical and interpersonal in nature. Youth preferred parents and school educators as key sources of information and support. Recommendations for prevention programming and policy are discussed.

Research highlights► Adolescents desired more socio-emotional support in their romantic relationships. ► Adolescents desired more information from parents and school educators. ► Adolescents frequently attributed negative characteristics to the other sex. ► White females wished they had known about pregnancy, sex, and anatomy. ► Romantic involvement negatively impacted Latinos' other important relationships.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Perinatology, Pediatrics and Child Health
Authors
, ,