Early Adolescent Romantic Relationships and Maternal Approval among Inner City Latino Families

Abstract

Latino youth are at high risk for acquiring HIV during adolescence. The present study documented the nature of adolescent romantic relationships among 702 Latino eighth grade students and their mothers in the Bronx, NY. The study examined adolescent romantic relationships, the association between participation in such relationships and intentions to engage in sexual risk behavior, and maternal influences on adolescent's involvement in intimate behaviors in romantic relationships. Almost 50% of youth had been in a romantic relationship, which typically lasted 3-3.5 months. Mothers tended to approve of intimate behaviors and sexual activity in romantic relationships more so for males than females. Latino youth tended to underestimate maternal disapproval of a range of intimate behaviors, and the correlations between perceived and actual maternal approval were generally low in magnitude. Finally, maternal orientations towards their adolescent engaging in romantic relationships were associated with their child's intentions to have sexual intercourse in the future.

Dating and Sexuality among Minority Adolescents with Disabilities: An Application of Sociocultural Theory

“…Boys were significantly more likely to perceive that their mothers approved of their sexual behavior, including holding hands with a partner, kissing, and sexual intercourse. This study also found that adolescents' perceived maternal approval was greater than actual maternal approval for both genders, suggesting that adolescents see mothers as being more supportive of their sexual behaviors than they actually are (Bouris et al, 2012). Latino adolescents' perception that their mothers approved of their sexual behaviors parallels research among American Indian youth.…”

Traumatic Experiences and Drug Use by LGB Adolescents: A Critical Review of Minority Stress

“…Similarly, LGB youth who experienced family rejection were 3.4 times as likely to use illicit substances (Ryan et al, 2010). However, no studies used valid measures of family support or rejection within the context of the LGB experience, and further research is needed to understand this dynamic relationship (Bouris et al, 2011).…”

Parenting in Adolescence and Young Adult Intimate Partner Violence

“…Thus, a way to distinguish parental attitudes about the dating realm is to assess whether they caution their children to delay dating or appear more accepting of this particular transition (Bouris et al, 2012). Parents may vary further in their imposition of dating-specific rules and restrictions .…”