Estimating peer effects in sexual behavior among adolescents

Abstract

In this paper we seek to empirically quantify the role of peer social networks in influencing sexual behavior among adolescents. Using data of a nationally representative sample of adolescents we utilize a multivariate structural model with school‐level fixed effects to account for the problems of contextual effects, correlated effects and peer selections to purge the potential biases from the estimates of peer influence. Our peer group measures are drawn not only from the nomination of close friends, but also from classmates. Controlling for parent level characteristics, and other demographic parameters, we find that a 10% increase in the proportion of close friends who initiates sex increases the probability that an individual chooses to initiate sex by 5% and a 10% increase in number of sexual partners among close friends increases an individual's sexual partner by 5%. The influence of classmates however, diminishes in magnitude after accounting for unobserved environmental confounders.

Multiple Dimensions of Peer Influence in Adolescent Romantic and Sexual Relationships: A Descriptive, Qualitative Perspective

“…Peer influence in romantic and sexual behavior Close friends, romantic peers, and broader peer contexts have been found to influence adolescent sexual behavior and adolescents' decisions to engage in romantic and sexual relationships (Ali & Dwyer, 2011;Baumgartner, Valkenburg, & Peter, 2011;Crockett, Raffaelli, & Shen, 2006;Kennett, Humphreys, & Schultz, 2012;Potard, Courtois, & Rusch, 2008). In one study, a majority (42%) of non-sexually active youth reported feeling pressure from romantic partners or platonic peers to become sexually active (Potard et al, 2008).…”

“…In one study, a majority (42%) of non-sexually active youth reported feeling pressure from romantic partners or platonic peers to become sexually active (Potard et al, 2008). Generally, having sexually active platonic peers has been found to lead to more positive attitudes towards sexual activity, earlier sexual debut, increased sexual activity, and an increased number of sexual partners (Ali & Dwyer, 2011;Furman et al, 2007;Santor, Messervey, & Kusumakar, 2000).…”

Learning from Teen Childbearing Experiences of Close Friends: Evidence using Miscarriages as a Natural Experiment

“…Studies found that adolescents may be susceptible to peer influence along multiple margins of fertility choice, from initiation of sexual activity (Fletcher 2007;Richards-Shubik 2011;Ali and Dwyer 2011), to pregnancy (Evans et al 1992;Fletcher and Yakusheva 2012), to, ultimately, childbearing (Case and Katz 1991;Kuziemko 2006;Monstad et al 2011). This tendency toward adoption of fertility-related behaviors of peers was found to exist in a variety of peer group settings including neighborhoods (Case and Katz 1991;Evans et al 1992), classmates (Fletcher 2007;Richards-Shubik 2011;Fletcher and Yakusheva 2012), co-workers (Hensvik et al 2011), siblings (Kuziemko 2006;Monstad et al 2011), and close friends (Ali and Dwyer 2011).…”

Adolescent School-Based Sex Education: Using Developmental Neuroscience to Guide New Directions for Policy and Practice

“…Sexual partners are physically present during sexual encounters and have outcome expectations for the relationship that contribute to intimacy and fidelity. In addition, platonic peers often share values and expectations related to sexual behavior and have been found to influence one another's sexual behavior (Ali & Dwyer, 2011;Dishion & Tipsord, 2011). The effect of peers on the neural reward circuitry can increase risk taking both when planning for and engaging in sexual encounters.…”