Resisting Pressure From Peers to Engage in Sexual Behavior

Abstract

A content analysis of early adolescent (M=12.02 years) Latino girls’ (n=44) responses to open-ended questions imbedded in an electronic survey was conducted to explore strategies girls may use to resist peer pressure with respect to sexual behavior. Analysis yielded 341 codable response units, 74% of which were consistent with the REAL typology (i.e., refuse, explain, avoid, and leave) previously identified in adolescent substance use research. However, strategies reflecting a lack of resistance (11%) and inconsistency with communication competence (e.g., aggression, involving authorities) were also noted (15%). Frequency of particular strategies varied according to offer type, suggesting a variety of strategies may be needed to resist the peer pressure that puts early adolescent girls at risk for engaging in sexual behavior. Findings argue for universality of the REAL typology, building communication competence skills for conflict resolution in dating situations, and including peer resistance strategies in adolescent pregnancy prevention programs.

Trauma and Early Adolescent Perceptions About Sex and Parenthood: The Mediating Role of Anger Regulation

“…Externalizing pressures may also contribute to teen pregnancy through perceived pressure to have sex and/or pressure to have a baby. The influence of sexual pressure comes largely from peers, especially as one progresses through the stages of adolescence (Norris et al, 2015). Pressure from peers has been found to influence a variety of attitudes regarding sexual behaviors, such as willingness to have sex, interest in having sex, and willingness to engage in sex even if unwanted (Santor, Messervey, & Kusumakar, 2000).…”

“We talked about our hookups”: A diary study of sexual communication among U.S. college women

“…This communication is crucial to identity exploration, social support, and information gathering (Muise et al, 2010;Pariera, 2018). Sexual communication with peers has been associated with peer pressure and problematic sexual norm perceptions (Busse et al, 2010;Holman & Sillars, 2012;Norris et al, 2015;Pariera, 2018), but it has also been associated with higher sexual selfefficacy and positive attitudes about sex and safer sex, particularly for women Lefkowitz & Espinosa-Hernandez, 2007;Pariera, 2018). Young people whose peers care about their sexual well-being tend to engage in less risky behavior than those who do not have such peer support (Wetherill et al, 2010).…”