Document 2205
 DOCN  M94A2205
 TI    The development of the adolescent sexual self.
 DT    9412
 AU    Buzwell S; Rosenthal D; La Trobe University, Australia.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):357 (abstract no. PD0035). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370370
 AB    OBJECTIVE: Adolescents are thought to vary considerably in how they
       conceptualise their sexual selves. However, very little research has
       investigated what sexual styles exist within the adolescent population,
       and researchers have yet to consider how these styles may change over
       time. The current study identified the sexual styles that were present
       in one sample of adolescents and examined whether these styles were
       stable over time. The study also examined what influence these sexual
       styles had on sexual activity and sexual risk-taking. METHODS: The
       sample consisted of male and female senior secondary school students (n
       = 470). The students answered a questionnaire regarding their
       perceptions of their sexual self efficacy, sexual self esteem, sexual
       attitudes, sexual activity and sexual risk taking. Over six months later
       a follow up survey was completed by the majority (n = 440) of students.
       RESULTS: A cluster analysis revealed that there were five sexual styles
       evident in the sample at Time 1. The styles were named Sexually
       Idealistic, Unassured, Competent, Adventurous and Driven, and varied in
       their composition of gender, age, and sexual experience. At Time 2 the
       same clusters of styles were present. However, it was found that for
       some teens cluster membership had altered, indicating a change over
       time. In addition, some styles predicted sexual risk taking. DISCUSSION
       AND CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that adolescents may vary in their
       sexual styles. The findings also suggested that adolescents may need to
       progress through a number of stages before developing a firm conception
       of their sexual self. In addition, the research indicated that some
       sexual styles predicted sexual risk taking, indicating that these sexual
       styles have important influences on behaviour, and suggesting that
       certain styles might be more at risk than others.
 DE    Adolescence  *Adolescent Psychology  Female  Human  Male  *Psychosexual
       Development  Sex Behavior  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).