Location
Schroeder Complex Room 112
Start Date
26-3-2010 10:00 AM
Document Type
Event
End Date
26-3-2010 10:30 AM
Abstract
Early sexual activity among Latina adolescents has serious consequences (Chesson, Blandford, Gift, Tao, & Irwin, 2004; Mokdad, Marks, Stroup, & Gerberding, 2004; Schuster, 2003). Researchers have examined the influence of cultural variables such as assimilation, enculturation, gender roles, and ethnic identity on the sexual attitudes and behaviors of Latina adolescents (Benson & Torpy, 1995; Gómez & Marín, 1996; Jacobs, 2008; Kirby, 2002). Although there are some inconsistencies, the majority of the research in this area suggests that assimilation functions as a risk factor for engaging in sexual activity. Enculturation, gender roles (e.g., marianismo), and ethnic identity function as protective factors that reduce the probability that Latina adolescents will engage in sexual activity. The author discusses findings from and gaps in the existing literature. The author also proposes a mixed methods study to investigate the influences of assimilation, enculturation, marianismo, and ethnic identity on the sexual activity of Latina adolescents. Key Words: Sexual activity, Latina, adolescents, acculturation, ethnic identity, gender roles
Included in
Cultural Influences on Sexual Activity among Latina Adolescents
Schroeder Complex Room 112
Early sexual activity among Latina adolescents has serious consequences (Chesson, Blandford, Gift, Tao, & Irwin, 2004; Mokdad, Marks, Stroup, & Gerberding, 2004; Schuster, 2003). Researchers have examined the influence of cultural variables such as assimilation, enculturation, gender roles, and ethnic identity on the sexual attitudes and behaviors of Latina adolescents (Benson & Torpy, 1995; Gómez & Marín, 1996; Jacobs, 2008; Kirby, 2002). Although there are some inconsistencies, the majority of the research in this area suggests that assimilation functions as a risk factor for engaging in sexual activity. Enculturation, gender roles (e.g., marianismo), and ethnic identity function as protective factors that reduce the probability that Latina adolescents will engage in sexual activity. The author discusses findings from and gaps in the existing literature. The author also proposes a mixed methods study to investigate the influences of assimilation, enculturation, marianismo, and ethnic identity on the sexual activity of Latina adolescents. Key Words: Sexual activity, Latina, adolescents, acculturation, ethnic identity, gender roles