Pubertal development and friends: A biosocial explanation of adolescent sexual behavior

E. A. Smith, J. R. Udry, N. M. Morris

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

86 Scopus citations

Abstract

Analysis of recent data from Caucasian teenagers in the United States indicates that increased sexual motivation during adolescence is related to levels of pubertal development and best friend's sexual involvement for both males and females. Pubertal development effects are analyzed from two perspectives: effects which are socially motivated and effects which are attributed to biological motivation (libido). The biosocial model indicates that a simultaneous consideration of pubertal development and friend's behavior provides a different and clearer picture of the process than examination of the effects separately.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)183-192
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of health and social behavior
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1985

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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