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Intention to engage in sexual behavior: influence of family functioning and positive youth development over time

  • Cecilia M.S. Ma EMAIL logo and Daniel T.L. Shek

Abstract

This study examined the influences of family functioning and positive youth development on the intention among adolescents to engage in sexual behavior using a longitudinal design involving two waves of data. Using a cross-lagged approach, analyses using structural equation modeling showed that positive youth development qualities at Time 1 predicted the intention to engage in sexual activity in the future at, Time 2, via family functioning at Time 2. However, positive youth development at Time 2 did not mediate the effect of family functioning at Time 1 on the intention to engage in sexual behavior at Time 2. Family functioning at Time 2 was concurrently associated with the intention to engage in sexual activity at Time 2. This study highlighted the importance of family functioning and positive youth development in reducing risky sexual behavior of early adolescents in Hong Kong.


Corresponding author: Cecilia M.S. Ma, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Room HJ431, Core H, Hunghom, Hong Kong, E-mail:

Acknowledgments

The preparation for this paper and Project P.A.T.H.S. were financially supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

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Received: 2013-1-2
Accepted: 2013-2-9
Published Online: 2014-4-12
Published in Print: 2014-5-1

©2014 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston

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