LGB youth's risky sexual behavior: protective factors and gender differences

This study extends research on risky sexual behavior among LGB youth and provides a new perspective on how protective factors and gender differences may influence LGB youth’s experiences with sexual risk-taking behavior. Consistent with previous research on differences in risky sexual behavior across LGB and heterosexual youth populations, chi-square analysis suggested that LGB youth were more likely than heterosexual youth to have unprotected sex. However, no significant differences were found with regard to sex with strangers and sex under the influence of substances. Given significant differences in age across heterosexual and LGB youth, age was included in subsequent analyses and found to be related to rates of sex under the influence of substances and to rates of unprotected sex. To address a gap in the literature around protective factors for LGB youth, logistic regression was performed to examine the moderating effects of protective factors on the relationship between sexual orientation and risky sexual behavior. Parental support was found to be protective against sex with strangers; however, parental support differentially buffered against this risky sexual behavior for heterosexual and LGB youth such that it was more protective for heterosexual youth. To extend research in the area of gender differences, differences in LGB boys’ and girls’ sexual risk-taking behaviors were examined. Findings suggested that LGB boys and girls engaged in risky sexual behavior at similar rates; however, boys were more likely than girls to engage in sex with someone they just met or did not know well. Implications for future research and public health practice with LGB youth are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Beard, Jacquelyn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Espelage, Dorothy L.
• Rounds, James
• Oswald, Ramona F.
• Hund, Anita

• lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) youth
• Sexual Risk Behavior
• Gender Differences
• Protective Factors

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2013 Jacquelyn Beard

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/45282

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/45282