In Pursuit of Paternal Significance: Fathers' Influence on their Daughters' and Sons' Sexual Behaviors and Beliefs

The United States has the highest teen pregnancy and adolescent STD rates of any industrialized nation. Numerous factors are involved in adolescent sexual decision-making and the social-ecological framework suggests that there are multiple levels of influence on adolescent development, including familial. Utilizing survey data from the Virginia Abstinence Education Initiative (VAEI), this project specifically explores paternal influences on adolescent sexual behavior and beliefs by examining paternal residence in the home, perceived paternal figure sexual beliefs, and father-child relationship factors. Results indicate that paternal figures influence their daughters' and sons' sexual behaviors as well as beliefs. Differences in paternal figure influence across gender were found as well. Those endeavoring to develop more effective teen pregnancy prevention and abstinence education programs may consider the involvement of paternal figures in future efforts.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sociology & Anthropology

Year dc:date.available

2008

Author dc:creator

• Everley, Rachel S.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Sarah Jane Brubaker

• paternal figures
• socialization
• gender
• sex education
• teen pregnancy
• adolescent sexuality
• sexual beliefs
• sexual behaviors
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/1095

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-2094