At-Risk Female Adolescents
and the Factors that Affect their
Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors
A Qualitative Case Study
Student Name
Social Science 193
Dr. Jeanett Castellanos
Girls like us are in the clearance bins at half-off thrift stores.
Girls like us will let you unlock their bedroom windows at night,
And under bleachers and stairwells you can kiss us,
And tell us we are beautiful.
Open your eyes wider, sweetheart, and try to look earnest.
We don't have Valentine cards with our names drowned in red foil glitter.
Girls like us will only fog up the windows of your pathetically broken-down sedan,
But be easy to get rid of later.
Girls like us are perfect
I close my eyes,
and fall back into my mold while you tighten the rope.
For boys like you.
Author, 17, female at-risk teen
The chains around my neck are kept strong,
so you can lead me and I'll follow.
You tell me what you want from me,
and take me where you want to go.
I do everything you could ever want. I dress to impress, I smile to kill.
Such a shame that it's not real.
My heart breaks,
And my smile fakes the emotions that I will never feel.
I gravely bear and
await the day my guard goes down.
And even if you’re not worth it
I'll just wear my smile.
After all, my life is not so perfect.
National Statistics

1 in 5 teens have had sex before 15th b-day

A sexually active teen who does
NOT use contraception has a 90% chance of
pregnancy within one year




14 and under: 20,000 pregnancies, 8,000 births
15-19 years: 850,000 pregnancies, 450,000 births
(National Campaign Publication, 2003).
(Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1998).
The BIGGER Picture = Problem

34% of all teenage
girls in this country
will get pregnant at
least once before the
age of 20!!

78% of teen pregnancies
are unintended
(National Campaign, 2004)
International Pregnancy and Birth Rates, Teens 15-19
The United States has much higher teen pregnancy and birth rates than other fully industrialized
countries. U.S. teen pregnancy rates are twice as high as rates in Canada and eight times as high as
rates in Japan. Unfortunately, We’re #1!
120.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0
USA
UK
Canada
Sweden
France
Est. Pregnancy Rate, 1996
Germany
Spain
Birth Rate, 1998
Netherlands
Japan
UNICEF. (2001).
100 teen girls get pregnant each hour
Nearly 1 million teen pregnancies occurred in 1996. To put it another way, more than 100 U.S. teens become
pregnant each hour. Forty percent of these pregnancies were to girls under age 18, and 60 percent were to
girls aged 18-19.
Total: 905,000
18-19
60%
542,640
337,530
24,830
15-17
37%
under 15
3%
The Alan Guttmacher Institute. (1999). Special report: U.S. teenage pregnancy statistics with comparative statistics for women aged 20-24.
New York: Author.
Who are At-Risk
Female Adolescents?




13-19 years of age
Experience chronic
school failure
Usually attend
alternative education
(continuation HS)
Vulnerable to peer
persuasion
(Kagan, 1991).



Family/social
environment of
abuse, neglect,
poverty, dysfunction,
or unemployment
Usually engage in
more “risky” behavior
Tendency to prove
not fearful of risk
Problems of At-Risk Teen Sexuality—
Individually

Peer pressure to have sex

“non-voluntary” sexual activity

Limited academic success  low self-efficacy

Early initiation of sex leads to other
risk behaviors and consequences
Problems of At-Risk Teen Sexuality—
Collectively

Teen mothers prone to
experience low achievement,
poverty, lack of provisions

Likewise, have children with behavioral
problems  “feeds the cycle”

2nd pregnancy can exacerbate problems of
early childbearing
Purpose of Study

To investigate the psychological,
social, and educational factors
that affect the sexual attitudes and
behaviors of at-risk female adolescents
(PSE model)
Review of the Literature
Background Variables

“13%- if same age, 26% if
partner 2yrs older, 33% if partner
3+ yrs older.”

Socioeconomic Status:

Age:



(National Campaign, 2003)


“Black and Hispanic adolescents
have higher birthrates than white
adolescents.”

(Moore, K.A et al., 1998)
(Casper, L., 1990)
Family Problems:

Ethnicity:

“Teens of a lower SES more
likely to be sexually active…”
“Teen pregnancy & parenthood
frequent results of family
dysfunction.”


(Hanson, 1992)
“Girls whose mothers gave
birth in adolescence also have
sex & birth earlier than teens
whose mother at least 20 yrs
during 1st pregnancy.”

(National Campaign, 2003)
Review of the Literature
Psychological Factors

Low-cognitive ability:

“Young women with low
cognitive ability are at
increased risk for early
initiation of sexual activity
and pregnancy”


Self-Motivation:

“Individual sexual
experiences– including
motivation and opportunity
to have sex– most
prevalent risk factors”

(Shearer, et al., 2002)

(Blum, R.W. et al., 2000)
“ academic success,  job
opportunities,  motivation
and aspirations   sexual
activity and pregnancy”

(Shearer, et al., 2002)
Review of the Literature
Social Factors

Social Networks/Dating:

“Significant association between
dating relationships and sexual
activity”


(Ibid, D. et al., 1993)
Peer Pressure/Acceptance:

“Girls’ whose group of close friends
is composed primarily (75%+) of
high-risk friends is twice as likely to
initiate intercourse as girls with
mostly low-risk friends.”

(Bearman, P. et al., 1999)

Family Support:

“Adolescents who
perceive that they have
little parental support
and do not communicate
well w/ their parents are
more likely to be
sexually experienced.”

(Jessor, S.L. et al., 1972).
Review of the Literature
Educational Factors

Sex education:


Low academic performance:

“Low academic performance
associated w/ early sexual initiation
and pregnancy.”


(Kasen, S. et al., 1998)
“9 out of 10 adolescents enrolled in
alternative H.S. have already had
sex.”

(Grunbaum, J.A. et al., 1999).
“Factors associated w/
recent decline in teen
birthrate include parent-child
communication, formal sex
education programs and
engagement in schooling…”

(Manlove, J. et al., 2000)
Review of the Literature
Gaps in Research

Limited studies on “high-risk” adolescents, only
teenagers in general– not sufficient in this area

Sexual activity of girls in group homes?

Limited stats on perceptions of both parent-teen
relationships & communication
Research Questions of Study
What personal factors lead at-risk female
adolescents to engage in premature sexual
activity? P
 What roles do family, peers, and other social
figures play in the daily lives of female
adolescents? S
 What attitudes and perceptions do at-risk female
adolescents have towards sex education and teen
pregnancy programs? E

Methodology of Study

Research Design



Site interaction
Observe behaviors &
record patterns of
meaning
Social influences and
relationships
Triangulation


Multiple sites & hours
Comparison of data
Site Selection

Qualitative case study




Girls, Inc. PAP
Based on location, risk,
city, times, availability




Boys & Girls Club
17th & Ross
Century Day
Participants



Convenience sample
18 girls (14-19 yrs)
Constant and irregular
participants
Methodology of Study
Background of Participants (18)

Ethnicity:


3 Caucasian
12 Latina


3 Asian


Mexican, Salvadoran, Cuban,
Puerto Rican
Vietnamese, Filipino, Samoan
Age:




22%-- 15 yrs old
45%-- 16 yrs old
22%-- 17 yrs old
11%-- 18yrs old
*questionnaire: Latina (18), White (2), Asian (1)
GARD predominately older (17)
SANT predominately younger (15)
Methodology of Study
Background of Participants (18)

Living Arrangement:






Family Income (SES):






*questionnaire: dual (8) and single (7) -- mom
Dual-parent household -- 5
Single-Parent household -- 4
Group Home -- 4
Extended Family – 3
Friend/Significant other -- 2
$0-15,000 -- 2
$15,000-30,000 – 4
$30,000- 45,000 – 2
$60,000 or more – 1
Don’t know – 5
Not applicable -- 4
Methodology of Study



Data Collection

Participant Interaction



Extensive Field Notes





Quality/relevancy
Mapping of interactions
Matrices of participants

Enumerated moods,
activity, participation,
unique actions


Demographics (BV’s)
Timeline activity
Photo Reaction
Formal Interviews (2)



Voluntary & on-site
Few pre-determined
Focus Group
Observations
Character profiling


Informal Discussions
Key informant and gatekeeper
Predetermined and controlled
Questionnaires


To both consistent & irregular
Open-ended, written response
*Note: unwillingness w/ “authority,” comfortable w/ group work– opposite of low-risk teens
or high school teens not considered “at-risk”
Generations, pre-marital
pregnancy, single parent
household, teen pregnancy,
mother-daughter relations
Romantic relationships,
partner age, time period of
sexual behavior, what is
appropriate in public vs.
private, values, peers
Methodology of Study

Data Analysis


Extensive review of field notes & RQ’s
Sorting, Coding and Recoding
Hi-lighting, circling, underlining, symbols
 Common variables and patterns




Theme Selection
Modeling of Relationships
Matrix Enumeration & Tallying-- triangulation
Summary of Findings:
Background Variables
Living
Arrangement
Age
*age at first sex
Sexual
Activity
Ethnicity
Religion
SES
Summary of Findings:
Background Variables

If she is sexually
active…






16
Latina
Dual or group home
SES Don’t Know
Junior level ed
Religion-- Catholic

If she is NOT sexually
active…






16
Caucasian or Latina
Single parent– mom
SES $30,000-45,000
Sophomore level ed
Religion- Christian
Summary of Findings:
Psychological

High self-esteem despite situations and sexual behaviors

Don’t fear failure


Very aggressive and largely outspoken– not shy or low self-image


“I don’t think it matters how old you are… just as long are you are mature enough to handle
sex and if something bad comes out of it… like if you can take care of yourself and the other
person… that means pregnancy too.” NOTE, GARD, V, PREG
“I’m very intelligent, social, I like anything to everything. I like to go anywhere in my
underwear.” QUEST, GARD, I
Even though low academic success, high goals and motivation
 93% expressed future ambitions concerning HS graduation, college,
profession, or family



“Go to a UC after graduating from high school and get a good job and help my parents.”
GARD, CY
Only 8% did not know or did not have any future goals
Opposite of literature for sexually active at-risk teens
Summary of Findings:
Psychological
Personal Perceptions of Sexually Active At-Risk Females
negative
positive
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
physical
emotional
mental
Type of Description
*when asked to “describe yourself” in questionnaire
educational
Summary of Findings:
Social- Family

Lack of parental influence and communication


Confide most in sister or relative then parents (see chart)
Feel can’t go to parents for many reasons



“Oh my gosh, my mom drives me crazy! She always thinks I’m having sex and she
doesn’t even believe me when I tell her I’m not… like I’m lying or something! I haven’t
even had sex before!” NOTE, CY, VIR, GARD
“My mom had me when she was 15… so she knows better than to tell me what to do.”
NOTE, TUST, DI
Similar Experience– relationship between teen mom and atrisk teen

Become teen mother as well…


“Yeah, of course I’m gonna keep it… oh, I’m staying with my mom for right now. She
said she’s gonna help me… nah, she’s not mad.” – (after telling she’s 4 months
pregnant) – 16, anonymous, never came back to class
Or, are knowledgeable in sexual activity and consequences

“It’s every time you have sex, there’s a chance of getting pregnant. You’re stupid if you
don’t know that.” -- 16, Cuban, in single mom household
Social- Family Influence
“Who do you go to when you need advice about the following…?”
The Social Influence on the Sexual Attitudes
and Decisions of At-Risk Female Teens
5%
Mother
12%
Father
Partner
11%
0%
6%
2%
Sister
14%
Extended Relative
Friend
Teacher
7%
Doctor/Therapist
No One/Self
43%
*Parents lack influence over teens; go most to sister or extended relative in a family
Result: “Friends” was found most common in all areas – main source of information and influence
Summary of Findings:
Social- Peers and Partners

Strong Peer Influence

At-risk friends and peers influence attitudes toward sex


Sense of competition, especially in group homes


“If you don’t want to have sex, you don’t have to have sex… you should wait anyway
until you’re married… like me…er, maybe. I guess it depends on the guy– like if we’re
in love or something.” -- (as eyes roll, she changes opinion frequently throughout
course) – 16, Caucasian, single household w/ father after mother left, high SES
“Girls are always talking about who they screwed last night… it’s not even a big deal.” - 17, Mexican, group home, unwanted by mother, doesn’t know father
Partner Relationships increase premature sexual activity

Need to have affection through sex


“… that the girl ends up giving up her virginity and has sex anyway… because if she
really cares for the guy… she’ll do anything to keep him… she’s scared of losing him…
it happens all the time.” NOTE, GARD, ES
Especially age at first sex and older partners


“I was only 12 years old and this older guy I liked… forced himself onto me… it doesn’t
matter anymore…” “…guys always tell me they love me… so sex is easy.” –15,
extended household, Salvadoran
“I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost a year now… he buys me everything! (giggles)
Oh he’s 23… he only does what I want though.” (which later meant everything from
massages to oral sex) – 15, single household w/ mom, Mexican
Social Influence
Peers
“Who do you go to when you need advice about the following…?”
The Influence of Social Figures in Various Areas of Concern
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
sex problems contraception
relationship
problems
sex advice
your body
emotional
problems
Area of Concern
mother
father
partner
sister
extended
friend
teacher
doctor/therapist
no one/self
Social Influence
Partners
“Who do you go to when you need advice about the following…?”
Level of Intimacy and Signs of Affection in Partner Relationships
with At-Risk Female Teens
25
20
15
10
5
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Summary of Findings:
Educational

Sex education = positive impact on female at-risk teens


Especially Girls, Inc. PAP– doesn’t stress abstinence like HS ed
Found helpful and influential in sexual attitudes and decisions




“I do think it helps because maybe a girl is planning to have sex, but then
hear of all that could happen and decide not to. But for the girls like me,
who won’t have sex until they get married, it teaches them how to protect
themselves when they don’t want to have a baby.” NOTE, GARD, CY, VIR
“It makes you think before you do stuff.” NOTE, SANT, anonymous
“It gets us aware of things, like diseases.” QUEST, ES, GARD
Teens want to know more about sexual consequences

“They should teach about what happens after you have a baby.” QUEST,
GARD, SA
Educational Influence
“Do you think sex education helps?”
The Perception of Sex Education for
Female At-Risk Students
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
76%
Yes
No
Don't Know
19%
5%
1
Opinion
*Sex education refers to sex ed class in school and pregnancy prevention programs such as Girls, Inc.
Initial Research Model
Independent Variable Domain
At-Risk
Peer Influence
Family Support/
Communication
Social/Dating
Relationships
Age at 1st sex
Dependent Variable Domain
Final Research Model
Independent Variable Domain
Dependent Variable Domain
Psychological
Factors
NOT COMPLETED YET
Social
Factors
Educational
Factors
Female At-Risk
Teen Sexual
Attitudes
& Behaviors
Closing

Limitations
Only one agency with specific sites (gov’tassigned)
 Small sample– venture outside of O.C.??
 Can’t generalize findings to larger at-risk
population
 Not enough background info/literature on “at-risk”


Recommendations

Further research of sexual behaviors of at-risk
female adolescents & their relationships to family
Closing

Implications
Sexually experienced = more apt to other “risky”
behaviors and consequences
 Parent(s) should communicate w/ teen about sex
and relationships at early age
 Need more mentorship programs and role models
for at-risk teens, esp. in group home environment
 We still have much to learn about this population!
