Researchers constructed models to assess what effect mother-child interaction had on the timing of a youth’s decision to have sex, while also gauging how youth perceived their mothers’ message.
The results were somewhat surprising. While a close maternal relationship and perceived maternal disapproval of sexual intercourse were strongly connected to delays in adolescents’ first sexual intercourse, the frequency of talks on the subject did not seem to be a factor. Also of interest: The study found that children of mothers who recommended any type of birth control were less likely to perceive that their mothers disapprove of them having sex. 23 pages. Free. 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55455. (800) 922-1663, www.allaboutkids.umn.edu.
