Premature Sexual Activity as an Indicator of Psychosocial Risk

This study tests the link between premature sexual activity & other risk behaviors. 1504 junior high school students, aged 12 to 16, were tested. 63% of the boys & 36% of the girls were nonvirginal. Nonvirginal boys & girls were significantly more likely than virginals to engage in activities considered risky, like using drugs & alcohol, engaging in minor delinquent acts, & having school problems. Nonvirginal girls (but not boys) were 6.3 times more likely to report having attempted suicide. VM