Abstract

The Problem. The purpose of the study was to analyze the sexual attitudes and experiences of a group of American male and female adolescents in order to illuminate some of the possible psychological and social factors which might influence the sexual activities and practices which contribute to the currently high incidence of teenage pregnancy. Impetus for the study grew from the fact that during the decade of the 1970s, pregnancy among American teenagers has become an increasingly common phenomenon, leading to serious health, economic and social consequences. ;Method. For the purpose of the study, a questionnaire was developed to elicit information about sexual experiences, religious and educational background, and attitudes toward adolescent sexuality, the use of contraceptives, and teenage pregnancy. The questionnaire was administered to 50 male and 50 female subjects between 15 and 19 years of age residing in Vista, California. Responses to each question were then totaled, converted to percentages and tabulated to show distributions of male and female responses according to age. ;Results. The following findings were drawn from responses to the questionnaire: The majority of male and female subjects had experienced sexual relationships involving intercourse. Of the 21 percent who had not experienced intercourse, 10 percent were contemplating having it. A majority of subjects had taken sex education classes in school which provided information about the use of contraceptives and the dangers of teenage pregnancy. The subjects' religious training and values did not influence their sexual attitudes or behavior. A majority of subjects believed that premarital sex was normal and good for most people and for themselves. A majority reported that they enjoyed intercourse and perceived it as an important part of a relationship. The subjects reported that they had not become sexually active in response to parental or peer pressures. A majority of subjects reported that they felt no psychological disturbances regarding sex. A majority of subjects received support from their partners for the use of contraceptives; however, a majority of males stated that they would engage in intercourse even if their partners refused to use contraception. The subjects reported that contraceptives were easy to acquire; however, the males reported that contraceptives were annoying to use. A majority of subjects believed that all babies should be planned and favored abortion as a solution to unwanted pregnancies. The subjects did not perceive any social stigma attached to teenage pregnancy. A majority of the subjects agreed that teenage pregnancy is a problem