Latino cultural values as protective factors against sexual risks among adolescent

Author(s)

Mindy M. Ma, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Lydia R. Malcolm, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Kristine Diaz-Albertini, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Adolescence

ISSN

0140-1971

Publication Date

12-1-2014

Abstract

The study objective was to examine the associations between cultural values and sexual risk factors among Latino youth. A sample of 226 Latino adolescents ages 13–16 completed a survey on cultural and sexual variables. Results indicate higher levels of Latino cultural orientation were related to greater sexual self-efficacy and fewer sexual partners for female adolescents and greater condom use self-efficacy for both males and females. Greater endorsement of simpatia (belief in interpersonal relationship harmony) was associated with sexual abstinence and greater sexual self-efficacy for all adolescents, and with being older at sexual debut for females. Stronger endorsement of respeto (respect towards parents and other authority figures) was correlated with a lower intention to have sex during secondary school and greater condom use self-efficacy. American cultural orientation was associated with less condom use. Our findings indicate Latino cultural values may serve as protective factors against sexual risk behaviors among Latino youth.

DOI

10.1016/j.adolescence.2014.08.012

Volume

37

Issue

8

First Page

1215

Last Page

1225

NSUWorks Citation

Ma, M. M., Malcolm, L. R., Diaz-Albertini, K. (2014). Latino cultural values as protective factors against sexual risks among adolescent. Journal of Adolescence, 37(8), 1215-1225.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/940