Does Insecure Parental Attachment Influence Teenage Unprotected Sex?

Abstract

Empirical research shows that risky sexual behavior is common in adolescents,
and younger teenagers are engaging in unprotected sex. The
following research paper examines the existing literature on the topics
of parent-adolescent relationships as predictors of risky behavior among
adolescents. Prior research has shown a link between insecure parent-adolescent
attachment and risky sexual behavior. The current study specifically
built on this literature by examining parent-adolescent attachment as
a correlate of unprotected sex. Results indicated adolescents who reported
less secure attachments in their relationships with their parents, including
lower trust and communication factors were more likely to engage in
unprotected sex. Unprotected sex, sexually transmitted infections, and
the unplanned pregnancies that may result are a main concern for the
health of adolescents. Future research should extend the findings of the
current study by looking specifically at the kind of parent-adolescent
communication about sexual health that can be most effective in preventing
sexual risk taking. Further, schools may be able to reduce unprotected
sex, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections by fostering
trusting communication between teachers, counselors, and students.