An Ecological Analysis of Coital Timing among Middle-Class African American Adolescent Females

Abstract

Using data from the 1988 National Family Growth Cycle IV, variables discriminating between early and late coital initiation among middle-income African American adolescent females were examined (n = 109). Results from the discriminant function analysis indicated that the joint occurrence offamily structure, adolescents' labor- force participation, and religiosity were associated with late coital initiation. Those who lived in two-parent households, had engaged in conversations with parents about sexual issues, and had greater knowledge about sexual matters were more likely to delay age at first coitus until 18 years of age and beyond. The discriminant function classified correctly 94% of the overall grouped cases. Classification within each group resulted in 98% of early coital initiators and 79% of late coital initiators being classified correctly. Results from this study provide support for using a systematic frameworkfor examining the sexual activity patterns ofmiddle-class African American adolescent females and offer suggestions for future research efforts.