The association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and adolescent risky sexual behavior
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Megan Beth Key (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Arthur Anastopoulos
Abstract: "Limited research suggests a link between Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and adolescent risky sexual behavior (Barkley, 1998). Yet, no known research has examined mechanisms, pathways, or interactions that may explain or affect this relationship. To address this gap in the literature, this study simultaneously examined multiple risk factors that may place adolescents with AD/HD on a pathway to sexual risk-taking. Participants included one hundred 15-18-year-old males and females, one-third of whom met stringent DSM-IV criteria for AD/HD. Youth and their caregivers completed questionnaires and interviews assessing AD/HD symptoms, comorbid difficulties, and sexual risk-taking. Youth with AD/HD who were not taking medication reported greater sexual risk-taking than medicated youth or non-AD/HD youth. Mediation analyses revealed that AD/HD symptoms may lead to sexual risk-taking through academic failure and delinquency. Having an unmarried parent and engaging in greater substance use moderated the relationship between AD/HD and risky sexual behavior. These findings indicate that youth with AD/HD may, in fact, disproportionately experience sexual risk-taking, but this may only be the case when AD/HD is untreated or accompanied by other risk factors. Implications for future research and interventions for youth with AD/HD were discussed."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.
The association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and adolescent risky sexual behavior
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Created on 8/1/2007
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2007
- Keywords
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, adolescents, risky sexual behavior, adolescent relationships ,
- Subjects
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Teenagers--Sexual behavior