Social Science Research
Volume 63, 2017, Pages 292-307

Age at migration, family instability, and timing of sexual onset (Article)

Goldberg R.E.* , Tienda M. , Adserà A.
  • a Department of Sociology, University of California Irvine, 3151 Social Science Plaza, Irvine, CA 92697-5700, United States
  • b Department of Sociology, Princeton University, Wallace Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544-2091, United States, Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs, Princeton University, Wallace Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544-2091, United States
  • c Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs, Princeton University, Wallace Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544-2091, United States

Abstract

This study builds on and extends previous research on nativity variations in adolescent health and risk behavior by addressing three questions: (1) whether and how generational status and age at migration are associated with timing of sexual onset among U.S. adolescents; (2) whether and how family instability mediates associations between nativity and sexual debut; and (3) whether and how these associations vary by gender. We find that first- and second-generation immigrant youth initiate sexual activity later than native youth. Foreign-born youth who migrate after the start of adolescence exhibit the latest sexual onset; boys’ sexual behavior is particularly sensitive to age at migration. Parental union stability is protective for first- and second-generation youth, especially boys; however, instability in co-residence with parents accelerates sexual debut for foreign-born girls, and dilutes protections from parental marital stability. Use of a non-English language at home delays sexual onset for immigrant girls, but not boys. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.

Author Keywords

Adolescent Sexual behavior Family instability Immigrant

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84990831255&doi=10.1016%2fj.ssresearch.2016.09.021&partnerID=40&md5=67688371268b3a107c4444bb9f3619c0
DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2016.09.021
ISSN: 0049089X
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English