What factors contribute to gender differences in adolescent health risk behaviors (e.g., cigarette, alcohol, and drug use, sexual activity, birth control use)? How can this information be used in intervention programs and policies to reduce engagement in such risky behaviors? Important changes in health risk behaviors occur during adolescence as youth undergo puberty, have less direct parental supervision, and spend more time with peers. Risk rates differ between males and females, but little is known about when, why and how gender differences emerge. The researchers will explore these questions using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health). They will focus on how the influence of family life, peer groups, and genetic risks work individually and interactively to predict gender divergence in behaviors threatening adolescents’ health. Add Health participants include 15,000 youth ages 12–26. Data includes saliva samples for DNA analysis, as well as information on substance use/abuse and sexual risk behaviors; family processes; parent, peer, and school social norms; and gender roles.
What factors contribute to gender differences in adolescent health risk behaviors (e.g., cigarette, alcohol, and drug use, sexual activity, birth control use)? How can this information be used in intervention programs and policies to reduce engagement in such risky behaviors?
