Risk Factors for early Sexual Onset

Perceived risk of untimely death

Paid work more than 20 hours per week

Appears ‘older' than most peers

Same sex attraction

Recent family suicide attempts/completions

No discussion about sexual activity/prevention methods Source: National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health

Protective Factors for early Sexual Onset

Perceived parent disapproval of adolescent sex

Parent/family connectedness

Religious identity

Pledge of virginity

High grade point average

Appears ‘younger than most' peers

School connectedness

Parochial school attendance

Source: National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health