Avoir des relations sexuelles (ou non) avec son partenaire amoureux à l’adolescence : Contribution des pratiques parentales et caractéristiques de la relation de couple.

Parenting practices can encourage or impede the emergence of sexuality in romantic relations of adolescents. However, we know very little about the characteristics of romantic relations in which adolescent partners are sexually active. The first objective of this study was to examine the links between parental control, the secrets of adolescents and conflict in the parent-child relationship at the start of adolescence, and the emergence of sexuality and romantic relations in the adolescent environment. The second objective was to determine whether there was a difference in terms of the quality and duration of their relation among adolescent couples who had a complete sexual relation. A sample of 296 adolescents (61% girls) took part in annual evaluations from the ages of 13 to 17. Parental variables were measured at 13, 14 and 15 years of age; characteristics of romantic relations at 16, and the maintenance of that relation at 17. The results indicate that adolescent couples who are sexually active at 16 report greater conflict in relations with their parents, marked by weaker control at the start of adolescence. In addition, they were with their partner for a longer time and were more likely to continue the relationship during the following year. They report greater intimacy but also more conflict. It appears the transition toward active sexuality strengthens the relation between the partners but also leads to a certain tension for the couple. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2...
Source: Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research