Pubertal development and friends: a biosocial explanation of adolescent sexual behavior
Smith, E.A.; Udry, J.R.; Morris, N.M.
Journal of Health and Social Behavior 26(3): 183-192
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1465 PMID: 4067236 DOI: 10.2307/2136751Document Number: 417080
Analysis of recent data from Caucasian teenagers in the United States indicates that increased sexual motivation during adolescence is related to levels of pubertal development and best friend's sexual involvement for both males and females. Pubertal development effects are analyzed from two perspectives: effects which are socially motivated and effects which are attributed to biological motivation (libido). The biosocial model indicates that a simultaneous consideration of pubertal development and friend's behavior provides a different and clearer picture of the process than examination of the effects separately.