Timing of Initial Sexual Intercourse as a Mediating Factor Between White and Black Adolescentâ•Žs Sexual Attitudes and Sense of Self

Based on the Normative Hypothesis, theorists have believed that differences in sexuality among black and white males would affect each group differently due to the disparate cultural norms. The current study evaluates the relationship between adolescent sexual attitudes and timing of first sexual intercourse as factors affecting problem behaviors, suicidal thoughts, and sense of security among black and white adolescents. The sample size comprised of 847 black and white adolescent males from rural Alabama. Results discovered that earlier sexual expression was dealt with differently for white and black adolescents, depending on timing of first intercourse. Most interestingly, it appears that the decision process for having sex is different for white and black adolescents. The model fits better for white adolescents.