Rethinking Timing of First Sex and Delinquency

The relation between timing of first sex and later delinquency was examined using a genetically informed sample of 534 same-sex twin pairs from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, who were assessed at three time points over a 7-year interval. Genetic and environmental differences between families were found to account for the association between earlier age at first sex and increases in delinquency. After controlling for these genetic and environmental confounds using a quasi-experimental design, earlier age at first sex predicted lower levels of delinquency in early adulthood. The current study is contrasted with previous research with non-genetically informative samples, including Armour and Haynie (2007, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 36, 141–152). Results suggest a more nuanced perspective on the meaning and consequences of adolescent sexuality than is commonly put forth in the literature.

K. Paige HardenEmail:

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Kathryn Paige Harden, M.A.   received a B.S. in Psychology from Furman University and is currently a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Virginia. Her research interests include behavior genetic methodology, as well as the development of child and adolescent externalizing psychopathology. Jane Mendle, M.A.   received a B.A. in Psychology from Amherst College and is currently a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Virginia. Her research interests include the antecedents of pubertal and sexual development, and the consequences of early puberty for psychological adjustment. She is currently a predoctoral intern at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. Jennifer E. Hill, M.A.   received a B.A. in Psychology from Dartmouth University and is currently a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Virginia. Her research interests include the role of peer relationships in the development of adolescent alcohol use and delinquent behavior. Eric Turkheimer, Ph.D.   received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas. He is a Professor of Psychology and the Director of Clinical Training at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on quantitative issues in behavior genetics, gene–environment interaction in the development of intelligence, and measurement of personality and personality disorders. Robert E. Emery, Ph.D.   received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is a Professor of Psychology and the Director of the Center for Children, Families, and the Law at University of Virginia. His research focuses on family relationships and children’s mental health, including parental conflict, divorce, child custody, and associated legal and policy issues.