Relationship between Perceived Peer and Adolescents’ Sexual Behaviors: The Moderating Role of Gender

Abstract

In Malaysia, sexual health risks such as unprotected sex, teenage pregnancies, abandoned babies, abortion, and sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise because adolescents are increasingly engaging in such sexual behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived peer sexual behaviors and sexual behaviors among adolescents as well as to examine the interacting role of gender in such a relationship. This cross-sectional study recruited a sample of 338 school-going adolescents (M_age = 16.7; SD_age = 1.53) using the purposive sampling method. Participants were required to complete questionnaires consisting of the modified Human Sexuality Questionnaire-Orgasmic Experience Scale and the Peer Norms Scale. Results indicated that adolescents who perceived their peers to be actively engaging in sexual behaviors were more prone to being sexually active themselves. The results also showed gender as a significant moderator in the relationship between adolescents’ perceived peers’ sexual behaviors and sexual behaviors. Besides, the impact of perceived peer sexual behaviors on sexual behaviors was found to be stronger in male than female adolescents. Overall, the findings from this study hinted at the importance of peers and gender differences during the planning and implementation of sexual and health education.

Keywords:

• Adolescents
• gender
• perceived peer sexual behaviors
• sexual behaviors
• moderation

Acknowledgement

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the participants and individuals who have contributed their time and effort in completing the questionnaire for this research.

Declaration of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Data availability statement

The Data That Support The Findings Of This Study Are Available Upon Reasonable Request To The Corresponding Author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gaik Lan Hor

Hor Gaik Lanis a Master student at the Department of Psychology and Counseling, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia. She obtained her Bachelor degree (Hons) in Psychology at Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. Her research interests are mental health and adolescent sexuality.

Soon Aun Tan

Tan Soon Aun is a lecturer at the Department of Psychology and Counseling, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia. He obtained his Master of Science (Developmental Psychology) from Universiti Putra Malaysia. His research interest is on developmental psychology, family studies, sexuality, and adolescent development outcomes.

Ling Ling Soh

Soh Ling Ling was an undergraduate student who studies Bachelor degree (Hons) in Psychology at Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. Her research interest is on adolescent sexuality.

Rui Qi Lim

Lim Rui Qi was an undergraduate student who studies Bachelor degree (Hons) in Psychology at Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. Her research interest is on adolescent sexuality.