Patrones de comportamiento sexual y contraceptivo en la adolescencia

Resumen

La sexualidades una de las facetas de la etapa de la adolescencia que suscita más interés entre los investigadores evolutivos. Con el objetivo de conocer las actitudes y comportamientos sexuales durante la adolescencia, fueron encuestados 1.000 jóvenes de ambos sexos, edades comprendidas entre los 15 y 21 años y distintos niveles educativos, todos ellos residentes en la Comunidad Autónoma Andaluza. Se utilizeó un cuestionario autoaplicable que incluía preguntas acerca de aspectos como autoerotismo, relaciones sexuales y actitudes relacionadas con la sexualidad y la contracepción. Con los datos de aquellos 420 sujetos que declararon haber mantenido relaciones con penetración se llevó a cabo un análisis de correspondencias múltiples. Los resultados que se presentan en este artículo muestran la existencia de 5 grupos de adolescentes bien diferenciados por sexo, nivel educativo, y por sus actitudes y conductas sexuales y contraceptives.

Abstract

Adolescent sexuality is a major area of interest for developmental researchers. The study sought to identify sexual attitudes and behaviours during this period. 1,000 (Andalusian) teenagers from both sexes, aged 15 to 21 years old, from different levels of education, were interviewed. A self-applied questionnaire was used; this included questions on specific topics such as self- erotism, sexual relations, and attitudes related to sexuality and contraception. A multiple correspondence analysis was carried out on the data of 420 teenagers who had practiced sexual intercourse. The results reveal the existence of 5 well differentiated groups. The determining factors are: gender, educational level, and their attitudes and behaviours regarding sexuality and contraception.

Extended Summary

Results from a research study on sexual behaviour patterns during adolescence are reported in this paper. A self-applied questionnaire was administered to obtain information on various topics, such as: masturbation, sexual relations, sexual intercourse, and contraceptive information and behaviour. The questionnaire also included scales on: sexual and contraceptive attitudes, self-esteem, normative pressure, contraceptive assertiveness or pressure. According to some studies these are factors that influence the way teenagers live their sexuality and their attitude towards adopting effective contraceptive behaviours.

Initially 1,000 randomly selected andalusian male and female adolescents, between 15 and 21 years of age, were interviewed; 420 of which declared to have maintained sexual intercourse. Data on these 420 subjects were used to carry out a multiple correspondence analysis in order to establish possible relationships between study variables.

The most important result—reflected in the first factor—explains differences in the way girls and boys understand and live their sexuality. Following classic stereotypes, girls appear to be romantic and passive, while boys are active, promiscuous, and impulsive. However, these patterns are found to be more accentuated in adolescents who are younger and/or have a poor education. Variables such as age and education exert an important role in their sexual behaviour, helping to attenuate stereotypical differences, and promoting a richer and more conscious and responsible approach to their sexuality. These relationships are reflected in the five classes retained after an ascendent hierarchical classification was carried out.

Age and educational level are the variables which most influence adolescents' contraceptive behaviour. Therefore, with increased age and education, adolescents' attitudes toward contraception are more favourable and its effectiveness is higher. Some variables, such as, normative pressure and aceptance of sexual impulses, exerted an important influence on the way sexuality is approached. Some adolescents under high normative pressure still maintain close sexual relations, but their sexual experiences is burdened by an important feeling of guilt.

Palabras claves:

• Adolescencia
• conducta sexual
• actitudes sexuales
• contracepción

Keywords:

• Adolescence
• sexual behaviour
• sexual attitudes
• contraception