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Early sexual behavior in a sample of low-income, African American Children

Jeffry W Thigpen1

  • 1School of Social Work, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. jthigpen@iupui.edu

Journal of Sex Research
|January 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study examined sexual behavior in African American children aged 2-12. Findings show a wide range of behaviors, with increased interest emerging as children approach puberty.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • African American Studies

Background:

  • Childhood sexual behavior is a complex area of study.
  • Understanding normative sexual behaviors in children is crucial for distinguishing typical development from potential concerns.
  • Research on African American children's sexual behavior is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the sexual behavior of African American children aged 2-12 years.
  • To explore the relationship between sexual behavior and gender in this population.
  • To investigate the relationship between sexual behavior and age, particularly as children approach puberty.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 249 African American children.
  • Primary caregivers recruited from a public "Well Child" clinic.
  • The Child Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI), a parental report measure, was used to assess behaviors across 9 domains.

Main Results:

  • A broad range of sexual behaviors was observed in African American children, though not frequently reported.
  • Behaviors involving coercion or planning sexual activity were not reported.
  • While no significant gender differences in frequency were found, girls exhibited a narrower range of behaviors than boys.
  • Significant age-related differences were noted, with increased sexual interest emerging as children neared puberty.

Conclusions:

  • African American children exhibit a spectrum of sexual behaviors, with developmental changes apparent around puberty.
  • The findings suggest that most reported behaviors are within normative developmental ranges.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the nuances of childhood sexual behavior across diverse populations.

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