Child Maltreatment and Sexual Risk Behavior: Maltreatment Types and Gender Differences

To compare sexual risk behaviors in maltreated male and female sexually active adolescents with a comparison population and examine whether specific maltreatment experiences were associated with sexual risk behaviors and teen pregnancy.

Data came from the fourth assessment (M = 7.2 years after baseline) of an ongoing longitudinal study with case-control design. The sample was restricted to only the sexually active adolescents, leaving a sample of 251 (n = 82 comparison, n = 169 maltreated, mean age = 18.49 years, SD = 1.46). Maltreatment type was coded from case records, and sexual behaviors were assessed via computerized questionnaire.

Maltreated youth were significantly younger at first consensual intercourse than comparison youth, and males were younger than females. Maltreated males reported significantly higher number of lifetime sexual partners than maltreated females. Neglected, sexually abused, and physically abused youth were more likely to have had a one-night stand than comparison youth. Sexually abused females were at higher risk of having sex under the influence than other maltreated females. Neglected females were more likely to have ever been pregnant than females with other maltreatment types or comparison females. A higher number of maltreatment victimizations predicted a younger age at first pregnancy involvement for both sexes.

Many maltreated youth continue to be at high risk for engaging in behaviors that may initiate a trajectory of problematic sexual behaviors. The findings highlight maltreated males and neglected females as vulnerable groups that should be targeted in prevention efforts to curtail sexual risk behaviors and prevent teenage pregnancy.