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Paternal Incarceration and Early Sexual Onset among Adolescents
Kristin Turney1, Rachel E Goldberg1
1University of California, Irvine.
Population Research and Policy Review
|January 24, 2024
Summary
Paternal incarceration increases adolescent sexual risk behaviors, particularly early sexual onset before age 15. These effects are more pronounced in boys with prior father-child cohabitation, potentially worsening existing inequalities.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Incarceration has known intergenerational effects, but paternal incarceration's specific impact on adolescent risk behaviors is understudied.
- Adolescent risk behaviors, such as early sexual onset, have long-term consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between paternal incarceration and early sexual onset in adolescence.
- To identify mediating factors and specific subgroups affected by paternal incarceration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3,405) of urban children followed for 15 years.
- Employed adjusted logistic regression models to analyze the relationship between paternal incarceration and early sexual onset.
Main Results:
- Paternal incarceration is linked to a higher likelihood of initiating sexual activity before age 15.
- Externalizing problems following paternal incarceration partially mediate this association.
- The association is concentrated among boys who lived with their fathers before incarceration.
Conclusions:
- Paternal incarceration is a significant stressor that can exacerbate adolescent sexual risk behaviors.
- This risk is particularly high for vulnerable children, potentially widening socioeconomic and health disparities.
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