Heterogeneity in family dynamics among adolescents engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors: a latent class analysis

Little is known about whether and to what extent family factors associated with risky sexual behaviors, such as experiencing commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) or having prior sexually transmitted infections (STIs), differ across risk groups of adolescents.

We conducted secondary analysis of a nationally representative dataset. Latent class analysis was used to assess heterogeneity in family characteristics and childhood adversity within classes of 1,018 adolescents who engaged in risky sexual behaviors, as evidenced by a self-reported STI and/or involvement in CSE. Participants were on average 15.49 years old (SD = 1.34), 50% female, and 58% people of color.

A five-class solution was deemed optimal. These classes were labeled: abused/neglected/unloved (12%); disengaged dad/connected mom (16%); disengaged mom/minimally present dad (9%); connected and active parents (35%); and hiding in plain sight class (15%). Adolescents who were CSE-impacted represented 49% of the analytic sample and were observed across all five classes in differing yet not insignificant proportions (i.e., ranging from 37% to 60%). Findings illustrate significant variability in family patterns and differences marked by demographic and sexual risk characteristics.

The presence of CSE-impacted adolescents across latent classes speaks to the hidden nature of this crime and complexities related to CSE risk. Family relationships are often assumed to be protective against CSE. However, these findings point to considerable complexity in understanding how family functioning relates to CSE. Research that allows for longitudinal or retrospective analysis to understand how families were functioning at the time of CSE initiation, would help in delineating what types of families are most protective against CSE for adolescents.