Parents and best friends provide social support to adolescents that can protect them from risky sexual behaviors. Although past research has examined various factors related to parents, the benefits of parental involvement in an adolescent's life as it relates to risky sexual activities have not been examined. Past studies have also examined peer influence on adolescent behaviors, but have largely ignored the effect of best friends. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (1995) reports that higher levels of family involvement and best friend interaction were related to lowering the odds of engaging in risky sexual activities. Higher levels of family involvement and best friend interaction increased the likelihood of using contraception during intercourse and early sexual activity among adolescents. The effects varied by gender. Programs that are intended to reduce the chances of sexual risk can potentially encourage activities with parents and close friends. Also, programs might focus on best friends, not necessarily peers, as a possible deterrent to behavior among adolescents.
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