Content area
Abstract
The focus of this study was incarcerated juveniles and their sexual behaviors, individual factors, and family environments. Using Bronfenbrenner's Ecological model (Bronfenbrenner's), assessment was made at the individual level for number of sexual partners, age of first sexual intercourse encounter, pregnancy and parenthood status, difference in contraception use, emotional stability, and life satisfaction. At the family level, the relationship between the juvenile and her or his family was evaluated utilizing the Family Environment Scale (FES) subscales of family conflict, cohesion, and organization.
Significantly more abused juveniles reported no contraception use than non-abused juveniles. Those who reported no abuse used condoms. It was revealed that emotional stability, a construct that is highly affected by abuse, was significantly lower for abused juveniles. Significant main effects were found for family conflict, cohesion, and organization, but the direction was unexpected. Implications of this study will help create prevention and intervention juvenile programs.
