Where You Learn About Sex Matters: Sexual Information Sources During Adolescence and Current Sexual Values and Sexual Behaviors in Latinx Emerging Adults

The present study examined the links between sexual information sources (SIS) during adolescence and current sexual values (SVS) and sexual behaviors (SBS) among 268 Latinx (84% Mexican origin) emerging adults (60.7% women). Chi-square analyses were conducted to test for differences in SIS and SVS based on gender and immigrant generation. Hierarchical regression analyses were then performed to examine the hypothesized relations between SIS, SVS, and SBS and whether gender moderated these associations. Men endorsed SIS peers, SVS Comfort, and SVS Satisfying One's Sexual Needs, as well as the number of sexual partners to a higher degree than women. SIS mothers and SIS teachers were positively linked to SVS Virginity as Important; SIS teachers were negatively linked to SVS Comfort, SVS Sexual Self-Acceptance, and the number of sexual partners; SIS siblings and SIS internet were positively linked with SVS Communication. Gender was found to moderate the associated links between SIS mothers and SVS Sexual Satisfaction of Needs whereby men with low SIS mothers reported higher SVS Sexual Satisfaction of Needs. Findings suggest a complex association between sources of SIS, SVS, and SBS and highlighted the important role of mothers, siblings, teachers, and the internet as SIS.Public Significance StatementWe sampled 268 Latinx college students about where they learned about sex during adolescence and how this was related to their current values around sex and their sexual behaviors. We found that mothers, siblings, teachers, and the internet had an important influence on shaping their beliefs about sex during adolescence, and this was related to how they currently communicate about sex and how many sexual partners they had. The findings are important for tailoring programs aimed at reducing risky sex among Latinx young adults.