The effects of risk-taking and responsibility on adolescent sexual behavior: Is the effect mediated by military background?

Abstract

Adolescent sexual behavior was investigated within a framework of three independent variables. Previous research has identified that adolescents share a propensity for risk-taking. Other research has indicated that adolescents with military backgrounds possess a greater willingness to take risks as well as a higher level of responsibility than their non-military counterparts. The purpose of this research is to examine adolescent sexual behavior within a framework of three independent variables; risk-taking, responsibility, and military background. Specifically, is adolescent sexual behavior influenced by a propensity for risk-taking, level of responsibility, and military background, and what are the mediating effects of military background on risk-taking and responsibility?