Kiss and tell: what do we know about pre- and early adolescent females who report dating? A pilot study.

Publication/Presentation Date

2-1-2007

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implications of dating in pre- and early adolescent females.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING: Child psychiatry clinic; pediatric clinic; family clinic.

PARTICIPANTS: Pre- and early adolescent females (n = 80) aged 11-14 and their parents.

INTERVENTION: Pre- and early adolescent females aged 11-14 and a parent were recruited during a regular clinic visit. Pre- and early adolescent females completed a survey that included measures of dating; sensation seeking; lifetime individual and peer drug use; Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder symptoms; and onset of menses. Parents were asked similar questions about their child's dating behaviors and peer relationships.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Association of early dating with individual and peer drug use, sensation seeking, aggressive behavior, and onset of menses.

RESULTS: In pre- and early adolescent females, dating regularly is associated with nicotine and alcohol use, sensation seeking, and aggressive behavior. Dating regularly is also associated with onset of menses and a younger age of onset of menses in those who had started menstruating. Parents under-report their child's dating practices and associated high-risk behaviors.

CONCLUSION: Early dating is associated with nicotine and alcohol use, sensation seeking, aggressive behavior, and early onset of menses in adolescent females. Questions about early dating are a simple and efficient way to open inquiry of both parents and children about high-risk behaviors in the clinic setting.

Volume

20

Issue

1

First Page

45

Last Page

49

ISSN

1083-3188

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics

PubMedID

17289518

Department(s)

Department of Pediatrics

Document Type

Article

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