Adolescent sexuality and peer pressure

Questionnaire data from 89 adolescent girls attending a parochial high school in Manhattan (NY) indicate that they are influenced by their peers when they decide to become sexually active; however, they deny such influence. Adolescents appear to have internalized their peers' opinions. If adolescents are becoming sexually active at younger ages, they need adequate information to allow them to make informed decisions about their sexual behavior to balance the influence of peer groups. 3 Tables, 15 References. Adapted from the source document.