The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine
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Parents and peers often create conflicting influences on adolescent sexual delay. This study examines the moderating effects of mothers' responsiveness during sex discussions on the negative relationship between sexually active peers and sexual delay among African-American and Hispanic adolescents. ⋯ Parents and peers are mutually contingent influences in the dynamic social context of adolescents' lives. Although sexually active peers have a negative effect on adolescent sexual delay, responsive parent-adolescent sex discussions can buffer these effects. Intervention efforts can help parents develop the knowledge and communication skills they need to discuss sexual topics with their children effectively.