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Abstract
<p class="first" id="P2">This study builds on and extends previous research on nativity
variations in adolescent
health and risk behavior by addressing three questions: (1) whether and how generational
status and age at migration are associated with timing of sexual onset among U.S.
adolescents; (2) whether and how family instability mediates associations between
nativity and sexual debut; and (3) whether and how these associations vary by gender.
We find that first- and second-generation immigrant youth initiate sexual activity
later than native youth. Foreign-born youth who migrate after the start of adolescence
exhibit the latest sexual onset; boys’ sexual behavior is particularly sensitive to
age at migration. Parental union stability is protective for first- and second-generation
youth, especially boys; however, instability in co-residence with parents accelerates
sexual debut for foreign-born girls, and dilutes protections from parental marital
stability. Use of a non-English language at home delays sexual onset for immigrant
girls, but not boys.
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