Dominance-popularity status, behavior, and the emergence of sexual activity in young adolescents

Evol Psychol. 2012 Jun 21;10(2):296-319. doi: 10.1177/147470491201000209.

Abstract

In this paper, we investigated the sexual activity levels of several subtypes of middle adolescents (age 14-15 years). The subtype profiles were based on dominance-popularity status and a range of behaviors associated with dominance and popularity. In addition, gender differences in behavioral profiles were examined among dominant-popular, sexually active young adolescents. Results showed that socially dominant and popular young adolescent boys who exhibited a highly aggressive profile were more sexually active than their low-status and non-aggressive male peers; dominant-popular girls who were very attractive and gossips were more sexually active than their female peers. The results are discussed from an evolutionary psychological framework.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Netherlands
  • Peer Group*
  • Psychology, Adolescent
  • Puberty / psychology
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Social Dominance*