Effects of Family Structure on Premarital Sexual Intercourse

Zacharie Tsala Dimbuene, Université de Montréal
Barthelemy D. Kuate, Université de Montréal

This study examined the linkages between several types of family structure and premarital intercourse. Data were drawn from two surveys (N = 1,445 in 1996 and N = 2,465 in 2002) that collected retrospective information on family living arrangements at ages 6 and 12, and reproductive health outcomes. Using discrete-time hazard models, the study demonstrated that living with two biological parents, with a biological father and in a monogamous two-parent family are associated with lower risks of premarital intercourse after controlling for family processes (parent/guardian-child communication, parent/guardian-child relationships, parental supervision, parental financial support, family changes and parental death).