NCJ Number
240658
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 36 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2012 Pages: 285-295
Date Published
April 2012
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined the differences in first sexual experiences between Swedish adolescents with and without disabilities.
Abstract
The main findings from the study include the following: among a group of Swedish adolescents, those with multiple disabilities reported more incidences of force at sexual debut (10.4 percent) than adolescents with a single disability (4.0 percent), or no disability (1.6 percent); and the incidence of force at sexual debut was higher among girls than boys, with country of origin and who they lived with being significant risk factors. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in first sexual experiences among a group of Swedish adolescents with and without disabilities. The study had four aims: 1) to compare the incidence of force at sexual debut among students with disabilities and those without; 2) to determine whether mental health, substance abuse, and school performance were factors for those reporting force at sexual debut; 3) to determine whether gender played a role in the existence of force at sexual debut; and 4) to identify the variables that affected the existence of force at sexual debut among girls. Data for the study were obtained from two surveys conducted in Sweden in 2005 and 2007. All 17-18 year old adolescents in upper-secondary schools in one county completed the survey; n=2,254 for 2005 and n=2,641 for 2007. The findings from the study indicate that adolescents with multiple disabilities are at higher risk of use of force at sexual debut, and that culture and functionality play a role in determining the level of risk. Study limitations are discussed. Tables and references