Development of Sexual Risk in Minority Youth: Risk and Protective Factors in Early Adolescence

Abstract

The current special issue highlights a number of culturally relevant variables that relate to sexual risk in early adolescents from minority race or ethnic backgrounds. Each of the four studies in this issue presents a unique perspective on factors that relate to increased risk or resilience in minority early adolescents. Therefore, findings reported in this special issue shed light on potential intervention strategies to deter the development of sexual risk in minority youth. The articles presented suggest a need for increased attention to early adolescence as a window of opportunity for preventing sexual risk in minority teens. Effective interventions during the transition from middle to high school, when dating and sexual interests emerge for most youth, have the potential to cultivate healthy relationships and prevent the development of health compromising sexual behaviors.