Abstract
Due to high rates of teenage pregnancy and STI contraction, it is important to understand what contributes to risky sexual behaviors that are associated with unintended pregnancy and STI contraction. The relationship between virginity status, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, religion, self-esteem, self-efficacy, depression, academic achievement and aspirations with five aspects of risky adolescent sexual behaviors was examined. Secondary data analysis was conducted on the responses of 1,358 adolescents from Wave 1 and 2 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Ethnic differences diminished and sex differences were non-existent after inclusion of the other independent variables. Self-efficacy and depression were the strongest predictors of risky sexual behaviors. Therefore, comprehensive sexual education programs, which promote self-efficacy, should be a standard method of sexual health education for adolescents.