HipHop/R&B and the Early Onset of Sexual Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Mechanisms Behind Gender Stereotypical Views

Abstract

Previous research identifies liking HipHop/R&B as a risk factor for the early onset of sexual intercourse. This cross-sectional study aims to test whether liking HipHop/R&B is associated with having had early first sexual intercourse, and whether holding gender stereotypical views implies underlying mechanisms in this relationship. The goal of this study is to develop further knowledge on the early onset of sexual activity in adolescence, whilst simultaneously furthering scientific knowledge on HipHop/R&B as a potential risk factor. The sample consists of 742 high school students living in the Netherlands (Age: M = 15.81; SD = 1.36, 54.4% boys). Results of binary logistic regressions showed that (1) HipHop/R&B does not significantly predict the early onset of sexual intercourse (OR = .95; p = .738), (2) there is no evidence that holding gender stereotypes plays a role in this relationship, and (3) that holding gender stereotypes is significantly associated to the early onset of sexual intercourse (OR = 2.70; p < .001). Findings suggest that liking HipHop/R&B should not be considered a risk factor when investigating adolescent sexual health, but rather gender stereotypes. Such results should only be interpreted and understood within the context of this study and its limitations.