Dispositional risk-taking in sexual activity in adolescents: the role of internal models of attachment, attachment relationships with parents and peers and difficulties in emotional regulation

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between risk taking in sexual relationships and affective-emotional variables such as attachment to mother, father, peers, attachment styles and difficulties in emotional regulation capacity in adolescence. 1911 adolescent students of both sexes between 15 and 20 years of age participated. Results indicate that attachment security is inversely related to risk-taking in sexual relationships. Less risk-taking is associated with attachment to mother and peers in sexually inactive adolescents while in the sexually active with the capacity for emotional regulation. Differences were found in gender and attachment styles and among sexually active and inactive adolescents.