Teenage Boys' Sexual Behavior Could Predict Their Future As Fathers, Study Says

Many parents with adolescent sons think that the current attitude and behavior displayed by their sons have no link to their chances of becoming teen fathers and what kind of fathers they will become in the future. Hence, according to a new study, teenage boys' sexual behavior might be able to predict things about their future as dads.

Medical Daily reports that the study was conducted by researchers from Northwestern University. It involved the analysis of how young men's behavioral patterns are linked to their chances of becoming early fathers and also their parenting styles.

"I was very surprised that, based on what adolescent males tell us in their teenage years, we could predict whether they would later become a teen father or a nonresident father," Northwestern University associate professor and study co-author Dr. Craig Garfield said in a press release. "We're expanding male reproductive health across the lifespan and beginning to see how early beliefs relate to later outcomes and health, including fatherhood."

The study involved examining the sexual behavior of more than 10,000 teenage males and young men -- following up with them after 20 years. The research team found out that the teens with casual attitudes about sex when they were teens are more likely to become fathers at an earlier age. These teens are also more likely to be absentee fathers to their children.

Sex education was also examined during the study. The researchers found out that adolescent males and young men who knew about the pros and cons of birth control use were less likely to become absentee parents.

Knowing the link between teenage boys' sexual behavior and their future as fathers should encourage parents to communicate with their sons about matters of sex. "And teens who report having good conversations with their parents about sex are more likely to delay sexual activity, have fewer partners, and use condoms and other contraceptives when they do have sex," Planned Parenthood advised.