School's
out for the holidays. Teen-agers have time on their hands -- and
perhaps even a crackling fire to set the mood. What are they planning
for vacation?
Apparently, losing their virginity is high on the list for those
with significant others, according to researchers who reviewed
data from a federal health survey.
While June is the most common month for teen-agers to have sex
for the first time -- be it in a casual summer fling or steady
relationship -- sociologists from Mississippi State University
say many teen-agers who are dating seriously choose December as
the time to have sex for the first time.
"We call it the 'Santa Claus effect,'" says Martin
Levin, lead author of the study, which is published in the current
issue of the Journal of Marriage and Family.
The findings ring true to Becky Rose, a 19-year-old student at
New York University.
"I'd say we're all fairly vulnerable and needy, and need
someone to cling to and love," she says.
She says it's partly the stress of final exams, followed by the
holidays that make her "more emotional" during the holidays.
"Everything you see on TV has people kissing under mistletoe
and 'Buy her a diamond -- she'll love you!'"
Whatever the reasons, experts say the holidays are the perfect
time for parents to talk to their teen-agers about sex. "At
the very least," says one of the expert, "maybe we should
say, 'Leave the lights on.'"
(Agencies)
Updated: 2002-12-30 01:00
。這樣的結果是出于偶然的夏日沖動或者穩定的戀愛關系。而對于許多較嚴肅看待戀愛關系的青少年來說，他們更愿意在十二月嘗試他們的"第一次"。