Adolescent attachment and goal-directed beliefs: pathways to delay sexual activity and future life planning

Although adolescent attachment to their parents significantly impacts adolescents’ sexual behaviour, its specific association with their goal-directed thoughts and relationship values remains underexplored. This study examined associations between parental attachment (angry-distress, availability, and goal-corrected partnership), goal-directed thinking, and relational attitudes, as well as the relevance of these cognitions for delaying sexual debut and for future planning. High school students in Florida were recruited to participate in the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) programme. The analytic sample included 497 U.S. high school students (Mage = 15.43, SD = 1.04; 49.5% female) who completed the SRAE entry survey and reported no history of sexual intercourse. Structural equation modelling was employed to examine the associations. Results indicated that adolescent attachment were significantly and positively associated with higher levels of goal-directed thinking. Angry-distress and availability were significantly and positively related to healthier relational attitudes. Additionally, healthier relational attitudes were significantly associated with an increased willingness to delay sexual debut, while goal-directed thinking was positively associated with future planning. Demographic covariates also played significant roles within the model. Findings suggested that adolescents’ attachment, relational attitudes, and goal-directed thinking may serve as important protective factors supporting healthier sexual decision-making and future planning.