Abstract
Ecological variables were tested using logistic regression to predict the odds that 112 Latina adolescents participated in situations of sexual possibility (unsupervised, private, mixed sex situations). Pubertal status was not significant, yet the odds for the outcome increased with each year of age. Greater family support and increased parental monitoring were both associated with decreased odds of the outcome. Increases in level of Americanism were also related to increased odds for the outcome. A marginally significant interaction for acculturation variables suggested greater risk when both mother and child were highly Americanized. Future longitudinal research is suggested to examine the ability of these factors to predict actual sexual behavior. In sum, it is recommended multiple variables in the social ecology of minority adolescents are considered when designing interventions to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.