Adolescents who are more traditionally oriented or come from families with traditional or more conservative values are less likely to be sexually permissive and tend to delay first intercourse. Although research on adolescent social interactions in relation to sexuality have focused almost exclusively on family and peer interactions, significant findings have emerged. A variety of interactions with parents has been found to be beneficial. Both high levels of parental supervision and close relationships between adolescents and their parents were related to later timing of adolescent sexual activity. Consequently, the inclusion of parents in pregnancy prevention programs should result in reducing teen pregnancy.
Peers can also aid in promoting or preventing teen pregnancy, via their attitudes and behaviors.
Adolescents' perceptions of their peers' attitudes and behaviors are often more influential than their actual attitudes and behaviors. Peers also provide an opportunity for an adolescent to have intercourse. Finally, as outlined in the first section, chances of higher education and well-paying jobs diminish substantially for teen mothers. It would appear that this fact is not lost on many adolescents. Associating with peers who held priorities other than sexual intimacy and pregnancy has also been related to adolescent outcomes.