Self-esteem and Sexual Behavior Among Hispanic Middle School Students The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between self-esteem and the sexual behavior and behavioral intent of Hispanic middle school students. Educational programs designed to prevent teen pregnancy often seek to enhance self-esteem. The literature indicates that at least some aspects of self-esteem are related to early sexual involvement. It is not known, however, whether self-esteem correlates with differing sexual behavior patterns across a range of ages and subpopulations. Hispanics are now the largest minority population in the United States, but little research has been conducted relative to self-esteem and sexual behavior within this population. Subjects for this study were students in grades 6-8 attending school in a Texas school district located along the U.S. - Mexican border. Of the total number of students in the district, 95% were Hispanic. The testing instrument was a 77 item survey which was administered to students at the request of school officials. Variables relevant to this report included: (1) the Kelley short form of the Hare Self-esteem Scale, (2) sexual behavior items, including "sexual intercourse ever" and "sexual intercourse in the last month" , and (3) intent to participate in sexual intercourse "in the next year", "before high school graduation", and "before marriage". Students completed the questionnaire in a regular classroom setting under the supervision of the school counselor and classroom teacher. This procedure resulted in completed questionnaires from 1,077 participants. Data were analyzed using three way (gender x grade x behavior or intent) analysis of variance for each behavior (or intended behavior) and peer, home, and school self-esteem, for a total of 15 different analyses. Results indicated significant differences in school and home self-esteem across both behavior and all three intent variables. Those who had not had sexual intercourse, had not had intercourse in the last month, and those who indicated that they "definitely will not" participate in the next year, before high school graduation, and before marriage scored the highest on both home and school self-esteem. There was a significant difference in peer self-esteem scores only for the variable "intent to have sexual intercourse before marriage" with those who intended to engage in intercourse scoring higher than those who did not. These results tend to highlight the role that home and school can play in postponing early sexual involvement. Keyword(s): middle school issues, student issues, youth-at-risk