| Abstract: | This study assessed various determinants of adolescents' comprehension of televised sexual innuendos. Eighteen males and 18 females at each of three ages (12, 14, and 16 years) were asked to interpret a series of 24 TV excerpts, each of which contained either a sexual innuendo or a nonsexual filler joke. Based on adult ratings, the innuendos were systematically varied by the topic alluded to (intercourse, physical/sexual attributes, socially discouraged practices, and nonsexual) and the level of explicitness (high vs. low). Age of viewer and topic referenced significantly influenced the comprehension scores. Fourteen- and sixteen-year-olds yielded higher scores than twelve-year-olds. Innuendos referencing discouraged sexual practices were most adequately explained and those referencing intercourse were least adequately explained. |
