Final answer:
Religiosity serves as a protective factor against early sexual behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is d. Religiosity.
Religiosity serves as a protective factor against early sexual behavior. Research has shown that individuals who have higher levels of religiosity are less likely to engage in early sexual activity compared to those with lower levels of religiosity. For example, a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that parenting style, religiosity, peers, and adolescent heavy drinking are interconnected. The study indicated that higher levels of religiosity were associated with lower levels of heavy drinking among adolescents.