Adolescent self‐efficacy, self‐esteem and sexual risk‐taking

Abstract

This study investigates the sexual self-efficacy and sexual self-esteem of males and females and the relation between sexual risk-taking and these self-perceptions. Sexually active 18-yearolds were administered measures of sexual self-efficacy and sexual self-esteem and were asked about their sexual behaviour. Males had higher levels of self-esteem and were more confident than females of their ability to assert their sexual needs, but less confident that they could say no to sexual demands. For a substantial minority there were some difficulties in dealing with condoms. Competence in the sexual domain accounted for a significant but small amount of variance in sexual risk-taking. The predictors of sexual risk-taking were the same for both sexes but differed according to type of partner. Confidence in the ability to say no was the sole predictor of safer sexual behaviour with a casual sex partner. In addition to this factor, lower levels of risk with a regular partner were predicted by these respondents' lower confidence in the ability to assert their sexual needs, together with lower levels of their own sexual self-worth. There is need for adolescents to achieve a sense of mastery and self-worth in the sexual domain, as well as an understanding of the nature of 'regular' relationships.

Sexual Sensation Seeking and Self-Efficacy's Relationship to Sexual Risk Taking Behavior

“…Rosenthal, Moore, and Flynn (1991) investigated the relationship between self-perceptions, including sexual self-esteem and sexual self-efficacy of 18-year-old males and females and their relationship to sexual risk taking. Results of their study showed that most of the respondents in this study felt relatively confident in their ability to engage in a wide range of sexual behaviors including purchasing condoms and discussing their use or delaying sexual intercourse until protection was available.…”

“…Another finding was that respondents recorded higher levels of confidence in discussing using condoms or contraceptives with a potential partner as means of pregnancy prevention as opposed to discussing condoms/ or contraception as means of safe sex. The authors explain the latter to be seen as embarrassing because it could be viewed as negatively reflecting on their partner's past sexual history (Rosenthal, Moore & Flynn, 1991).…”

Adolescent Women's Sports Involvement and Sexual Behavior/Health: A Process-Level Investigation

“…The 8-item measure of sexual risk-taking behavior was based on the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (Brener, Collins, Kann, Warren, & Williams. 1995) and the Sexual Behavion^isk Scale (Rosenthal, Moore. & Flynn, 1991).…”

“…Sur\'eillance (Brener et al, 1995) and the Sexual Behavior/Risk Scale (Rosenthal et al, 1991). Only those adolescent women who had ever engaged in sexual intercourse with a male were instructed to respond to all five of the sexual/reproductive health-seeking behavior questions.…”

“…The 2-item measure of sexual/reproductive health was based on The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (Brener et al, 1995) and the Sexual Behavior/Risk Scale (Rosenthal et al, 1991). All of the study's participants were instructed to respond to the questions concerning sexual/reproductive health.…”