Adolescents' self-efficacy to communicate about sex: its role in condom attitudes, commitment, and use

Bonnie L. Halpern-Felsher, Rhonda Y. Kropp, Cherrie B. Boyer, Jeanne M. Tschann, Jonathan M. Ellen

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined whether and how self-efficacy to communicate with parents and peers about sex relate to sexually experienced adolescent males' and females' (N = 144, 112) condom attitudes, intentions, and use. Results showed that males who reported greater self-efficacy to communicate with parents used condoms more frequently; and both males and females who can communicate with peers used condoms more frequently. Self-efficacy to communicate with peers was related to more positive condom attitudes, which in turn were associated with greater condom commitment and use. Greater ability to communicate with parents was also related to greater condom commitment and use among males. These results suggest the importance of designing interventions that give adolescents the skills they need to feel efficacious in their ability to communicate about sex and contraception.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)443-456
Number of pages14
JournalAdolescence
Volume39
Issue number155
StatePublished - Sep 2004
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

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