HIV/AIDS preventive self-efficacy and self-determination effect on risky sexual behavior of South-African adolescents

Abstract

This paper reports on the construction and outcome of a baseline questionnaire presented to 280 South-African high school students, aged 15-18. The questionnaire used scales to measure constructs from both Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura) and Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan). Its goal was to explore the predictive values of self-efficacy for safe sexual behavior and self-determination for condom use on actual sexual behavior. The included demographic variables were gender, age, sexual intercourse experience, grade, and substance use (drugs and/or alcohol). Variables from self-determination theory, namely autonomous motivation and perceived competence, were found to have a significant effect on sexual behavior - the higher the scores on the constructs measuring these variables, the lower the risky sexual behavior. Gender was found to have a moderating effect on these findings. The ultimate aim of this study is to provide a clearer picture of which socio-psychological theories and concepts may benefit educational practice to decrease unhealthy sexual behavior of South-African adolescents who are at high risk of getting infected with HIV/AIDS.