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. 2023 Apr:147:106846.
doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.106846. Epub 2023 Feb 3.

Avoidance Self-Efficacy: Personal Indicators of Risky Sex and Substance Use among At-Risk Youth

Amanda L Wiese  1 , Thomas B Sease  1 , Elizabeth D Joseph  1 , Jennifer E Becan  1 , Kevin Knight  1 , Danica K Knight  1
Affiliations

Avoidance Self-Efficacy: Personal Indicators of Risky Sex and Substance Use among At-Risk Youth

Amanda L Wiese et al. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Adolescent substance use (SU) is associated with risky sex behavior and sexually transmitted infections and is a risk factor for subsequent risky sex decisions. Based on a sample of 1,580 youth in residential SU treatment, this study investigated how a static factor (race) and two dynamic personal factors (risk-taking, assertiveness) contributed to adolescents' perceived ability to avoid high-risk SU and sex behavior (avoidance self-efficacy). Results showed that race correlated with risk-taking and assertiveness, with White youth reporting higher ratings of assertiveness and risk-taking. Self-reported assertiveness and risk-taking also predicted SU and risky sex avoidance. This study underscores the importance of race and personal factors in relation to adolescents' confidence in avoiding high-risk situations.

Keywords: Adolescents; Assertiveness; Risk-Taking; Self-efficacy; Sexual Health; Substance Use.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Indirect Effect of Race on Substance Use Avoidance
Note. The indirect effects of race on substance use avoidance through risk-taking and assertiveness. * Indicates significance at p < .05, ** indicates significance at p < .001.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Indirect Effect of Race on Risky Sex Avoidance
Note. The indirect effects of race on risky sex avoidance through risk-taking and assertiveness. * Indicates significance at p < .05, ** indicates significance at p < .001.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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