Date Approved

2008

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Psychology

Committee Member

Carol (Ketl) Freedman-Doan, PhD, Chair

Committee Member

Karen Saules, PhD

Committee Member

Amy Young, PhD

Abstract

The study utilized a comprehensive health behavior model to predict condom use longitudinally from adolescence into emergent adulthood. The comprehensive model was created by combining and extending widely used models of health behavior. Participant data for this secondary analysis were drawn from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The aims of the study were to document the prevalence of condom use, to investigate the relationship between the factors of the model and condom use, and to predict condom use from adolescence into emergent adulthood. Results revealed that condom use decreased with time. Gender and racial differences emerged. The correlational data produced mixed results with regard to anticipated strength and direction of effect. Finally, the predictive ability of the model was inconsistent and minimal across groups and time. The model is discussed in terms of its developmental limitations when used with adolescents, and implications for future prevention programs are explored.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS