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Model Based on Self-Determination Theory for Sexual Behavior to Prevent Adolescent Pregnancy
Nancy Rodríguez-Vázquez1, María Guadalupe Moreno-Monsiváis2, Jorge ZaMarripa3
1Faculty of Nursing, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Laguna Campus, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico. nancy_rodriguez@uadec.edu.mx.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|January 7, 2026
Summary
Adolescent sexual communication impacts life goals and psychological needs. Better need satisfaction boosts motivation, influencing sexual behavior to prevent pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the psychosocial factors influencing adolescent sexual behavior is crucial for prevention strategies.
- Previous research highlights the importance of communication and motivation in adolescent decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a structural equation model examining the relationships between sexual communication, life goals, basic psychological needs, and self-determined motivation.
- To determine the collective effect of these factors on sexual behavior for adolescent pregnancy prevention.
- To identify specific communication pathways influencing motivation and behavior.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 620 Mexican adolescents (both sexes) participated in the study.
- Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the proposed relationships.
- Data collected assessed sexual communication (mother, friends, partner), life goals, psychological needs, and motivation.
Main Results:
- The model demonstrated satisfactory goodness-of-fit, supporting its validity.
- Sexual communication with mothers predicted intrinsic life goals.
- Communication with friends positively predicted life goals and psychological needs satisfaction, but decreased self-determined motivation.
- Partner communication enhanced basic psychological needs satisfaction.
- Greater psychological needs satisfaction was directly associated with higher self-determined motivation.
- Self-determined motivation was found to influence sexual behaviors, with implications for pregnancy prevention.
Conclusions:
- Sexual communication plays a multifaceted role in shaping adolescent psychosocial development and influencing sexual behavior.
- Fostering open sexual communication, particularly with partners, can enhance psychological needs satisfaction and self-determined motivation.
- These findings offer insights for developing targeted interventions to promote safer sexual practices and prevent adolescent pregnancy.
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