Changing adolescents' sexual behaviour: perceived risk, self-efficacy and anticipated regret

This article focuses on determinants of adolescent AIDS-related behaviour. First, we will focus on the perception of risk for AIDS and possible optimistic biases in perceived risk. The behavioural consequences of optimism or perceived invulnerability will be briefly discussed. Next, we will focus on other determinants of sexual risk behaviour, i.e. self-efficacy and anticipated regret. Gender differences in the predictive power of these factors will be discussed. Finally, we will summarize the results of a series of studies investigating the role of anticipated regret as a determinant of adolescent sexual risk behaviour. The possible contribution of stressing anticipated regret in prevention programs aiming adolescents to adopt safer sex practices will be discussed.