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Sexual self-concept and sexual risk-taking
1Social Psychology European Research Institute, Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, U.K.
Journal of Adolescence
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Adolescent sexual self-concept differs by gender, influencing health risk behaviors. Understanding these differences is key to developing effective health strategies for young people.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescent sexual identity development is complex and influenced by societal gender norms.
- Existing models of adolescent health behaviors may not fully capture the role of sexual self-concept.
- Understanding gendered differences in sexual self-perception is crucial for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the structural differences between male and female sexual self-concept in adolescents.
- To investigate the relationship between dimensions of sexual self-concept and health risk-taking behaviors.
- To inform models of adolescent health behavior by incorporating self-concept and social representational processes.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey of 474 randomly selected adolescents (16-19 years old) in a UK suburban area.
- Utilized a 14-item Sexual Self-Concept Checklist to assess male and female sexual identities.
- Constructed internally reliable scales for identified dimensions of sexual self-concept.
Main Results:
- Male sexual self-concept showed socio-emotional and relational dimensions; females focused on assertiveness.
- Higher relational emphasis in males correlated with less sexual activity and lower substance use.
- Higher female assertiveness correlated with earlier sexual initiation, more partners, and higher substance use, but not condom use.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent health behavior models should integrate the significance of behaviors for self-concept.
- Dominant social representations of gender significantly influence the structure of sexual self-concept.
- Comprehensive models of adolescent health behavior require consideration of both identity and social representational processes.
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