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Validating an Index of Adolescent Sexual Behavior Using Psychosocial Theory and Social Trait Correlates

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Abstract

Using a web-based survey of adolescents 14–16 years of age, a hierarchical index of heterosexual behavior was developed with excellent psychometric properties. The easiest sexual behavior to perform was “deep kissing” and the most difficult was “receiving anal sex” for females and “giving anal sex” for males. The index was validated with data that show increased sexual activity with being older and of minority status, with social traits such as physical development, having a romantic partner, and sensation seeking, and with psychosocial variables known to be associated with sexual behavior such as attitudes, norms, self-efficacy and intentions.

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Acknowledgments

This publication was made possible by Grant Number 5R01HD044136 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NICHD.

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  1. Public Policy Center, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, 3620 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Michael Hennessy, Amy Bleakley, Martin Fishbein & Amy Jordan

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  1. Michael Hennessy
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  2. Amy Bleakley
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  4. Amy Jordan
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Correspondence to Michael Hennessy.

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Hennessy, M., Bleakley, A., Fishbein, M. et al. Validating an Index of Adolescent Sexual Behavior Using Psychosocial Theory and Social Trait Correlates. AIDS Behav 12, 321–331 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9272-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9272-1

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