Testing a model of situational self-efficacy for safer sex among college students: Stage of change and gender-based diffewnces

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Abstract
The Transtheoretical model has advanced theory and treatment of the addictions and other health behaviors. but few applications exist for safer sex adoption. In this study, situational confidence in safer sex. situational temptation for unprotected sex, and stages of change questionnaires were developed and administered to 305 sexually active male and female college students. This sample was split randomly into halves for (1) initial model development and testing and (2) confirmatory model testing. Additional model confirmation was obtained by examining the hierarchical structure of the measures and stage of change and gender group differences. Results supported this transthcoretical model-based application of situational confidence in safer sex behavior and situational temptation for unprotected sex and yielded several alternative brief, internally consistent instruments. Understanding self-efficacy for safer sex will yield important information for enhancing safer sex adoption and adherence at both individual and public health levels.