The Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) was examined for its applicability to the study of adolescent sexual abstinence behaviors. This investigation involved a cross-sectional secondary analysis of 7th and 8th grade students (n=694) participating in a school-based program funded by the Virginia State Abstinence Initiative. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the relationships among concepts/variables of the TTM in an adolescent population, with regard to sexual decision-making in abstinence behaviors. Phase 1 of this study tested the psychometric properties of 3 subscales: the Adolescent Stages of Change Scale for Sexual Abstinence (ASCSSA), the Adolescent Decision Balance Scale for Sexual Abstinence (ADBSSA), and the Adolescent Self-Efficacy Scale for Sexual Abstinence (ASESSA). In Phase 2, the relationship of the different stages of change among virgins and nonvirgins to self-efficacy and decisional balance was examined. Preliminary results of Phase 1 demonstrated a high degree of content validity for the ASCSSA (CVI=.82) and concurrent validity for the ASESSA (p=<.01). Alpha Coefficients for the subscales ranged from .88 to .91. Preliminary results of Phase 2 revealed significant differences between the stages of change and the variables of decisional balance and self-efficacy. Significant gender differences were found in all constructs of Stages of Change, Decisional Balance, and Self-efficacy. The TTM was a useful organizing framework to study the sexual decision-making processes of adolescents in abstinence behaviors. Future research will focus on the refinement and further reliability testing of the instruments and the replication of results in older adolescents.
Learning Objectives: To explore the application of the transtheoretical model to adolescent decision-making. To examine sexual decision-making in adolescents. To discuss study findings regarding stages of change in the TTM
Keywords: Change, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.