ABSTRACT The principal objective of this article is to offer an extended theoretical framework fo... more ABSTRACT The principal objective of this article is to offer an extended theoretical framework for further development of persuasive message design for media-based health campaigns. Drawing upon considerable convergent evidence that attention to and processing of persuasive messages is a function of both cognitive and biologically based processes, we consider implications for attention and processing from an extension of the activation model of information exposure through the addition of a cognitive variable associated with the elaboration likelihood model, need for cognition. The overall goal is to determine how target audiences are optimally influenced with persuasive health information that attracts and holds attention, triggers information processing, and eventually brings about behavior change.
... Society in Transition, 32: 69–78. [CSA]; 4. Kirby, D., Barth, RP, Leland, N. and Fetro, JV 19... more ... Society in Transition, 32: 69–78. [CSA]; 4. Kirby, D., Barth, RP, Leland, N. and Fetro, JV 1991. ... Journal of Social Issues, 49: 11–29. [CrossRef], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®], [CSA]; 10. Santana, MC, Raj, A., Decker, MR, La Merche, AL and Silverman, JG 2006. ...
ABSTRACT A computer- and Internet-based intervention was designed to influence several variables ... more ABSTRACT A computer- and Internet-based intervention was designed to influence several variables related to the prevention of pregnancy, STDs, and HIV in rural adolescents. Three-hundred and thirty-eight tenth-graders enrolled in two rural public high schools participated in this field experiment. Results indicate that students in the experimental school had greater knowledge, greater condom negotiation efficacy, greater situational efficacy, and more favorable attitudes toward waiting to have sex than students in the control school. In tandem, the results suggest that computer-based programs may be a cost-effective and easily replicable means of providing teens with basic information and skills necessary to prevent pregnancy, STDs, and HIV.
The purpose of this study was to propose and conduct tests of a multivariate model of condom use ... more The purpose of this study was to propose and conduct tests of a multivariate model of condom use utilizing data from 2 independent samples of young adults (City 1, N=746; City 2, N=743). The model examined the relations between personality characteristics, including sexual sensation seeking and sexual impulsive decision making; psychosocial variables, including condom attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy; and condom use behaviors, including carrying, communicating about, and using condoms. Structural equation modeling analyses indicated a good fit for both models (Confirmatory Fit Index=.93; Average Absolute Standardized Residuals=.05 for both), with each explaining 25% of the variance ( R (2)=.25) in condom use behaviors. Results support the fusion of personality and psychosocial approaches to gain a broader theoretical understanding of condom use in young adults. In addition, those developing and implementing health communication campaigns may find sexual sensation seeking and sexual impulsive decision making to be fruitful variables on which to target messages aimed at increasing safer sexual behavior.
Although prior studies have shown that sensation seeking and impulsive decision-making are relate... more Although prior studies have shown that sensation seeking and impulsive decision-making are related to sexual risk-taking, it is still unclear whether these personality traits operate independently or synergistically. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the joint contribution of these personality traits to HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk behaviors using data from a large sample of sexually active young adults (N = 2,386). Regression modeling indicated that both sensation seeking and impulsive decision-making were consistently associated with sexual risk behaviors across 11 risk-related outcomes. Results further indicated that sensation seeking and impulsive decision-making operated synergistically with respect to the outcome variables of sex acts using drugs, acts with a partner using alcohol, and acts with a partner using drugs. In contrast to this, sensation seeking and impulsive decision-making operated independently with respect to the other sexual risk outcomes. Theoretical implications, as well as implications for HIV/STD prevention among high sensation seekers and impulsive decision-makers, are discussed.
Theory-based, scientific research examining sexual behaviors of young adults is sparse in India, ... more Theory-based, scientific research examining sexual behaviors of young adults is sparse in India, even though pre-marital sex among unmarried young people has been rising in recent years. At the same time, young people aged 15 to 24 are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. This has been attributed in part to rising pre-marital sexual behaviors, coupled with a lack of sex education. The objective of this study was to advance an understanding of the determinants of sexual behavior among unmarried young adults in northern India. An adaptation of a comprehensive model of health behavior, the Multiple Domain Model, was employed to study the effects of environmental/cultural influences (parental and media), structural determinants (sex, socioeconomic status, age, caste, and place of residence), personality factors (sensation-seeking and impulsive decision making), gender role identity, psychosocial variables (attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy), contextual influences (relationship status and alcohol/drug use) and preparatory behaviors (frequency of being in sexual situations) on adolescents' sexual behaviors. Results of path analysis indicated that key predictors of ever having had vaginal sex included preparatory behaviors, masculine gender role identity, attitudes toward having sex and peer norms regarding sex. Implications of these findings for future research and intervention are discussed.
The aim of this paper is to advance rigorous Internet-based HIV/STD Prevention quantitative resea... more The aim of this paper is to advance rigorous Internet-based HIV/STD Prevention quantitative research by providing guidance to fellow researchers, faculty supervising graduates, human subjects’ committees, and review groups about some of the most common and challenging questions about Internet-based HIV prevention quantitative research. The authors represent several research groups who have gained experience conducting some of the first Internet-based HIV/STD prevention quantitative surveys in the US and elsewhere. Sixteen questions specific to Internet-based HIV prevention survey research are identified. To aid rigorous development and review of applications, these questions are organized around six common criteria used in federal review groups in the US: significance, innovation, approach (broken down further by research design, formative development, procedures, sampling considerations, and data collection); investigator, environment and human subjects’ issues. Strategies promoting minority participant recruitment, minimizing attrition, validating participants, and compensating participants are discussed. Throughout, the implications on budget and realistic timetabling are identified.
Aids Care-psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of Aids/hiv, 2011
China is undergoing rapid changes in sexual mores due to several reasons such as decreasing contr... more China is undergoing rapid changes in sexual mores due to several reasons such as decreasing control of the state over private lives of individuals, globalization of its economy, and some policies initiated by the state. There is increased acceptance of premarital sex and extramarital sex in China, especially among youth. In historically conservative China, influenced by Confucian ideals of patriarchal dominance for centuries, the sexual freedom currently enjoyed by many is unprecedented. This has impacted women's status and sexual lives in several positive ways such as increasing freedom of sexual expression, control over their bodies, sexual choices, and increasing equality with men in all spheres of life. However several negative consequences such as a rise in STD/HIV prevalence, commercial sex, and divorce rates have also been attributed to the ongoing sexual revolution in China. Recommendations combating these and suggestions for directions in future research are discussed.
Aids Care-psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of Aids/hiv, 2010
This study adapts a multiple domain model (MDM) to explain condom use among a sample of sexually ... more This study adapts a multiple domain model (MDM) to explain condom use among a sample of sexually active Chinese college students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model. Preparatory behaviors, theory of reasoned action (TRA)/theory of planned behavior variables, impulsivity, length of relationship, and alcohol use were significant direct predictors of condom use. The results suggest that MDM can provide a better understanding of heterosexual condom use among Chinese youth, and help in the design of HIV-preventive and safer sex interventions in China.
... of greater neighborhood disorganization are related to higher levels of minor and serious del... more ... of greater neighborhood disorganization are related to higher levels of minor and serious delinquency (Byrnes, Miller, Cupp, Zimmerman, & Chookhare, IN ... of precoital behaviors, was assessed with a six-item latent index, adapted from a similar measure (Martino, Elliott, Collins ...
Even though widespread efforts have focused on educating young adults about HIV and AIDS, many in... more Even though widespread efforts have focused on educating young adults about HIV and AIDS, many individuals continue to engage in behaviors that place them at risk. These behaviors include frequent experimentation with alcohol and other drugs prior to sex, engaging in sexual activity with different partners, and inconsistent safe sex practices (Butcher et al. 1991). The combination of these risky behaviors causes increased concern about the spread of HIV among those of college age. This study focused on two behaviors by examining the relationship between substance use during adolescence and early initiation of sexual activity in a sample of 950 subjects aged 19–21 in a mid-sized southern city. Results indicate that early use of alcohol and marijuana relates to earlier initiation of sexual activity and subsequent risky sexual behavior among young adults. Also, gender differences were observed for frequent users of marijuana and alcohol with males engaging in riskier sexual practices. Recommendations for interventions are made.
Implicit Attitudes as Potential Protection From Risky ... For example, Fazio's (1990) Motiva... more Implicit Attitudes as Potential Protection From Risky ... For example, Fazio's (1990) Motivation and Opportunity as Determinants (MODE) model of attitudebehavior processes makes this ... of scenarios that varied in their risk (and thus would elicit more or less cues for safe sex). ...
ABSTRACT The principal objective of this article is to offer an extended theoretical framework fo... more ABSTRACT The principal objective of this article is to offer an extended theoretical framework for further development of persuasive message design for media-based health campaigns. Drawing upon considerable convergent evidence that attention to and processing of persuasive messages is a function of both cognitive and biologically based processes, we consider implications for attention and processing from an extension of the activation model of information exposure through the addition of a cognitive variable associated with the elaboration likelihood model, need for cognition. The overall goal is to determine how target audiences are optimally influenced with persuasive health information that attracts and holds attention, triggers information processing, and eventually brings about behavior change.
... Society in Transition, 32: 69–78. [CSA]; 4. Kirby, D., Barth, RP, Leland, N. and Fetro, JV 19... more ... Society in Transition, 32: 69–78. [CSA]; 4. Kirby, D., Barth, RP, Leland, N. and Fetro, JV 1991. ... Journal of Social Issues, 49: 11–29. [CrossRef], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®], [CSA]; 10. Santana, MC, Raj, A., Decker, MR, La Merche, AL and Silverman, JG 2006. ...
ABSTRACT A computer- and Internet-based intervention was designed to influence several variables ... more ABSTRACT A computer- and Internet-based intervention was designed to influence several variables related to the prevention of pregnancy, STDs, and HIV in rural adolescents. Three-hundred and thirty-eight tenth-graders enrolled in two rural public high schools participated in this field experiment. Results indicate that students in the experimental school had greater knowledge, greater condom negotiation efficacy, greater situational efficacy, and more favorable attitudes toward waiting to have sex than students in the control school. In tandem, the results suggest that computer-based programs may be a cost-effective and easily replicable means of providing teens with basic information and skills necessary to prevent pregnancy, STDs, and HIV.
The purpose of this study was to propose and conduct tests of a multivariate model of condom use ... more The purpose of this study was to propose and conduct tests of a multivariate model of condom use utilizing data from 2 independent samples of young adults (City 1, N=746; City 2, N=743). The model examined the relations between personality characteristics, including sexual sensation seeking and sexual impulsive decision making; psychosocial variables, including condom attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy; and condom use behaviors, including carrying, communicating about, and using condoms. Structural equation modeling analyses indicated a good fit for both models (Confirmatory Fit Index=.93; Average Absolute Standardized Residuals=.05 for both), with each explaining 25% of the variance ( R (2)=.25) in condom use behaviors. Results support the fusion of personality and psychosocial approaches to gain a broader theoretical understanding of condom use in young adults. In addition, those developing and implementing health communication campaigns may find sexual sensation seeking and sexual impulsive decision making to be fruitful variables on which to target messages aimed at increasing safer sexual behavior.
Although prior studies have shown that sensation seeking and impulsive decision-making are relate... more Although prior studies have shown that sensation seeking and impulsive decision-making are related to sexual risk-taking, it is still unclear whether these personality traits operate independently or synergistically. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the joint contribution of these personality traits to HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk behaviors using data from a large sample of sexually active young adults (N = 2,386). Regression modeling indicated that both sensation seeking and impulsive decision-making were consistently associated with sexual risk behaviors across 11 risk-related outcomes. Results further indicated that sensation seeking and impulsive decision-making operated synergistically with respect to the outcome variables of sex acts using drugs, acts with a partner using alcohol, and acts with a partner using drugs. In contrast to this, sensation seeking and impulsive decision-making operated independently with respect to the other sexual risk outcomes. Theoretical implications, as well as implications for HIV/STD prevention among high sensation seekers and impulsive decision-makers, are discussed.
Theory-based, scientific research examining sexual behaviors of young adults is sparse in India, ... more Theory-based, scientific research examining sexual behaviors of young adults is sparse in India, even though pre-marital sex among unmarried young people has been rising in recent years. At the same time, young people aged 15 to 24 are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. This has been attributed in part to rising pre-marital sexual behaviors, coupled with a lack of sex education. The objective of this study was to advance an understanding of the determinants of sexual behavior among unmarried young adults in northern India. An adaptation of a comprehensive model of health behavior, the Multiple Domain Model, was employed to study the effects of environmental/cultural influences (parental and media), structural determinants (sex, socioeconomic status, age, caste, and place of residence), personality factors (sensation-seeking and impulsive decision making), gender role identity, psychosocial variables (attitudes, norms, and self-efficacy), contextual influences (relationship status and alcohol/drug use) and preparatory behaviors (frequency of being in sexual situations) on adolescents' sexual behaviors. Results of path analysis indicated that key predictors of ever having had vaginal sex included preparatory behaviors, masculine gender role identity, attitudes toward having sex and peer norms regarding sex. Implications of these findings for future research and intervention are discussed.
The aim of this paper is to advance rigorous Internet-based HIV/STD Prevention quantitative resea... more The aim of this paper is to advance rigorous Internet-based HIV/STD Prevention quantitative research by providing guidance to fellow researchers, faculty supervising graduates, human subjects’ committees, and review groups about some of the most common and challenging questions about Internet-based HIV prevention quantitative research. The authors represent several research groups who have gained experience conducting some of the first Internet-based HIV/STD prevention quantitative surveys in the US and elsewhere. Sixteen questions specific to Internet-based HIV prevention survey research are identified. To aid rigorous development and review of applications, these questions are organized around six common criteria used in federal review groups in the US: significance, innovation, approach (broken down further by research design, formative development, procedures, sampling considerations, and data collection); investigator, environment and human subjects’ issues. Strategies promoting minority participant recruitment, minimizing attrition, validating participants, and compensating participants are discussed. Throughout, the implications on budget and realistic timetabling are identified.
Aids Care-psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of Aids/hiv, 2011
China is undergoing rapid changes in sexual mores due to several reasons such as decreasing contr... more China is undergoing rapid changes in sexual mores due to several reasons such as decreasing control of the state over private lives of individuals, globalization of its economy, and some policies initiated by the state. There is increased acceptance of premarital sex and extramarital sex in China, especially among youth. In historically conservative China, influenced by Confucian ideals of patriarchal dominance for centuries, the sexual freedom currently enjoyed by many is unprecedented. This has impacted women's status and sexual lives in several positive ways such as increasing freedom of sexual expression, control over their bodies, sexual choices, and increasing equality with men in all spheres of life. However several negative consequences such as a rise in STD/HIV prevalence, commercial sex, and divorce rates have also been attributed to the ongoing sexual revolution in China. Recommendations combating these and suggestions for directions in future research are discussed.
Aids Care-psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of Aids/hiv, 2010
This study adapts a multiple domain model (MDM) to explain condom use among a sample of sexually ... more This study adapts a multiple domain model (MDM) to explain condom use among a sample of sexually active Chinese college students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model. Preparatory behaviors, theory of reasoned action (TRA)/theory of planned behavior variables, impulsivity, length of relationship, and alcohol use were significant direct predictors of condom use. The results suggest that MDM can provide a better understanding of heterosexual condom use among Chinese youth, and help in the design of HIV-preventive and safer sex interventions in China.
... of greater neighborhood disorganization are related to higher levels of minor and serious del... more ... of greater neighborhood disorganization are related to higher levels of minor and serious delinquency (Byrnes, Miller, Cupp, Zimmerman, & Chookhare, IN ... of precoital behaviors, was assessed with a six-item latent index, adapted from a similar measure (Martino, Elliott, Collins ...
Even though widespread efforts have focused on educating young adults about HIV and AIDS, many in... more Even though widespread efforts have focused on educating young adults about HIV and AIDS, many individuals continue to engage in behaviors that place them at risk. These behaviors include frequent experimentation with alcohol and other drugs prior to sex, engaging in sexual activity with different partners, and inconsistent safe sex practices (Butcher et al. 1991). The combination of these risky behaviors causes increased concern about the spread of HIV among those of college age. This study focused on two behaviors by examining the relationship between substance use during adolescence and early initiation of sexual activity in a sample of 950 subjects aged 19–21 in a mid-sized southern city. Results indicate that early use of alcohol and marijuana relates to earlier initiation of sexual activity and subsequent risky sexual behavior among young adults. Also, gender differences were observed for frequent users of marijuana and alcohol with males engaging in riskier sexual practices. Recommendations for interventions are made.
Implicit Attitudes as Potential Protection From Risky ... For example, Fazio's (1990) Motiva... more Implicit Attitudes as Potential Protection From Risky ... For example, Fazio's (1990) Motivation and Opportunity as Determinants (MODE) model of attitudebehavior processes makes this ... of scenarios that varied in their risk (and thus would elicit more or less cues for safe sex). ...
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