engleski

Predictors of Risky Sexual Behavior among Adolescent Boys and Girls

The aim of the present study is to identify risk factors for adolescent risky sexual behavior, and whether these factors differ for boys and girls. Also, the aim is to present prevalence of risky sexual behavior of adolescent boys ad girls. The research was carried out among 572 high school students (318 boys and 254 girls) in Zagreb. Risky sexual behavior was measured using self report scale. Also, seven personality dimensions were measured using Rohner’s Personality Assessment Questionnaire (PAQ): hostility and aggression, dependency, negative self-esteem, negative self-adequacy, emotional unresponsiveness, emotional instability and negative world view. The results show that boys have more sexual partners and one night-stands than girls, while girls have more sexual relationships without condom use and more often fear of pregnancy than boys. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted separately for boys and girls with personality dimensions as predictors and risky sexual behavior as a criterion variable. Sociodemographic variables (adolescent’s age, school success and mother’s and father’s education level) were taken as control variables. Age and school success significantly predict risky sexual behavior among both boys and girls. Older boys and girls and those with lower school success exhibit more risky sexual behavior. When sociodemographic variables are controlled, emotional unresponsiveness significantly predicts risky sexual behavior among boys while hostility and aggression among girls. More emotionally responsive boys and more hostile and aggressive girls exhibit higher tendency of risky sexual behavior.

risky sexual behavior; personality; adolescents; Croatia

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