Self-efficacy in sexual negotiation and engagement in risky sexual behaviors

Adolescents' sexual decision making is largely determined by normative ideals of sex and self-efficacy in sexual negotiation. In this chapter we examine whether there is a correlation between self-efficacy and the likelihood to engage in risky sexual behavior among a sample of Grenadian adolescents. It is aimed to determine whether self-efficacy serves as a protective factor for risky sexual behavior. With this information, it can be better understood how interpersonal skills can facilitate positive sexual health discourse and better inform sexual decision making in youth. Thirty-seven students in grade 9 from a high school in Grenada participated in this pilot study. Within grade 9, 10 (27%) students reported being sexually active. Of those, 70% were males and 30% were females. In addition, males with poor self-efficacy represented 18.9% of the total student sample, and males with high self-efficacy represent 32.4% of the total student sample. Females with poor self-efficacy represented 8.1% of the total student population, and females with high self-efficacy represent 40.5% of the total student population. There was a positive correlation between non-sexual activity and positive self-efficacy (OR: 8.63, 95%CI: 1.65, 44.99). Overall the data shows that risky sexual behavior is correlated, though minimally, with negative self-efficacy. On average students who were not sexually active displayed a more positive self-efficacy. Adolescents with positive self-efficacy tend to have more positive sexual behavioral outcomes. In addition there were gendered trends of males tending to have higher levels of self-efficacy and increased likelihood to engage in risky sexual behavior.