Adolescents' attitudes towards AIDS precautions and intention to use condoms
Barling, N.R.; Moore, S.M.
Psychological Reports 67(3 Part 1): 883-890
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-2941 PMID: 2287679 Document Number: 374960
This is the 1st study of adolescents' attitudes toward taking precautions to prevent contracting HIV/AIDS, taken from a survey of 370 Australian secondary school students aged 15-16, based on theory of Erikson and Marcia. The 4 stages of Marcia, of Erikson's developmental stage of identity development, are 1) identity diffusion, characterized by apathy; 2) foreclosure, with preliminary choices taken from parents, peers or fashions; 3) moratorium, where teens are searching for direction, but need more clarification, and may be confused on in conflict over attitudes, values and beliefs, and 4) identity achievement, with choice and commitment. A questionnaire of 19 items was administered to teens with parental permission. While 83% knew that condoms may prevent spread of HIV, 38% had never thought about using them. 30-70% answered questions as though they were in the identity diffusion stage. 5% stated they did not intend to use condoms, while 63% said they did. Status-linked questions were subjected to discriminant function analysis. Those intending to use condoms tended to be cautious, responsible, good communicators, female, more knowledgeable, with positive attitudes toward sexual planning, and fewer negative attitudes toward condoms. The undecided group scored high on moratorium items, suggesting that they would be easier targets for sex education, peer group discussions and values clarification. This study suggested that adolescents cannot be considered identical, even with 1 sex, and that changes in attitudes can be approached in steps.