Abstract

Controlling the AIDs epidemic may depend largely upon health education aimed at adolescents. A number of approaches have been applied to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preventive behaviour in adolescents, including the health belief model (Becker, 1974), protection motivation theory (Rogers, 1983), and the theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 1985, 1991). Since sexual behaviour is heavily influenced by emotions, a possible shortcoming of these models is that little attention is given to affective processes. In this study we investigated the role of anticipated, post‐behavioural, affective reactions to (un)safe sexual behaviours in the context of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The results showed that anticipated affective reactions such as worry and regret predicted behavioural expectations over and above the components of the TPB. The implications for our understanding of adolescent sexual behaviour and for campaigns aimed at the reduction of risky sexual practices will be discussed.

Keywords

PsychologyTheory of planned behaviorWorryRegretContext (archaeology)Social psychologyDevelopmental psychologyRisky sexual behaviorSexual behaviorHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Control (management)AnxietyPsychiatrySexually active

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Publication Info

Year
1995
Type
article
Volume
34
Issue
1
Pages
9-21
Citations
229
Access
Closed

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René Richard, J. van der Pligt, Nanné K. de Vries (1995). Anticipated affective reactions and prevention of AIDS. British Journal of Social Psychology , 34 (1) , 9-21. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8309.1995.tb01045.x

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DOI
10.1111/j.2044-8309.1995.tb01045.x