ERIC Number: ED551161
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 123
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-2677-3116-6
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Exploring Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control as Risk Factors in Sexual Decision Making for African American Women
Pimpleton, Asher M.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Sexually transmitted diseases have reached epidemic proportions, especially among African Americans. However, African American women have emerged as being one of the hardest hit groups by the most fatal of sexually transmitted diseases--the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Although there has been much speculation regarding contributing risk factors specific to this group, previous research has focused mostly on low-income, uneducated or drug-addicted individuals. Still, these factors do not account for the infection rates among educated, non-addicted and financially stable women. In this study, psychological variables of self-efficacy and locus of control were explored study as potential risk factors in sexual decision making for African American women enrolled at two Midwestern universities. Locus of control was a significant predictor of normative beliefs regarding safer sex practices, while self-efficacy was not found to be a significant predictor for sexual decision-making. However, there was a significant interaction between self-efficacy and locus of control in relation to participants' intentions to practice safer sex. The results and implications for counseling, counselor education, research and prevention are discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Self Efficacy, African Americans, Females, Decision Making, Locus of Control, Sexuality, Health Behavior, Predictor Variables, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Counselor Training, Prevention, Beliefs, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A