DEVELOPMENTAL SOPHISTICATION AMONG ADOLESCENTS OF NEGOTIATION STRATEGIES FOR CONDOM USE

Condoms are an important method of reducing the risk of sexually trans mitted disease among sexually active adolescents. This study used a de velopmental approach to examine the negotiation of condom use. The Int erpersonal Negotiation Strategy interview was administered to adolesce nts using two vignettes that were focused on the negotiation of ''safe r sex'' behaviors. The sample consisted of 196 girls and 92 boys recru ited from their primary care clinic or Job Corps. The mean scores for each problem-solving step were at the subjective, unilateral stage, wh ich indicates that problems are resolved through one-way methods. Curr ent educational strategies and the lack of mutuality in adolescents' s exual relationships influence the level of negotiation skills. Interve ntions need to be at the appropriate developmental level but also need to encourage progress toward collaborative relationships.