SAFER SEX BEHAVIOR - THE ROLE OF ATTITUDES, NORMS, AND CONTROL FACTORS

A study was undertaken to assess the utility of revisions to the theor ies of reasoned action/planned behavior in the context of HIV-preventi ve behaviors. Revisions to the models incorporated the addition of gro up norm (behavioral norm and group attitude) to the normative componen t of the reasoned action model and the distinction among three aspects (self-efficacy, perceived behavioral control, and planning) of the co ntrol component of the theory of planned behavior. Respondents were 21 1 sexually experienced heterosexual undergraduates. The study employed a longitudinal design, with the proposed predictors of performing the behaviors under consideration (using a condom every time you have sex ual intercourse during the next month and discussing whether to use a condom with any new partners during the next month) assessed prior to the measures of reported behavior. Consistent with expectations, group norm emerged as a distinctive predictor (in addition to attitude and subjective norm) of intentions to practice both safer sex behaviors. T he data also revealed some support for the distinction among the diffe rent measures of control. The results of the study suggest that the no rmative component of the theories of reasoned action and planned behav ior should be revised to incorporate more subtle influences of the ref erent group and that tests of theory of planned behavior should distin guish among the different aspects of behavioral control.