Understanding the risky sexual behaviors of study abroad students

Using the Triandis Model of Interpersonal Behavior (TIB) this study examined the influence of environmental and individual characteristics on predicting risky sexual behaviors of study abroad students. This study utilized a two-stage, qualitative and quantitative methodological framework. First, focus groups with previous study abroad students were held in order to gather data that informed the development of assessment. Second, data was subsequently collected from 128 study abroad students. The TIB significantly predicted a participant's intentions to engage in risky sexual behavior with the construct labeled subjective social norms emerging as a significant predictor. The model also significantly predicted engaging in risky sexual behavior while abroad. The situational conditions construct related to the study abroad environment emerged as a significant predictor of those engaging in risky sex. This study highlights the importance of both contextual and individual factors on understanding sexual behaviors, as well as the need for developing interventions to prevent possible consequences such as STIs.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. Applied Psychology and Professional Mental Health Counseling

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Schaffer, Ashley

Contributors dc:contributor

• Angelone, DJ

• Foreign study; Unsafe sex
• Psychiatric and Mental Health

Repository record dc:identifier

https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/213

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-1212