Longitudinal stability and predictability of sexual perceptions, intentions, and behaviors among early adolescent African-Americans

To assess the stability and predictability of perceptions, intentions, and behaviors regarding intended sexual intercourse and condom use. One hundred and nineteen African-American youth aged 9–15 years living in urban public housing provided information at baseline and 6 months later using a theory-based and culturally- and developmentally-tailored instrument assessing perceptions, intentions, and sexual behaviors. Over the 6-month study interval, individual behaviors, intentions, and perceptions demonstrated considerable stability. Intentions regarding sexual intercourse in the next half-year were predictive of subsequent coitus among the entire cohort and among the subset who were virgins at baseline. Youth who thought it likely that they would be sexually-active in the next 6 months were at significantly elevated risk of doing so, compared to youth who were uncertain or thought coitus unlikely. However, intentions regarding future coitus among the subset of youth who were sexually-experienced at baseline were not predictive of future coital behavior. These data suggest that social cognitive behavioral models that incorporate intentions and perceptions are appropriate as the theoretical basis for interventions targeting these young adolescents.