14 DAY TRIAL // Half of the new HIV cases registered annually in the US are represented by adolescents and young, turning research and information on HIV prevention for this group of great concern.
A new research at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University has revealed that emotional management on adolescents is crucial for them in order to practice safe sex and avoid HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The team investigated 222 subjects between the ages of 13 and 18 with psychiatric disorders and discovered that feelings are important when it comes to decide about safe sex.
Low levels of self-efficacy (the belief that one could effectively engage in a particular behavior) where linked to low use of condom. "We found that adolescents need help feeling more comfortable and less distressed about discussing and using condoms," says lead author Dr. Celia Lescano.
Self-efficacy, like self-confidence, is a personal trust in your own capabilities to produce effects or change in the personal life. Teens with higher self-efficacy about condom use (they felt very sure they could effectively use condoms) presented a higher likelihood to employ them consistently, no matter their mood (feeling upset, bad, depressed or angry).
In fact, distress during condom use is not limited to those who are clinically depressed, but to all teen categories. "As it turns out, managing the stresses associated with condom use is important. Adolescents can learn to decrease their anxiety about discussing and using condoms in order to use them safely and effectively," explained Lescano.
Previous researches pointed out the fact that adolescents suffering from psychological distress may lose control in sexual encounters because of relationship concerns (the fear of rejection), prior traumatic sexual experiences, or low self-esteem. "Going forward, helping teens decrease distress and increase their effective skills is a critical component to HIV prevention strategies," said Lescano.
The researchers also pointed out the role of emotions in following healthy sexual behaviors, like condom use. "Using active strategies to deal with how well one manages the distress that arises in the face of a difficult situation such as asking one's partner to use a condom should be a priority for HIV intervention programs, those who work with adolescents should be aware of the need to focus on the emotional aspects of engaging in health-promoting behaviors", Lescano said.