Normalizing risky sexual behaviors: a grounded theory study.
OBJECTIVE
To generate a substantive theory that explained the sexual decision-making of high-risk adolescent females.


METHODS
Grounded theory methods were used to concurrently collect and analyze data from interviews with 19 incarcerated adolescent females. Coding, memoing and constant comparison were used to identify the core variable and generate the theory.


RESULTS
The participants were bombarded by seductive influences. In response, they normalized risky sexual behaviors by finding membership in high-risk associations; perceiving "everybody's doing it;" disregarding conventional standards; and by saying "yes" to sexual opportunities.


CONCLUSIONS
The theory of Normalizing Risky Sexual Behaviors provides a guide for: (a) the development of interventions to promote safe sex; (b) the design of research to understand and explore safe adolescent sexual decision making; and (c) the enhancement of effective communication between adolescents and adults about this important topic.
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA.
Josie A
JA
Weiss
Michelle L
ML
Jampol
Jennifer A
JA
Lievano
Sandra M
SM
Smith
Joan L
JL
Wurster
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011593:Psychology, Social; D021841:Safe Sex; D012725:Sexual Behavior