Character as a predictor of reproductive health outcomes for youth: a systematic review.
To review research examining the influence of character on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH). We defined character as comprising two positive youth development constructs: prosocial norms and spirituality. We conducted a systematic review of behavioral research published from 1985 through 2007 that examined the association between two character constructs (prosocial norms and spirituality) and ASRH outcomes. We coded results as showing a protective association, risk association, or no association, and as longitudinal, or cross-sectional. We considered consistent associations from at least two longitudinal studies for a given outcome to be sufficient evidence for a protective or risk association. There is sufficient evidence to indicate that prosocial norms and spirituality can be protective factors for some ASRH outcomes including intention to have sex, early sex or ever having sex, contraceptive and condom use, frequency of sex, and pregnancy. The generalizability of findings by age, race/ethnicity, and gender was unclear. Findings suggest that some character sub-constructs are associated with a reduced likelihood of several adverse ASRH outcomes and with an increased likelihood of using contraceptives and intending to use condoms. Further research is needed to better understand mixed results and results showing some character sub-constructs, such as religious affiliation, to be associated with adverse ASRH outcomes.
House
Lawrence Duane
LD
Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. Lhouse1@cdc.gov
Mueller
Trisha
T
Reininger
Belinda
B
Brown
Kathryn
K
Markham
Christine M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D035841:Behavioral Research; D002605:Character; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018456:Reproductive Medicine; D012725:Sexual Behavior