title: Behavioral Decision Research Intervention Reduces Risky Sexual Behavior.
abstract: Although adolescents are at disproportionate risk for sexually transmitted infections, most sex education programs have shown little effect on sexual behavior. An interactive video intervention developed by our team has been identified as one of a few programs that have been documented to reduce sexually transmitted infections in this population. Building on behavioral decision research, we used a mental models approach to interview young women about their sexual decisions, finding, among other things, the strong role of perceived social norms. We based our intervention on these results, aiming to help young women identify and implement personally and socially acceptable decision strategies. A randomized controlled trial found that the video reduced risky sexual behavior and the acquisition of chlamydia infection. We recently revised the video to suit more diverse audiences, and upgraded it to modern standards of cinematography and interactivity. It is now in field trial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Decision Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213- 3890, USA. downs@cmu.edu.
authors.forename: Julie S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Downs
authors.forename: Wändi
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bruine de Bruin
authors.forename: Baruch
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fischhoff
authors.forename: Pamela J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Murray
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D002755:Choice Behavior; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012736:Sex Education / Q000379:methods*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014743:Videotape Recording; D055815:Young Adult