Developmentally Appropriate Sexual Risk Reduction Interventions for Adolescents: Rationale, Review of Interventions, and Recommendations for Research and Practice.

This study (a) clarifies the rationale for designing developmentally appropriate interventions, (b) reviews randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adolescent sexual risk reduction interventions, (c) identifies developmentally appropriate strategies, (d) examines the relationship between developmental appropriateness and sexual risk outcomes, and (e) provides recommendations for research. The authors examined studies published before 2003 that evaluated a risk reduction intervention, sampled adolescents, used an RCT study design, and evaluated sexual behavior outcomes. Content analysis indicated that the interventions tested were often tailored to the cognitive level of adolescents, as indicated by the use of exercises on decision making, goal setting and planning, and concrete explanation of abstract concepts. Interventions also addressed the social influences of risky sex such as peer norms and provided communication skills training. Overall, the interventions tested in RCTs were more effective in delaying the onset of sexual activity than in promoting abstinence among sexually active youth. Interventions with booster sessions were effective in reducing sexual risk behavior. Developmental transitions during adolescence influence sexual behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)