Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 46, Issue 3, Supplement , Pages S42-S58, March 2010

Confidence as a Predictor of Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes for Youth

  • Kari M. Gloppen, M.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • Division of Adolescent and School Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to: Kari M. Gloppen, M.P.H., 4770 Buford Hwy NE M.S. K-12, Atlanta GA 30341.
    • ,
  • Corinne David-Ferdon, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Coordinating Center for Environmental Health and Injury Prevention, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
    • ,
  • Jessica Bates, M.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • Division of Reproductive Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia

Received 16 August 2009; accepted 21 November 2009.

Abstract 

Purpose

To assess the association between four positive youth development (PYD) constructs of confidence and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) outcomes.

Methods

We searched nine online databases to locate behavioral research that examined the association between four constructs of confidence (belief in the future, self-determination, clear and positive identity, and self-efficacy) and ASRH outcomes (e.g., ever had sex, condom use, contraception use, number of partners, pregnancy/birth, and sexually transmitted infection). Findings were coded as “protective,” “risk,” or “no association.” The presence of at least two longitudinal studies reporting consistent significant associations for at least one ASRH outcome indicated evidence for a protective or risk association.

Results

We found evidence to support two of the four PYD constructs of confidence (belief in the future and self-determination) as protective factors for ASRH outcomes. Evidence was insufficient to draw conclusions about clear and positive identity as a protective factor, and was mixed for self-efficacy. Measures of confidence varied considerably across the studies reviewed, reflecting varying definitions; often, the measures used had limited information on reliability. Few longitudinal investigations were identified, and available studies were inconsistent in how they examined the association between the PYD constructs and ASRH outcomes. Evidence for most constructs was insufficient to identify their influence on specific sub-groups of youth.

Conclusions

Despite the need for additional research, this review suggests that belief in the future and self-determination are promising protective factors. Further research is needed to better understand the potential for self-efficacy and clear and positive identity as protective factors.

Keywords: Adolescent, HIV prevention, STD prevention, Unintended pregnancy, Youth development, Confidence, Belief in the future, Self-efficacy, Self-determination, Identity

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 The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PII: S1054-139X(09)00640-5

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.11.216

Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 46, Issue 3, Supplement , Pages S42-S58, March 2010

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