A Concept Analysis of Self-Efficacy and Adolescent Sexual Risk-Taking Behavior

TOPIC: Concept Analysis: Self-efficacy and Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviors of Adolescents PURPOSE: This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the concept of self-efficacy and adolescent sexual risk-taking behaviors CONCLUSIONS: Using the Walker and Avant framework of concept analysis, the concept of self-efficacy has shown to be an important part in changing unhealthy behaviors. It has also shown that the concept of self-efficacy can be pivotal in health promotion activities of adolescents in a variety of settings, especially as it relates to adolescent sexual risk-taking behaviors. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The concept of self-efficacy as it relates to adolescent sexual risk-taking behaviors has clear nursing implications and usage among the adolescent population. Self-efficacy is a key concept to be used in health promotion. Health promotion activities are pivotal in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections in the adolescent population. Knowledge of the self-efficacy level of the adolescent patient can give the nurse greater insight in the meaning of the patient's response in a given situation. This also helps the nurse identify which adolescents would benefit from early intervention with regard to sexual health.