@article{mccrimmon_widman_brasileiro_2024, title={Adolescent Barriers to Sexual Communication with Their Parents: Differences by Sexual and Gender Identity}, volume={6}, ISSN={["1559-8519"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2024.2362899}, DOI={10.1080/00224499.2024.2362899}, abstractNote={Parent-adolescent sexual communication has important health benefits for adolescents, yet not all families openly communicate about sex. In particular, adolescents often report various barriers to engaging in sexual communication with their parents. The purpose of this study was to address gaps in past research by examining barriers to communication with both mothers and fathers, separately, as well as to explore the unique barriers to communication among queer and trans adolescents. Participants were recruited via Instagram (}, journal={JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH}, author={Mccrimmon, Jordyn and Widman, Laura and Brasileiro, Julia}, year={2024}, month={Jun} } @article{galper_widman_brasileiro_noar_2024, title={Adolescents' pornography viewing frequency and its relationship with condom attitudes}, volume={21}, ISSN={["1449-8987"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1071/SH24025}, DOI={10.1071/SH24025}, abstractNote={Background This study examined adolescent pornography viewing and its' relationship with condom attitudes. Methods Data were from 457 adolescents aged 13-18years old who completed an online survey assessing pornography viewing frequency and condom attitudes. Results Many adolescents in our sample had viewed pornography in the past year (n =188, 41%), with pornography viewing frequency being higher among older adolescents (P =0.02), those who have had sex in the past year (P =0.001), and those who identified as White (P =0.01), LGB+ (P =0.05), and male (P =0.001). Adolescents who viewed pornography more frequently had more negative condom attitudes (r =-0.18, P Conclusions A substantial proportion of adolescents in our sample viewed pornography and those who view more frequently had more negative condom attitudes. Results indicate a need for experimental studies examining this relationship and interventions addressing pornography literacy among adolescents.}, number={3}, journal={SEXUAL HEALTH}, author={Galper, Emily F. and Widman, Laura and Brasileiro, Julia and Noar, Seth M.}, editor={Lim, MeganEditor}, year={2024} } @article{maheux_laurenceau_roberts_nesi_widman_choukas-bradley_2024, title={Longitudinal Change in Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness and Depressive Symptoms: A Within-Person Analysis during Early-to-Middle Adolescence}, volume={5}, ISSN={["1573-6601"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-024-01998-5}, DOI={10.1007/s10964-024-01998-5}, abstractNote={Abstract Online appearance preoccupation may put adolescents at risk of developing mental health challenges, perhaps especially during early-to-middle adolescence. A random intercept cross-lagged panel model assessed within-person associations between appearance-related social media consciousness and depressive symptoms over three time-points with three months between waves. The sample ( n = 1594) included U.S. adolescents aged 11–15 ( M age = 13; 47% girls, 46% boys, 7% another gender; 37% Latine, 33% White, 18% Black, 7% Asian). Within-person increases in appearance-related social media consciousness were associated with subsequent increases in depressive symptoms, but not vice versa. There was no evidence of gender differences and results were robust to controlling for both time on social media and offline self-objectification. Thus, online appearance concerns precede mental health challenges during early and middle adolescence.}, journal={JOURNAL OF YOUTH AND ADOLESCENCE}, author={Maheux, Anne J. and Laurenceau, Jean-Philippe and Roberts, Savannah R. and Nesi, Jacqueline and Widman, Laura and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2024}, month={May} } @article{bibby_choukas-bradley_widman_turpyn_prinstein_telzer_2023, title={A longitudinal assessment of adolescents’ sexual communication with parents, best friends, and dating partners}, volume={59}, ISSN={["1939-0599"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001556}, DOI={10.1037/dev0001556}, abstractNote={Sexual health communication in adolescence is important for sexual well-being. With limited empirical work utilizing longitudinal methodologies, this study aimed to investigate how the frequency of sexual communication with parents, peers, and dating partners changes across adolescence and varies based on sex, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Participants included 886 U.S. adolescents (54.4% females; 45.9% White, 22.6% Hispanic/Latinx, 21.6% Black/African American) surveyed yearly from middle school through 12th grade. Growth curve models were used to estimate trajectories of the frequency in communication. Results showed curvilinear trajectories for adolescents' sexual communication with their parents, best friends, and dating partners over time. Although all three trajectories showed curvilinear patterns, sexual communication with parents and best friends increased earlier in adolescence and leveled off, while sexual communication with dating partners was lower in early adolescence and showed a steep increase across adolescence. Communication trajectories significantly diverged depending on adolescents' sex and race/ethnicity but not their sexual orientation. This study provides the first evidence of developmental changes over time in adolescent sexual communication with parents, best friends, and dating partners. Developmental implications for adolescents' sexual decision making are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).}, number={7}, journal={Developmental Psychology}, author={Bibby, E.S. and Choukas-Bradley, S. and Widman, L. and Turpyn, C. and Prinstein, M.J. and Telzer, E.H.}, year={2023}, month={Jul}, pages={1300–1314} } @article{mccrimmon_widman_javidi_brasileiro_hurst_2023, title={Evaluation of a Brief Online Sexual Health Program for Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial}, volume={4}, ISSN={["1552-6372"]}, DOI={10.1177/15248399231162379}, abstractNote={ Adolescents are at increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and experiencing unintended pregnancy. In particular, adolescents from marginalized communities experience significant sexual health disparities compared to their more advantaged peers. Digital sexual health programs, such as HEART ( Health Education and Relationship Training), may be effective in reducing these risks and addressing these disparities. HEART is a web-based intervention focused on the promotion of positive sexual health outcomes, such as sexual decision-making skills, sexual communication skills, sexual health knowledge, and sexual norms and attitudes. The current study evaluates the efficacy of HEART, and examines whether effects were moderated by gender, socioeconomic status (SES), race, English as a second language, and sexual orientation to ensure the program is effective for diverse groups of adolescents. Participants were 457 high school students (Meanage=15.06, 59% girls, 35% White, 78% heterosexual, 54% receive free or reduced-price lunch). Students were randomized to HEART or an attention matched control and assessed at pretest and immediate posttest. HEART was effective in increasing sexual assertiveness, sexual communication intentions, HIV/STI knowledge, condom attitudes, and safer sex self-efficacy compared to the control condition. There were no significant interactions by gender, SES, race, English as a second language, or sexual orientation, suggesting the program worked equally well for all groups of youth. The findings of this study suggest that HEART may be a promising avenue for the promotion of positive sexual health outcomes for diverse groups of youth. }, journal={HEALTH PROMOTION PRACTICE}, author={McCrimmon, Jordyn and Widman, Laura and Javidi, Hannah and Brasileiro, Julia and Hurst, Jeffrey}, year={2023}, month={Apr} } @article{javidi_widman_maheux_mccrimmon_evans-paulson_becker_2023, title={PACT: Developing and Evaluating a Digital Sexual Consent Program for Youth}, volume={5}, ISSN={["1559-8519"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2023.2208560}, DOI={10.1080/00224499.2023.2208560}, abstractNote={Understanding affirmative sexual consent is crucial for violence prevention and health promotion, yet few adolescents receive adequate consent education. The current study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a brief online program designed to teach adolescents information and skills about communicating and interpreting affirmative sexual consent (PACT: Promoting Affirmative Consent among Teens) in a randomized controlled trial with a national sample of 833 U.S. adolescents (ages 14-16; 42% White, 17% Asian, 17% Black, 13% Latinx; 53% girls, 31% boys, 12% non-binary; 45% heterosexual; 29% sexually active). PACT, grounded in health behavior change and persuasion theories, was developed using feedback from youth advisors and usability testers. Participants considered the program generally acceptable. Compared to youth who completed a control program, PACT was efficacious at shifting three measures of affirmative consent cognitions (i.e., knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy) from baseline to immediate posttest. Youth who completed PACT also demonstrated more accurate affirmative consent knowledge at 3 months post-baseline. PACT's effects on consent cognitions were generally similar among youth with various gender, racial/ethnic, and sexual identities. We discuss next steps for this program, including the possibilities of expanding to include additional concepts and tailoring to address the unique needs of specific youth.}, journal={JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH}, author={Javidi, Hannah and Widman, Laura and Maheux, Anne J. J. and McCrimmon, Jordyn and Evans-Paulson, Reina and Becker, Whitney}, year={2023}, month={May} } @article{hurst_widman_brasileiro_maheux_evans-paulson_choukas-bradley_2023, title={Parents’ attitudes towards the content of sex education in the USA: Associations with religiosity and political orientation}, volume={1}, ISSN={1468-1811 1472-0825}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14681811.2022.2162871}, DOI={10.1080/14681811.2022.2162871}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT While most parents support their adolescents receiving school-based sex education, there is variability in which sex education topics receive the most support from parents. Conservative political orientation and greater religiosity have been independently associated with parents’ lack of support for school-based sex education; however, no studies have examined the intersection of these two factors. The three goals of this study were to: 1) identify how specific sexual education topics cluster together to form content areas; 2) examine if religiosity and political orientation are uniquely associated with these content areas; and 3) examine if political orientation moderates the relationship between parents’ religiosity and their perceived importance for the specific sex education content areas. Participants were a national sample of 881 US parents. The sex education topics clustered into three content areas: Factual Knowledge (e.g., STI transmission), Practical Skills (e.g., how to access condoms), and Pleasure and Identity (e.g., pleasurable aspects of sex). Politically conservative and more religious parents reported the lowest perceived importance for each content area. Importantly, these main effects were qualified by a significant interaction: parents who reported both political conservativism and high levels of religiosity reported the lowest perceived importance for these three content areas being taught.}, journal={Sex Education}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Hurst, Jeffrey L. and Widman, Laura and Brasileiro, Julia and Maheux, Anne J. and Evans-Paulson, Reina and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2023}, month={Jan}, pages={1–17} } @article{allison_widman_stewart_evans_perry_2022, title={Adherence to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis}, volume={70}, ISSN={["1879-1972"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.04.001}, abstractNote={This meta-analysis synthesized the proportion of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who are adherent to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and factors moderating adherence. A systematic search was conducted of studies published through May 2020 using PubMed, PsycInfo, Cochrane, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Included studies reported the proportion of AYAs (mean age ≤ 29 years) who were PrEP adherent. PrEP adherence was meta-analyzed using random-effects models. Secondary analyses evaluated potential moderating variables. A total of 41 individual samples, from 29 studies, of 8,679 AYA (weighted average age = 23.8 years) were synthesized. The proportion of AYA who met study-defined thresholds for PrEP adherence was .64 (95% confidence interval .57-.71) across studies. Subgroup analyses revealed that adherence was lower in young cisgender women (.46) than young men who have sex with men (.65) and serodiscordant heterosexual couples (.98). Adherence was higher in studies initiated after 2012 (.70) than earlier studies (.47). No differences based on participant age, country, or strategies to promote adherence were found. Across published studies to date, 64% of AYA demonstrate adequate PrEP adherence. Findings can be used to guide PrEP adherence interventions and also provide directions for future research on PrEP among AYA.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH}, author={Allison, Bianca A. and Widman, Laura and Stewart, J. L. and Evans, Reina and Perry, Martha}, year={2022}, month={Jan}, pages={28–41} } @article{carrino_bryen_maheux_stewart_roberts_widman_choukas-bradley_2022, title={Are Feminists Empowered Activists or Entitled Whiners? A Thematic Analysis of U.S. Adolescents’ Definitions of “Feminist” in a Diverse, Mixed-Gender Sample}, volume={86}, ISSN={0360-0025 1573-2762}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11199-021-01260-3}, DOI={10.1007/s11199-021-01260-3}, number={7-8}, journal={Sex Roles}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Carrino, Emily A. and Bryen, Chloe P. and Maheux, Anne J. and Stewart, J. L. and Roberts, Savannah R. and Widman, Laura and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2022}, month={Mar}, pages={395–414} } @article{maheux_widman_hurst_craig_evans-paulson_choukas-bradley_2022, title={Behavioral Measures to Assess Adolescent Sexual Communication with Partners: A Scoping Review and Call for Further Studies}, volume={60}, ISSN={0022-4499 1559-8519}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2022.2103072}, DOI={10.1080/00224499.2022.2103072}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Sexual communication with partners is important for adolescents’ sexual and socioemotional well-being. Behavioral assessments of partner sexual communication capture the complex and nuanced process of communication and are commonly used with adults, yet the existing literature among adolescents overwhelmingly relies on self-report measures. In the current paper, we reviewed the literature on adolescent partner sexual communication, identifying 14 studies including 2,043 participants (M age = 16) that used behavioral assessments (i.e., dyadic observations, role-plays with confederates, role-plays with vignettes). We also identify key gaps in the current literature: First, only one study recruited couples; studies that assessed dyadic interactions largely relied on confederates. Second, assessments often assumed that participants engaged in heterosexual sex, and no studies specifically recruited LGBTQ+ adolescents. Third, behavioral tasks often involved assumptions of participants’ sexual goals (e.g., desire to refuse sex) and focused almost exclusively on sexual refusal and condom negotiation. Additionally, coding schemes lacked standardization and micro-analytic strategies (e.g., coding change over time). Finally, observational methods have been almost exclusively used to assess intervention efficacy, rather than to understand associations between behaviorally-assessed communication skills and sexual outcomes or self-reported communication in basic research. We discuss recommendations for future research, including regular use of behavioral observation methods with diverse samples, to triangulate across multiple methodologies and identify correspondence between behavioral and self-report measures.}, number={1}, journal={The Journal of Sex Research}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Maheux, Anne J. and Widman, Laura and Hurst, Jeffrey L. and Craig, Elizabeth and Evans-Paulson, Reina and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2022}, month={Aug}, pages={36–44} } @article{evans-paulson_widman_javidi_lipsey_2022, title={Examining the efficacy of STD testing public health messages tailored to youth’s regulatory focus.}, volume={28}, ISSN={1939-2192 1076-898X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/xap0000421}, DOI={10.1037/xap0000421}, abstractNote={Only 25% of sexually active youth have ever been tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). One potential strategy to increase testing is to target youth with health messages tailored to their regulatory focus. People have a dominant regulatory focus and tend to be either more concerned with the risks of unhealthy choices (prevention-focused) or the benefits of healthy choices (promotion-focused). Theoretically, when someone is targeted with a message that matches their regulatory focus, the message will be more effective. Among 380 sexually active youth, we examined whether matching STD testing messages to youth's regulatory focus strengthens the efficacy of the message for improving STD testing stigma, self-efficacy, and intentions. We evaluated participants' regulatory focus and then assigned them to watch either a prevention-focused or promotion-focused video encouraging STD testing. Among prevention-focused youth, those who watched the prevention-focused video had more stigmatizing attitudes toward STD testing than those who watched the promotion-focused video. Post hoc analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings for our stigma outcome and revealed a similar pattern for self-efficacy: youth who were more prevention-focused and received the prevention-focused video had lower STD testing self-efficacy. Our results for testing intentions were not significant. Interventionists should consider making STD testing messages for youth promotion-focused. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied}, publisher={American Psychological Association (APA)}, author={Evans-Paulson, Reina and Widman, Laura and Javidi, Hannah and Lipsey, Nikolette}, year={2022}, month={Dec}, pages={835–848} } @article{mcmahan_lombe_evans_enelamah_chu_simms_verkamp‐ruthven_martinez_mweemba_laforest_et al._2022, title={Getting to zero HIV/AIDS in sub‐Saharan Africa: Understanding perceptions of locals using the social determinants of health framework}, volume={30}, ISSN={0966-0410 1365-2524}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13444}, DOI={10.1111/hsc.13444}, abstractNote={This study explored a community perception of the facilitators and inhibitors of Getting to Zero (GTZ) in rural Zambia, sub-Saharan Africa. Data were collected in 2017. We use the Social Determinants of Health framework to guide organisation of key themes emerging from semistructured, focus group interviews with community members (N = 52). Data were analysed through an iterative descriptive/thematic approach which allowed for the highlighting of key themes. Emerging themes point to the significance of (a) individual, (b) sociocultural, (c) environmental and (d) economic factors, for example, treatment adherence, gender norms, food security and access to health care as important in GTZ. Implications for policy, practise and scholarship are suggested.}, number={3}, journal={Health & Social Care in the Community}, publisher={Hindawi Limited}, author={McMahan, Lyndsey D. and Lombe, Margaret and Evans, Caroline B.R. and Enelamah, Ngozi Victoria and Chu, Yoosun and Simms, Stewart and Verkamp‐Ruthven, Jennifer and Martinez, Javier Reyes and Mweemba, Odericky and LaForest, Lubenji and et al.}, year={2022}, month={May}, pages={e739–e748} } @article{adams_nabi_noar_evans_widman_2022, title={How Emotional Shifts Effect Youth Perceptions of Opioid Risk and Efficacy: Testing a Know the Truth Campaign Narrative}, volume={37}, ISSN={["1532-7027"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2021.1921349}, DOI={10.1080/10410236.2021.1921349}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Integrating the extended parallel process model (EPPM) and the emotional flow hypothesis, we tested the persuasive effect of emotional shifts during exposure to a Know the Truth anti-opioid campaign narrative in a sample of middle-school students (n = 480). Testing two emotional flow sequences (threat to efficacy and efficacy to threat) of the Know the Truth narrative against a static (threat-only) emotional condition, we found that youth exposed to any emotional flow narrative reported higher levels of hope and lower levels of fear than those exposed to a threat-only narrative. We also found that a threat to efficacy narrative elicited higher levels of self-efficacy than an efficacy to threat emotional flow condition, suggesting that the emotional sequence influences self-efficacy, a well-established predictor of health behavior change. We conclude that the traditional threat to efficacy emotional flow may be superior to its inverse (efficacy to threat) when communicating with young people about opioid addiction. Implications for message design are discussed.}, number={14}, journal={HEALTH COMMUNICATION}, author={Adams, Elizabeth Troutman and Nabi, Robin L. and Noar, Seth M. and Evans, Reina and Widman, Laura}, year={2022}, month={Dec}, pages={1820–1831} } @article{javidi_widman_evans-paulson_lipsey_2022, title={Internal Consent, Affirmative External Consent, and Sexual Satisfaction Among Young Adults}, volume={3}, ISSN={["1559-8519"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2022.2048628}, DOI={10.1080/00224499.2022.2048628}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Sexual satisfaction is an important part of sexual health. Recently, efforts have been underway to better understand what factors contribute to positive sexual experiences among young adults. One factor may be sexual consent. This study aimed to explore individual and interactive effects of two distinct, but related dimensions of sexual consent – internal consent and affirmative external consent – on young adults’ feelings of sexual satisfaction following their most recent sexual intercourse experience. Participants were 294 young adults (ages 18–25, M age = 23.7; 59% women) recruited from Amazon’s MTurk. Results showed that each dimension of consent had a significant, unique relationship with satisfaction, and that the two dimensions of consent alone accounted for half of the variance in satisfaction. Additional analyses showed that there are specific components of both internal and affirmative external consent (e.g., safety/comfort; arousal; consent/want; communicator/initiator cues) that may be most influential in driving this relationship. As both consent dimensions greatly contribute to positive sexual experiences, researchers attempting to promote sexual wellbeing may be wise to attend to both internal and external consent.}, journal={JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Javidi, Hannah and Widman, Laura and Evans-Paulson, Reina and Lipsey, Nikolette}, year={2022}, month={Mar} } @article{maheux_roberts_nesi_widman_choukas‐bradley_2022, title={Longitudinal associations between appearance‐related social media consciousness and adolescents' depressive symptoms}, volume={94}, ISSN={0140-1971 1095-9254}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jad.12009}, DOI={10.1002/jad.12009}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Adolescence}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Maheux, Anne J. and Roberts, Savannah R. and Nesi, Jacqueline and Widman, Laura and Choukas‐Bradley, Sophia}, year={2022}, month={Jan}, pages={264–269} } @article{kamke_stewart_widman_2022, title={Multilevel Barriers to Sexual Health Behavior Among Vulnerable Adolescent Girls in the USA}, volume={19}, ISSN={1868-9884 1553-6610}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00594-7}, DOI={10.1007/s13178-021-00594-7}, abstractNote={Most sexual health interventions focus on individual-level predictors of sexual behavior. Given the considerable influence of environmental factors on adolescent girls' sexual health, current interventions may be insufficient to promote safer sex. In this study, we aimed to understand adolescent girls' anticipated barriers to engaging in safer sex behavior after completing a brief, web-based sexual health intervention called HEART.This study used qualitative interviews with 50 adolescent girls who were recruited from community-based organizations that serve vulnerable youth. All participants were 12 to 19 years old (mean age=15.62, SD=1.83), and identified with a marginalized racial/ethnic group (58% Black; 18% Latinx; 24% Asian, biracial, or multiracial). Further, 24% identified as LGBTQ+, and 58% were sexually active.Guided by the social ecological model, we delineate six unique barriers to safer sex discussed by adolescents: partner manipulation, slut shaming, unclear sexual values, present time orientation, embarrassment, and access to sexual and reproductive health services.We conclude with recommendations for addressing these barriers to optimize adolescent girls' sexual health.}, number={2}, journal={Sexuality Research and Social Policy}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Kamke, Kristyn and Stewart, J. L. and Widman, Laura}, year={2022}, pages={822–833} } @article{brasileiro_widman_norwalk_mccrimmon_mullins_2022, title={National trends and disparate access to formal and informal sex education among youth involved with the child welfare system in the USA}, volume={10}, ISSN={1468-1811 1472-0825}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14681811.2022.2134102}, DOI={10.1080/14681811.2022.2134102}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT This study investigated whether youth involved with the child welfare system in the USA are receiving formal and informal sex education. Data come from the Second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Wellbeing, a nationally representative sample of children and adolescents in contact with child protective services. Participants included young people (n = 1093, aged 11–21) involved with the child welfare system. Participants reported whether they had received formal sex education about a) abstinence only; b) contraceptives/condoms only; c) abstinence and contraceptives/condoms; or d) none. They also reported whether they knew where to access family planning services. We examined the prevalence of sex education experiences and differences in sex education access and knowledge based on participants’ pregnancy history and sociodemographic characteristics. Only half (49%) of participants had received any form of formal sex education. Pregnant youth were less likely to have received any sex education compared to non-pregnant youth . 72% of adolescents who had received sex education about contraceptives/condoms reported knowing where to access family planning services compared to only 46% of adolescents who had not received this sex education . There is a pressing need for comprehensive sex education among youth involved with the child welfare system.}, journal={Sex Education}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Brasileiro, Julia and Widman, Laura and Norwalk, Kate and Mccrimmon, Jordyn and Mullins, Lily}, year={2022}, month={Oct}, pages={1–17} } @article{evans_stokes_hope_widman_cryer-coupet_2022, title={Parental influence on sexual intentions of Black adolescent girls: Examining the role of gendered-racial socialization.}, volume={36}, ISSN={1939-1293 0893-3200}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/fam0000874}, DOI={10.1037/fam0000874}, abstractNote={Parents can promote the sexual health of adolescents in a number of well-established ways, such as through sexual communication and parental monitoring. Another unexplored avenue through which parents might influence sexual decision-making among Black girls is gendered-racial socialization-the process through which parents send messages to their Black daughters about what it means to be a Black girl, in part, to improve their self-esteem. In a national, U.S.-based sample of 287 Black girls (Mage = 15.4) and their parents (87.8% female), we examine how two dimensions of gendered-racial socialization (gendered-racial pride socialization; gendered-racial oppression socialization): (a) are related to adolescents' intentions to have early sex and (b) moderate the association of parental communication and monitoring with adolescents' intentions to have early sex. We found Black girls who are exposed to more empowering messages about Black girls and women are less likely to intend to have early sex. Additionally, gendered-racial pride socialization moderated the relationship between parental monitoring and intentions to have sex, such that more monitoring was associated with lower intentions to have early sex among girls low in gendered-racial pride socialization. For girls high in gendered-racial pride socialization, there was no relationship between parental monitoring and sexual intentions. Gendered-racial pride socialization is an important asset in Black families, which can be leveraged to improve the sexual health of Black girls. Future studies are needed to examine the causal, temporal pathways between gendered-racial socialization and sexual health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Family Psychology}, publisher={American Psychological Association (APA)}, author={Evans, Reina and Stokes, McKenzie N. and Hope, Elan C. and Widman, Laura and Cryer-Coupet, Qiana R.}, year={2022}, month={Mar}, pages={318–323} } @article{hurst_widman_maheux_evans-paulson_brasileiro_lipsey_2022, title={Parent–child communication and adolescent sexual decision making: An application of family communication patterns theory.}, volume={36}, ISSN={1939-1293 0893-3200}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/fam0000916}, DOI={10.1037/fam0000916}, abstractNote={Family communication patterns theory proposes two dimensions of family communication-conversation orientation and conformity orientation-that can impact adolescent decision making. The purpose of this study is to examine how family communication patterns, above and beyond the frequency of parent-child sexual communication, are associated with adolescents' (a) sexual self-efficacy, (b) intentions to communicate about sex with partners, and (c) intentions to use condoms. Participants were 452 U.S. adolescents (Mage = 15.06; 59% girls; 35% White, 33% Latinx, 25% Black). Controlling for the frequency of parent-child sexual communication and gender, we found the interaction between conversation and conformity orientation was associated with adolescent sexual self-efficacy and intentions to communicate about sex with partners. When families were high on conversation and low on conformity, adolescents had statistically significantly higher sexual self-efficacy than any other family communication patterns. When families were low on conversation and low on conformity, adolescents had statistically significantly lower intentions to communicate with future sex partners than any other family communication pattern. Findings highlight the importance of understanding general communication processes beyond the frequency of parent-child sexual communication. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).}, number={3}, journal={Journal of Family Psychology}, publisher={American Psychological Association (APA)}, author={Hurst, Jeffrey L. and Widman, Laura and Maheux, Anne J. and Evans-Paulson, Reina and Brasileiro, Julia and Lipsey, Nikolette}, year={2022}, month={Apr}, pages={449–457} } @article{maheux_roberts_nesi_widman_choukas-bradley_2022, title={Psychometric properties and factor structure of the Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness Scale among emerging adults}, volume={43}, ISSN={["1873-6807"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.08.002}, abstractNote={Appearance-related social media consciousness (ASMC) is the persistent awareness of one's attractiveness on social media. The ASMC Scale, recently developed for use with adolescents (Choukas-Bradley et al., 2020), provides a promising tool for systematically examining ASMC and associations with mental health. The current study examined the psychometric properties of the ASMC Scale among emerging adult men and women. Participants for Study 1 were 428 emerging adults (M age = 21.9) from five Anglophone, industrialized countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand). Results from Study 1 provide evidence that the 13-item ASMC Scale has a unidimensional structure, strong internal consistency, measurement invariance across gender, and convergent validity (i.e., associations with related offline appearance concerns and cognitions) and incremental validity (i.e., associations with depressive symptoms and disordered eating, above and beyond time spent on social media). Participants from Study 2 were 296 U.S. college students (M age = 18.6). Results from Study 2 confirmed the factor structure and further demonstrated the convergent and incremental validity (above and beyond both time spent on social media and offline appearance concerns) of the ASMC Scale. Findings suggest that the ASMC Scale can be used among emerging adults, aiding future research investigating social media experiences and mental health.}, journal={BODY IMAGE}, author={Maheux, Anne J. and Roberts, Savannah R. and Nesi, Jacqueline and Widman, Laura and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2022}, month={Dec}, pages={63–74} } @article{widman_maheux_craig_evans-paulson_choukas-bradley_2022, title={Sexual Communication between Adolescent Partners: A Scoping Review and Directions for Future Research}, volume={59}, ISSN={0022-4499 1559-8519}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2022.2099787}, DOI={10.1080/00224499.2022.2099787}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Sexual communication between adolescent partners is an important component of sexual health and wellbeing. Over 40 years of research on adolescent sexual communication has yielded rich information, yet there remain gaps in our understanding of the communication process. The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesize the body of research on adolescent sexual communication to identify how communication has been conceptualized, how researchers have measured communication, and what theoretical frameworks have been applied across the literature. We identified 198 assessments of sexual communication across 119 quantitative studies. This work included 127,489 adolescents (M age = 15.97) from 15 countries (81.5% U.S.-based). Most studies relied on self-reports (93.4%) and surveyed only one member of a couple (97.5%). The definition of sexual communication was highly varied across the literature: in half of assessments (52.0%) sexual communication was operationalized as a behavior–the verbal or nonverbal exchange of messages about sex–whereas the remaining half of assessments captured social-cognitive aspects of communication (e.g., communication self-efficacy, fear/anxiety). There was also a tendency for investigators to create their own idiosyncratic instruments: half of studies (48.9%) used instruments created by the research team with limited or no discussion of reliability/validity. Regarding the topic of communication, a third of assessments (33.8%) focused exclusively on condom communication and another quarter (24.0%) focused on other safer-sex issues (e.g., STDs, abstinence). Notably absent were studies focused on communication surrounding consent or sexual pleasure. Also absent was a guiding conceptual model or theory that could unify this body of work. Overall, results highlight gaps and inconsistencies in how partner sexual communication has been conceptualized, measured, and theorized about in previous work. We provide several recommendations for future theory-building efforts as well as rigorous, multimethod empirical investigations of adolescent sexual communication that would further our understanding of this important aspect of adolescent sexual wellbeing.}, number={8}, journal={The Journal of Sex Research}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Widman, Laura and Maheux, Anne J. and Craig, Elizabeth and Evans-Paulson, Reina and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2022}, month={Aug}, pages={984–999} } @article{stewart_wallace_nance_schalkoff_uhrig castonguay_widman_carey_golin_2022, title={Validated HIV Knowledge Scales for Use with Adults and Adolescents: A Systematic Review}, volume={26}, ISSN={1090-7165 1573-3254}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10461-021-03521-4}, DOI={10.1007/s10461-021-03521-4}, abstractNote={HIV knowledge - the information a person possesses about HIV - is essential for the prevention and management of HIV. Therefore, the accurate measurement of HIV knowledge is important for both science and practice. This systematic review identifies extant HIV knowledge scales that have been validated with adolescent and adult populations and summarizes the state of this research. We searched seven electronic databases, which resulted in 6,525 articles. After title/abstract and full-text review, 27 studies remained and underwent qualitative review of reported scale psychometric properties. Many studies were conducted in the last decade (n = 12), reflecting advances in scientific knowledge of HIV. Five were exclusively adolescent-based studies (sample age ≤ 18). Most studies reported reliability (n = 25) or at least one form of validity (n = 21). Future studies should develop or refine HIV knowledge scales so that they reflect recent scientific developments, use rigorous psychometric testing, and target samples that include those persons at highest risk for HIV.}, number={5}, journal={AIDS and Behavior}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Stewart, J. L. and Wallace, Deshira D. and Nance, Abby and Schalkoff, Christine A. and Uhrig Castonguay, Breana J. and Widman, Laura and Carey, Michael P. and Golin, Carol E.}, year={2022}, pages={1695–1715} } @article{maheux_roberts_evans_widman_choukas-bradley_2021, title={Associations between adolescents' pornography consumption and self-objectification, body comparison, and body shame}, volume={37}, ISSN={["1873-6807"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.01.014}, abstractNote={Although prior work indicates an association between idealized media content and adolescents' body-related concerns, such as self-objectification, body comparison, and body shame, few prior studies have examined the role of pornography. Even fewer studies have included adolescent girls, limiting our understanding of potential gender differences. In this brief report, we investigate these associations in a diverse mixed-gender sample of high school students in the Southeastern U.S. (n = 223, ages 15–18, M age = 16.25, 59 % girls) who completed computerized self-report measures. Controlling for demographic covariates and frequency of social media use, we found an association between frequency of pornography consumption in the past year and higher self-objectification and body comparison, but not body shame. No evidence of differences by gender emerged. Results suggest that both boys and girls may be susceptible to pornography-related body concerns, yet these concerns may not include body shame. Future research should examine both risks and benefits of pornography use among adolescents using longitudinal designs, as well as how body-related concerns can be incorporated into pornography literacy interventions.}, journal={BODY IMAGE}, author={Maheux, Anne J. and Roberts, Savannah R. and Evans, Reina and Widman, Laura and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2021}, month={Jun}, pages={89–93} } @article{maheux_bryen_carrino_stewart_widman_choukas-bradley_2021, title={Depressive symptoms among mostly heterosexual adolescents}, volume={25}, ISSN={["1935-9713"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/19359705.2020.1843583}, DOI={10.1080/19359705.2020.1843583}, abstractNote={Abstract Background Mostly heterosexual adolescents experience heightened depressive symptoms compared to heterosexual adolescents, though prior comparisons with other sexual minority adolescents have been inconsistent and rarely used a comprehensive measure of sexual orientation. Method U.S. high school adolescents were considered mostly heterosexual if they either (a) self-identified as mostly heterosexual or (b) identified as heterosexual but reported same-gender attraction and/or sexual behavior. Result Depressive symptoms among both groups of mostly heterosexual adolescents were higher than exclusively heterosexual adolescents but similar to other sexual minority adolescents. Conclusion Mostly heterosexual adolescents may be at risk for depression like their other sexual minority peers.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Maheux, Anne J. and Bryen, Chloe P. and Carrino, Emily A. and Stewart, J. L. and Widman, Laura and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2021}, month={Jun}, pages={317–332} } @article{evans-paulson_widman_brasileiro_maheux_choukas-bradley_2021, title={Examining the link between sexual self-concept and sexual communication among adolescents}, volume={69}, ISSN={["1746-4102"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/01463373.2021.1969585}, DOI={10.1080/01463373.2021.1969585}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to move beyond a sexual risk framework to investigate the possible associations among three sex-positive constructs for adolescents: their sexual self-concept (i.e., their positive/negative feelings about themselves as sexual beings), their sexual communication with romantic/sexual partners, and their sexual communication self-efficacy. We also examined differences in these constructs by sexual intercourse experience and gender. Participants were 171 adolescents who had been in a dating or sexual relationship in the past year (M age = 16.32 years; 64.3% girls). Compared to girls, boys had more positive sexual self-concepts but less self-efficacy to communicate with their partners about sex. Adolescents who reported having had sexual intercourse had more positive sexual self-concepts as well as more frequent partner sexual communication compared to adolescents without sexual intercourse experience. Adolescents with a more positive sexual self-concept had higher sexual communication self-efficacy and reported more frequent sexual communication. In addition, sexual communication self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between sexual self-concept and sexual communication. Results highlight the connection between sexual self-concept and sexual communication and contribute to a growing body of work on the positive aspects of adolescent sexuality.}, number={5}, journal={COMMUNICATION QUARTERLY}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Evans-Paulson, Reina and Widman, Laura and Brasileiro, Julia and Maheux, Anne J. and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2021}, month={Sep} } @article{brasileiro_widman_spiva_norwalk_2021, title={Identifying gaps in training on sexual health for caregivers of adolescents in foster care}, volume={17}, ISSN={1745-0128 1745-0136}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17450128.2021.1975859}, DOI={10.1080/17450128.2021.1975859}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Youth in foster care are a vulnerable group of adolescents that experience worse sexual health outcomes, including higher rates of STIs, HIV, and early and repeat pregnancy, compared to youth not in foster care. Caregivers of youth in foster care may play a critical role in improving the sexual health of youth in their care. However, many caregivers of youth in foster care do not talk to youth about sexual health, and few studies have directly asked caregivers about the trainings they may need to provide better sex education to youth. This exploratory study examined the training needs of caregivers of youth in foster care. Participants were a state-wide sample of 347 caregivers of youth in foster care in North Carolina, United States, who completed an online survey that asked about training needs. Almost half (49.0%) of participants state that they do not feel fully prepared to parent youth in foster care. Seventy-two percent of participants indicated they would like to receive more training on at least one of the three topics relevant to adolescent relationships and sexual health. By topic, the percentage of participants who desired more information included: peer pressure and friendships (48.1%); sexuality and sexual risk reduction (e.g. healthy relationships, pregnancy, STIs) (43.8%); and puberty and physical development (40.3%). Another area that most participants expressed a desire for more training was adolescent technology use (56.2%) – which is relevant to adolescent relationships and sexuality given a rise in the use of technology-based platforms to meet relationship partners, look at pornography, and share sexual messages and photos. Many caregivers desire additional training on how to engage with youth about sexuality and sexual risk reduction. Training caregivers of youth in foster care may be an effective strategy for improving the sexual health outcomes of this vulnerable population of youth.}, number={2}, journal={Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Brasileiro, Julia and Widman, Laura and Spiva, Sunshine and Norwalk, Kate}, year={2021}, month={Sep}, pages={119–129} } @article{evans-paulson_widman_javidi_lipsey_2021, title={Is Regulatory Focus Related to Condom Use, STI/HIV Testing, and Sexual Satisfaction?}, volume={59}, ISSN={["1559-8519"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2021.1961671}, DOI={10.1080/00224499.2021.1961671}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Regulatory focus theory contends that when making decisions people are either more inclined to focus on avoiding negative consequences (more prevention-focused) or achieving pleasurable outcomes (more promotion-focused). Some research suggests that regulatory focus is related to health behaviors, although this has not been thoroughly investigated in the sexual health domain. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between regulatory focus (prevention, promotion) and sexual health. In an online survey of 409 youth from the U.S. (ages = 18–25; M age = 23.5; 57.2% women; 74.1% White, 13.4% Asian, 10.5% Black, 9.8% Hispanic), we examined the relationship between regulatory focus and three sexual health outcomes: condom use, STI/HIV testing, and sexual satisfaction. Of youth in our sample, 31.8% had a dominant prevention-focus, while 54.8% had a dominant promotion-focus. Compared to youth who were more promotion-focused, more prevention-focused youth used condoms more frequently but reported less sexual satisfaction. No differences were found in rates of STI/HIV testing. This study lays the groundwork to investigate the dynamic role that regulatory focus may play in contributing to youths’ sexual health. More experimental and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the causal nature of the association between regulatory focus and sexual health.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Evans-Paulson, Reina and Widman, Laura and Javidi, Hannah and Lipsey, Nikolette}, year={2021}, month={Aug} } @book{crooks_baur_widman_2021, place={Boston, MA}, edition={14th}, title={Our Sexuality}, ISBN={9780357360750 9780357360743}, publisher={Cengage Learning}, author={Crooks, R.L. and Baur, K. and Widman, L.}, year={2021} } @article{javidi_widman_lipsey_brasileiro_javidi_jhala_2021, title={REDEVELOPING A DIGITAL SEXUAL HEALTH INTERVENTION FOR ADOLESCENTS TO ALLOW FOR BROADER DISSEMINATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR HIV AND STD PREVENTION}, volume={33}, ISSN={["1943-2755"]}, DOI={10.1521/aeap.2021.33.2.89}, abstractNote={ HIV/STDs and unintended pregnancy persist among adolescents in the United States; thus, effective sexual health interventions that can be broadly disseminated are necessary. Digital health interventions are highly promising because they allow for customization and widespread reach. The current project involved redeveloping and expanding HEART (Health Education and Relationship Training)—a brief, digital sexual health intervention efficacious at improving safer sex knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavior—onto an open-source platform to allow for greater interactivity and accessibility while reducing long-term program costs. The authors describe the process of adapting, reprogramming, and evaluating the new program, which may serve as a guide for investigators seeking to adapt behavioral interventions onto digital platforms. The final product is an open-source intervention that can be easily adapted for new populations. Among 233 adolescents (Mage = 15.06; 64% girls), HEART was highly acceptable and generally feasible to administer, with no differences in acceptability by gender or sexual identity. }, number={2}, journal={AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION}, author={Javidi, Hannah and Widman, Laura and Lipsey, Nikolette and Brasileiro, Julia and Javidi, Farhad and Jhala, Arnav}, year={2021}, month={Apr}, pages={89–102} } @article{nesi_choukas-bradley_maheux_roberts_sanzari_widman_prinstein_2021, title={Selfie Appearance Investment and Peer Feedback Concern: Multimethod Investigation of Adolescent Selfie Practices and Adjustment}, volume={10}, ISSN={["2689-6575"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000342}, DOI={10.1037/ppm0000342}, abstractNote={Sharing "selfies" on social media is common among adolescents. The frequency with which adolescents post selfies may be less important than behaviors and cognitions underlying selfie-posting, and these practices may differ by gender. This multi-method study explored selfie practices in a school-based sample of 639 adolescents (M age=17.6; 53.5% female). Participants completed self-report measures of selfie practices, body esteem, depressive symptoms, and peer behaviors. In addition, a subset of participants' social media pages (n = 245) were observationally-coded for numbers of selfies, followers, and likes. Factor analyses revealed two distinct selfie practices: selfie appearance investment and selfie peer feedback concern. Girls posted selfies more frequently, and reported greater levels of appearance investment and concern over peer feedback on selfies compared to boys. Multiple group structural equation models indicated that for boys and girls, selfie appearance investment was associated with depressive symptoms. For girls only, selfie peer feedback concern was associated with excessive reassurance-seeking and lower body esteem. No associations were revealed between observationally-coded measures of selfie-posting frequency and psychosocial outcomes. Overall, findings suggest that frequency of selfie-posting may be less relevant for understanding adolescent adjustment than investment in and concern over the selfie-posting experience.}, number={4}, journal={PSYCHOLOGY OF POPULAR MEDIA}, publisher={American Psychological Association (APA)}, author={Nesi, Jacqueline and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia and Maheux, Anne J. and Roberts, Savannah R. and Sanzari, Christina M. and Widman, Laura and Prinstein, Mitchell J.}, year={2021}, month={Oct}, pages={488–499} } @article{widman_javidi_maheux_evans_nesi_choukas-bradley_2021, title={Sexual Communication in the Digital Age: Adolescent Sexual Communication with Parents and Friends About Sexting, Pornography, and Starting Relationships Online}, volume={25}, ISSN={["1936-4822"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-021-09866-1}, DOI={10.1007/s12119-021-09866-1}, number={6}, journal={SEXUALITY & CULTURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Widman, Laura and Javidi, Hannah and Maheux, Anne J. and Evans, Reina and Nesi, Jacqueline and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2021}, month={Dec}, pages={2092–2109} } @article{widman_javidi_maheux_evans_nesi_choukas-bradley_2021, title={Sexual Communication in the Digital Age: Adolescent Sexual Communication with Parents and Friends About Sexting, Pornography, and Starting Relationships Online (Apr, 10.1007/s12119-021-09866-1, 2021)}, volume={6}, ISSN={["1936-4822"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-021-09883-0}, DOI={10.1007/s12119-021-09883-0}, abstractNote={A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12119-021-09883-0}, journal={SEXUALITY & CULTURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Widman, Laura and Javidi, Hannah and Maheux, Anne J. and Evans, Reina and Nesi, Jacqueline and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2021}, month={Jun} } @article{brasileiro_widman_hurst_2021, title={Sexual self-efficacy and sexual communication among adolescent girls: moderated mediation results from a randomized controlled trial}, volume={11}, ISSN={0887-0446 1476-8321}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.2012573}, DOI={10.1080/08870446.2021.2012573}, abstractNote={Abstract Objective: Guided by the Operating Conditions Framework, the goal of this study was to identify how and for whom an online sexual health program called Health Education and Relationship Training (HEART) worked. Design: Data come from a randomized controlled trial among 198 U.S. high school girls who completed HEART or an attention-matched control. We conducted mediation and moderated mediation models to determine if sexual self-efficacy was a mediator and if program acceptability and sexual activity status were moderators of HEART efficacy. Main Outcome Measure: Sexual communication skills were assessed with a behavioral role-play task. Results: HEART significantly improved sexual communication skills. These effects were fully mediated through sexual self-efficacy. Specifically, HEART improved sexual self-efficacy which in turn increased sexual communication skills. Also, when participants liked the program more, the effect of HEART on sexual self-efficacy was stronger. Further, among girls who had engaged in sexual activity, sexual self-efficacy was significantly associated with sexual communication skills. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the mechanisms of behavior change underlying HEART. Results highlight the need to further ‘unpack’ the effects of other sexual health programs, as we showed that programs may work better under certain conditions.}, journal={Psychology & Health}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Brasileiro, Julia and Widman, Laura and Hurst, Jeffrey L.}, year={2021}, month={Dec}, pages={1–15} } @article{brasileiro_widman_evans_javidi_2021, title={Social self-efficacy and sexual communication among adolescents in the United States: a cross-sectional study}, volume={18}, ISSN={["1449-8987"]}, DOI={10.1071/SH20221}, abstractNote={Background Sexual communication between partners is associated with safer sex behaviours, including condom use among adolescents. Several studies have found a relationship between negative psychological constructs (e.g. depression, anxiety) and poor sexual communication; however, scant research exists regarding positive psychological constructs and their potential to promote effective sexual communication among adolescents. This study examined the association between a positive construct, social self-efficacy – a person’s belief in their ability to successfully manage social relationships – and three components of sexual communication: sexual assertiveness, self-efficacy for communication, and frequency of sexual communication with dating partners. Methods: Data were collected in a cross-sectional survey from 222 high school girls in a rural school district in the south-eastern United States (Mage = 15.2; 38% White, 29% Latina, 24% Black; 50% were in a dating relationship in the past 3 months). Variables were measured with Likert-type scales. Bivariate correlation and regression analyses were conducted. Results: Social self-efficacy was significantly positively associated with sexual assertiveness and sexual communication self-efficacy for all girls, and there was a positive trend in the relationship between social self-efficacy and communication frequency among the subsample of girls who had a dating partner. The significant relationship with sexual assertiveness (β = 0.22, s.e. = 0.07, P = 0.001) and sexual communication self-efficacy (β = 0.17, s.e. = 0.04, P = 0.013) remained when controlling for sexual activity status. Conclusions: Strengthening social self-efficacy may enhance girls’ sexual communication and assertiveness skills. Future studies are needed to confirm the causal and temporal nature of these associations.}, number={2}, journal={SEXUAL HEALTH}, author={Brasileiro, Julia and Widman, Laura and Evans, Reina and Javidi, Hannah}, year={2021}, pages={172–179} } @article{kamke_widman_javidi_2021, title={The Multidimensionality of Adolescent Girls' Gender Attitudes}, volume={39}, ISSN={["1936-4717"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-021-09288-1}, DOI={10.1007/s12147-021-09288-1}, number={2}, journal={GENDER ISSUES}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Kamke, Kristyn and Widman, Laura and Javidi, Hannah}, year={2021}, month={Aug} } @article{stewart_wallace_nance_schalkoff_uhrig castonguay_widman_carey_golin_2021, title={Validated HIV Knowledge Scales for Use with Adults and Adolescents: A Systematic Review (Nov, 10.1007/s10461-021-03521-4, 2021)}, volume={11}, ISSN={["1573-3254"]}, DOI={10.1007/s10461-021-03536-x}, journal={AIDS AND BEHAVIOR}, author={Stewart, J. L. and Wallace, Deshira D. and Nance, Abby and Schalkoff, Christine A. and Uhrig Castonguay, Breana J. and Widman, Laura and Carey, Michael P. and Golin, Carol E.}, year={2021}, month={Nov} } @article{stewart_kamke_widman_hope_2021, title={“They See Sex as Something That’s Reproductive and Not as Something People Do for Fun”: Shortcomings in Adolescent Girls’ Sexual Socialization from Adults}, volume={37}, ISSN={0743-5584 1552-6895}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/07435584211020299}, DOI={10.1177/07435584211020299}, abstractNote={ Theorists suggest that adolescent girls’ sexual socialization can influence sexual risk reduction and positive sexuality development, although adolescent girls’ positive sexuality development is understudied. In this study, we applied a sex-positive framework to explore sexual socialization experiences among a sample of adolescent girls of color recruited from community-based organizations that serve youth with heightened needs ( n = 50; Mage = 15.62, range = 12–19; 58% Black/African American; 76% heterosexual; 58% sexually active). Specifically, we examined girls’ reports of messages about sexuality they have received from their teachers, parents, health care providers, and society at large. Participants completed brief, semi-structured qualitative interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Overall, the adolescent girls described how they navigate primarily sex-negative sexual socialization messages from adults to develop positive sexual selves. Within this narrative, we found five themes: (a) Adults deliver one-sided communication that adolescent sex is inappropriate and risky; (b) Gendered messages restrict adolescent girls’ sexuality; (c) Naive adults can’t be trusted; (d) Exclusion of same-gender sexual experiences endangers adolescents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and with other nonheterosexual orientations (LGBQ+); and (e) Messages about sexual protection can help but may still restrict adolescent girls’ sexual choices. Implications for adolescent girls’ positive sexuality development are discussed. }, number={2}, journal={Journal of Adolescent Research}, publisher={SAGE Publications}, author={Stewart, J. L. and Kamke, Kristyn and Widman, Laura and Hope, Elan C.}, year={2021}, month={Jun}, pages={250–279} } @article{widman_evans_2020, title={Adolescent Sexual Health Interventions: Innovation, Efficacy, Cost, and the Urgent Need to Scale}, volume={145}, ISSN={["1098-4275"]}, DOI={10.1542/peds.2020-0392}, abstractNote={* Abbreviations: FTT — : Families Talking Together HCP — : health care provider African American and Latinx adolescents in the United States are at high risk for experiencing poor sexual health outcomes. Compared with their white peers, African American and Latina girls are nearly twice as likely to give birth before age 20.1 Rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are also higher for racial and/or ethnic minority adolescents.2 The persistence of these sexual health disparities, despite decades of intervention efforts, necessitates prevention approaches that are innovative, efficacious, cost-effective, and scalable. In this issue of Pediatrics , Guilamo-Ramos et al3 provide rigorous evidence for a highly promising intervention, a triadic version of Families Talking Together (FTT). The triadic FTT intervention is innovative in that it involves African American and Latinx youth in early adolescence, their female caregivers, and their health care providers (HCPs). Of more than two dozen sexual health interventions for African American and/or Latinx adolescents that have been evaluated in randomized clinical trials,4,5 FTT is the first of which we are aware that incorporates adolescents, parents, and HCPs in a single program. Incorporating both parents and HCPs into intervention efforts is wise for several reasons: HCPs can lend additional credibility to intervention … Address correspondence to Laura Widman, PhD, Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, 640 Poe Hall, Raleigh, NC 27695. E-mail: lmwidman{at}ncsu.edu}, number={5}, journal={PEDIATRICS}, author={Widman, Laura and Evans, Reina}, year={2020}, month={May} } @article{evans_widman_stokes_javidi_hope_brasileiro_2020, title={Association of Sexual Health Interventions With Sexual Health Outcomes in Black Adolescents A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis}, volume={174}, ISSN={["2168-6211"]}, DOI={10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.0382}, abstractNote={Importance Black adolescents are at increased risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and experiencing unplanned pregnancy. Although sexual health interventions aimed at decreasing these risks exist, evidence of the association between sexual health interventions and the sexual behavior of black adolescents has not been synthesized to our knowledge. Objective To examine the associations between sexual health interventions and behavioral, biological, and psychological outcomes. Data Sources For this systematic review and meta-analysis, a systematic search was conducted of studies published through January 31, 2019, using the PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases and relevant review articles. The following key words were used: youth, adolesc* or teen*; sexual health or safe* sex or sexually transmitted disease or sexually transmitted infection or STD or STI or HIV or AIDS or pregnancy or reproductive health or condom* or contracept* or unprotected sex or abstinence; intervention or program or education or prevention or promotion or trial; latino* or latina* or latinx* or minorit* or ethnic* or hispanic or african american* or black* or race or racial or biracial. Study Selection Studies were included if they included a US-based sample of black adolescents, evaluated a sexual health intervention using experimental or quasi-experimental designs, included a behavioral outcome, and were published in English. Data Extraction and Synthesis Standardized mean differences and 95% CIs were extracted and meta-analyzed using random-effects models. Main Outcomes and Measures Behavioral outcomes were abstinence, condom use, and number of sex partners. Biological outcomes were pregnancy and STI contraction. Psychological outcomes were sexual health intentions, knowledge, and self-efficacy. Results Across 29 studies including 11 918 black adolescents (weighted mean age, 12.43 years), there was a significant weighted mean association of sexual health interventions with improvements in abstinence (Cohen d = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.05-0.24) and condom use (Cohen d = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.11-0.39). No significant mean association of these interventions with number of sex partners, pregnancy, or STI contraction was found. Sexual health interventions were significantly associated with improvements in psychological outcomes: sexual health intentions (Cohen d = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05-0.30), knowledge (Cohen d = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.30-0.63), and self-efficacy (Cohen d = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.09-0.28). Intervention effect sizes were consistent across factors, such as participant sex and age and intervention dose. Conclusions and Relevance The findings suggest that sexual health interventions are associated with improvements in sexual well-being among black adolescents. There appears to be a need for wide-scale dissemination of these programs to address racial disparities in sexual health across the US.}, number={7}, journal={JAMA PEDIATRICS}, author={Evans, Reina and Widman, Laura and Stokes, McKenzie N. and Javidi, Hannah and Hope, Elan C. and Brasileiro, Julia}, year={2020}, month={Jul}, pages={676–689} } @article{widman_kamke_evans_stewart_choukas-bradley_golin_2020, title={Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Brief Online Sexual Health Program for Adolescents}, volume={57}, ISSN={["1559-8519"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2019.1630800}, DOI={10.1080/00224499.2019.1630800}, abstractNote={This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 45-minute interactive, online sexual health program for adolescents, called Health Education and Relationship Training (HEART). The program was originally developed and evaluated among adolescent girls (HEART for Girls); the current project describes and evaluates a new version of the program that was adapted for boys and girls. Participants were 226 high school students (mean age = 16.3; 58% girls; 46% White; 79% heterosexual). Students were randomized to HEART or an attention-matched control and assessed at pre-test and immediate post-test. Overall, the program was feasible to administer in a school setting and youth found the program highly acceptable (83% liked the program, 87% learned new things, and 93% would use program content in the future). At post-test, students who completed HEART demonstrated improvements on every outcome we examined: sexual communication intentions, condom use intentions, HIV/STD knowledge, condom attitudes, condom norms, self-efficacy to practice safer sex, and sexual assertiveness compared to control participants (effect size ds = .23 to 1.27). Interactions by gender and sexual orientation revealed the program was equally acceptable and worked equally well for boys and girls and for heterosexual and sexual minority youth. We propose several avenues to further adapt and tailor HEART given its promise in promoting adolescent sexual health.}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Widman, Laura and Kamke, Kristyn and Evans, Reina and Stewart, J. L. and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia and Golin, Carol E.}, year={2020}, month={Feb}, pages={145–154} } @article{evans_widman_kamke_stewart_2020, title={Gender Differences in Parents' Communication With Their Adolescent Children about Sexual Risk and Sex-Positive Topics}, volume={57}, ISSN={["1559-8519"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2019.1661345}, DOI={10.1080/00224499.2019.1661345}, abstractNote={A healthy sexual self-concept that captures an understanding of the risky and the positive aspects of sexuality is imperative to life-long well-being. Parents have a unique opportunity to instill knowledge of sexual risk as well as confidence and comfort around sexuality in their adolescents. Although parent–child communication about sexual risk is fairly common, less is known regarding the frequency of parent–child communication about sex-positive topics, such as sexual desire and satisfaction. This study examined the frequency of parents’ communication with their children about sexual risk and sex-positive topics among a sample of 901 parents of 13–17-year-old adolescents (parent Mage= 40.61; 71% mothers) from across the U.S. Parents reported on sexual communication with their adolescent children (child Mage = 14.68; 50% daughters). We examined gender differences in communication patterns. Few parents communicated with their adolescents about sex-positive topics. Only 38% discussed sexual satisfaction, 38% discussed different types of sexual practices (e.g., oral sex), and 55% discussed sexual desire. Parents communicate more about sexual risk than sex-positive topics with their adolescents and this discrepancy was largest for mothers of daughters. Fathers of daughters communicate the least about sex-positive topics. Implications for intervention development and future research on sexual communication are discussed.}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH}, author={Evans, Reina and Widman, Laura and Kamke, Kristyn and Stewart, J. L.}, year={2020}, month={Feb}, pages={177–188} } @misc{widman_evans_choukas-bradley_2020, title={More Meta-analytical Explorations on Adolescent Sexual Health Interventions Are Needed Reply}, volume={174}, ISSN={["2168-6211"]}, DOI={10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.5894}, abstractNote={Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy | Continue JAMA Pediatrics HomeNew OnlineCurrent IssueFor Authors Podcast Publications JAMA JAMA Network Open JAMA Cardiology JAMA Dermatology JAMA Health Forum JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Neurology JAMA Oncology JAMA Ophthalmology JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery JAMA Pediatrics JAMA Psychiatry JAMA Surgery Archives of Neurology & Psychiatry (1919-1959) JN Learning / CMESubscribeJobsInstitutions / LibrariansReprints & Permissions Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement 2023 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved Search All JAMA JAMA Network Open JAMA Cardiology JAMA Dermatology JAMA Forum Archive JAMA Health Forum JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Neurology JAMA Oncology JAMA Ophthalmology JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery JAMA Pediatrics JAMA Psychiatry JAMA Surgery Archives of Neurology & Psychiatry Input Search Term Sign In Individual Sign In Sign inCreate an Account Access through your institution Sign In Purchase Options: Buy this article Rent this article Subscribe to the JAMA Pediatrics journal}, number={4}, journal={JAMA PEDIATRICS}, author={Widman, Laura and Evans, Reina and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2020}, month={Apr}, pages={390–391} } @article{maheux_evans_widman_nesi_prinstein_choukas-bradley_2020, title={Popular peer norms and adolescent sexting behavior}, volume={78}, ISSN={["1095-9254"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.12.002}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT}, journal={JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Maheux, Anne J. and Evans, Reina and Widman, Laura and Nesi, Jacqueline and Prinstein, Mitchell J. and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2020}, month={Jan}, pages={62–66} } @article{evans_widman_javidi_adams_cacace_prinstein_desmarais_2020, title={Preliminary Evaluation of a Prescription Opioid Misuse Prevention Program Among Rural Middle School Students}, volume={45}, ISSN={0094-5145 1573-3610}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00899-5}, DOI={10.1007/s10900-020-00899-5}, abstractNote={Adolescent opioid misuse, addiction, and overdose have emerged as national health crises. Nearly 17% of high school students have misused prescription opioids. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reach and acceptability of a widely-used prescription opioid misuse prevention program, This Is (Not) About Drugs© (TINAD), and its preliminary efficacy at improving opioid misuse knowledge, opioid misuse attitudes, self-efficacy to avoid opioid misuse, and intentions to misuse opioids. Participants were 576 7th grade students (Mage = 11.8; 51% boys; 39% Hispanic, 31% White, 20% Black) from a rural county in the southeastern U.S. All participants received the TINAD program and completed pretest and immediate posttest assessments. The program was school-based and implemented in collaboration with school teachers and administrators. Over 91% of all eligible students in the school district participated in the TINAD program. Most participants found the program acceptable-over 83% of students liked the program. Approximately 9% of participants reported prior misuse of prescription opioids. After participating in TINAD, students self-reported higher knowledge and self-efficacy as well as safer attitudes. However, there was no change in intentions to misuse opioids in the future. Effects of the program were consistent across gender, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and previous opioid misuse. TINAD is acceptable and shows promise for improving opioid-related cognitions. However, more rigorous experimental and longitudinal research is needed to understand whether TINAD reduces opioid misuse over time. Given the limited research on adolescent opioid misuse prevention, this study lays the ground work for future randomized control trials.}, number={6}, journal={Journal of Community Health}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Evans, Reina and Widman, Laura and Javidi, Hannah and Adams, Elizabeth Troutman and Cacace, Sam and Prinstein, Mitchell J. and Desmarais, Sarah L.}, year={2020}, month={Aug}, pages={1139–1148} } @article{schleider_burnette_widman_hoyt_prinstein_2020, title={Randomized Trial of a Single-Session Growth MindSet Intervention for Rural Adolescents' Internalizing and Externalizing Problems}, volume={49}, ISSN={["1537-4424"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2019.1622123}, DOI={10.1080/15374416.2019.1622123}, abstractNote={Adolescents living in rural regions of the United States face substantial barriers to accessing mental health services, creating needs for more accessible, nonstigmatizing, briefer interventions. Research suggests that single-session “growth mind-set” interventions (GM-SSIs)—which teach the belief that personal traits are malleable through effort—may reduce internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescents. However, GM-SSIs have not been evaluated among rural youth, and their effects on internalizing and externalizing problems have not been assessed within a single trial, rendering their relative benefits for different problem types unclear. We examined whether a computerized GM-SSI could reduce depressive symptoms, social anxiety symptoms, and conduct problems in female adolescents from rural areas of the United States. Tenth-grade female adolescents (N = 222, M age = 15.2, 38% White, 25% Black, 29% Hispanic) from 4 rural, low-income high schools in the southeastern United States were randomized to receive a 45-min GM-SSI or a computer-based active control program, teaching healthy sexual behaviors. Young women self-reported depression symptoms, social anxiety symptoms, and conduct problem behaviors at baseline and 4-month follow-up. Relative to the female students in the control group, the students receiving the GM-SSI reported modest but significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms (d= .23) and likelihood of reporting elevated depressive symptoms (d= .29) from baseline to follow-up. GM-SSI effects were nonsignificant for social anxiety symptoms, although a small effect size emerged in the hypothesized direction (d= .21), and nonsignificant for change in conduct problems (d= .01). A free-of-charge 45-min GM-SSI may help reduce internalizing distress, especially depression—but not conduct problems—in rural female adolescents.}, number={5}, journal={JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Schleider, Jessica L. and Burnette, Jeni L. and Widman, Laura and Hoyt, Crystal and Prinstein, Mitchell J.}, year={2020}, month={Sep}, pages={660–672} } @misc{evans_widman_stokes_javidi_hope_brasileiro_2020, title={Sexual Health Programs for Latinx Adolescents: A Meta-analysis}, volume={146}, ISSN={["1098-4275"]}, DOI={10.1542/peds.2019-3572}, abstractNote={ }, number={1}, journal={PEDIATRICS}, author={Evans, Reina and Widman, Laura and Stokes, McKenzie and Javidi, Hannah and Hope, Elan and Brasileiro, Julia}, year={2020}, month={Jul} } @article{choukas-bradley_nesi_widman_galla_2020, title={The Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness Scale: Development and validation with adolescents}, volume={33}, ISSN={["1873-6807"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.02.017}, abstractNote={Appearance-related social media consciousness (ASMC) is defined as the extent to which individuals’ thoughts and behaviors reflect ongoing awareness of whether they might look attractive to a social media audience. In this 3-study paper, we report the development and validation of the ASMC Scale for adolescents. In Study 1, we developed 18 items and received input from adolescent focus groups and content experts, resulting in 13 items. In Study 2, we administered these items to a high school sample (N = 1227; 51.8 % girls; Mage = 15.72), completing an exploratory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis on two split halves. Results supported a single-factor solution with configural, metric, and partial scalar gender invariance. In Study 3, we administered the scale to a second high school sample (N = 226; 58.4 % girls; Mage = 16.25). ASMC scores demonstrated strong internal consistency, convergent and incremental validity, and test-retest reliability (measure re-administered for n = 207). Higher ASMC was associated with higher depressive and disordered eating symptoms, controlling for time on social media, gender, race/ethnicity, and body surveillance. Girls reported higher mean scores than boys. Findings support the use of this 13-item scale in reliably assessing adolescents’ ASMC, which may have important implications for mental health in the age of social media.}, journal={BODY IMAGE}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Choukas-Bradley, Sophia and Nesi, Jacqueline and Widman, Laura and Galla, Brian M.}, year={2020}, month={Jun}, pages={164–174} } @article{evans_widman_goldey_2020, title={The Role of Adolescent Sex Education in Sexual Satisfaction among LGB+ and Heterosexual Young Adults}, volume={15}, ISSN={["1554-6136"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/15546128.2020.1763883}, DOI={10.1080/15546128.2020.1763883}, abstractNote={Abstract Comprehensive sex education from schools and parents can reduce adolescent sexual risk. Little is known about the associations between adolescent sex education and sexual satisfaction among young adults—particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority (LGB+) young adults. We examined how adolescent sex education (comprehensive versus abstinence-only) was associated with young adult sexual satisfaction (sexual contentment and sexual communication satisfaction). More comprehensive school-based sex education had a stronger association with sexual contentment and communication satisfaction in young adulthood for heterosexual participants than LGB+ participants. More comprehensive family-based sex education was associated with higher communication satisfaction for all participants.}, number={3}, journal={AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SEXUALITY EDUCATION}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Evans, Reina and Widman, Laura and Goldey, Katherine}, year={2020}, month={Jul}, pages={310–335} } @article{javidi_maheux_widman_kamke_choukas-bradley_peterson_2020, title={Understanding Adolescents' Attitudes Toward Affirmative Consent}, volume={57}, ISSN={["1559-8519"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2019.1711009}, DOI={10.1080/00224499.2019.1711009}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT A clear understanding of sexual consent is important for sexual violence prevention. To date, most research has focused on how college students understand and negotiate consent. Although adolescence is a critical period for the development of sexual attitudes, identity, and intimate relationships, the perspectives of high school-aged youth have been largely absent from the consent literature. The current study investigated adolescents’ attitudes toward affirmative consent in a sample of 226 high school students (58% female; 46% White, 24% Black, 25% Hispanic) from the southeastern U.S., as well as associations between affirmative consent attitudes and gender, gender role beliefs, and sexual activity status. Additionally, we tested whether gender role beliefs were a mediator between gender and affirmative consent attitudes. Overall, adolescents reported supportive attitudes toward affirmative consent. On average, girls and adolescents with more egalitarian gender role beliefs had more positive attitudes toward affirmative consent than boys and those with less egalitarian gender role beliefs, though no differences by sexual activity status were found. Gender role beliefs mediated the relationship between gender and attitudes toward affirmative consent. The results suggest that adolescents are generally supportive of affirmative consent practices, although some important group differences emerged.}, number={9}, journal={JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Javidi, Hannah and Maheux, Anne J. and Widman, Laura and Kamke, Kristyn and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia and Peterson, Zoe D.}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={1100–1107} } @inbook{widman_stewart_2019, place={New York}, edition={4th}, title={Adolescent sexual communication scale}, booktitle={Handbook of Sexuality-Related Measures}, publisher={Routledge}, author={Widman, L. and Stewart, J.L.}, editor={Milhausen, R. and Fisher, T.D. and Davis, C.M. and Yarber, W.L. and Davis, S.L.Editors}, year={2019}, pages={251–253} } @article{stewart_widman_kamke_2019, title={Applying a Multifactorial Communication Framework to Better Understand Differences between Father-daughter and Mother-daughter Sexual Health Discussions}, volume={24}, ISSN={["1087-0415"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2019.1651428}, DOI={10.1080/10810730.2019.1651428}, abstractNote={While the literature on parent-child sexual communication among adolescent girls is robust overall, research that is specifically focused on communication between fathers and daughters is more limited. Further, there have been calls for work on parent-child sexual communication to be situated within a multi-factorial conceptual framework that distinguishes between different communication components, such as the communication source, content, frequency, quality, and timing. Using such a framework, this study examined aspects of father-daughter sexual communication as they compare to mother-daughter communication in a diverse sample of 193 girls (Mage = 15.62). Results highlighted several gaps between father-daughter and mother-daughter communication. Girls reported covering less content and communicating less frequently about sexual topics with their fathers compared to their mothers. Girls also reported being less comfortable communicating and found their discussions to be less helpful with fathers than mothers. Girls were also less likely to report communicating with fathers about sexual topics before their sexual debut than with mothers. No significant differences were found in communication style (i.e., conversational or like a lecture) between fathers or mothers. Results highlight the importance of understanding the multifaceted process of parent-child communication and signal the need for targeted intervention efforts to improve upon father-daughter communication.}, number={7-8}, journal={JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Stewart, J. L. and Widman, Laura and Kamke, Kristyn}, year={2019}, pages={633–642} } @misc{widman_evans_javidi_choukas-bradley_2019, title={Assessment of Parent-Based Interventions for Adolescent Sexual Health A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis}, volume={173}, ISSN={["2168-6211"]}, DOI={10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.2324}, abstractNote={Importance Parent-based sexual health interventions have received considerable attention as one factor that can increase safer sexual behavior among youth; however, to our knowledge, the evidence linking parent-based interventions to youth sexual behaviors has not been empirically synthesized. Objective To examine the association of parent-based sexual health interventions with 3 primary youth outcomes-delayed sexual activity, condom use, and parent-child sexual communication-as well as several secondary outcomes. We also explored potential moderators of intervention effectiveness. Data Sources A systematic search was conducted of studies published through March 2018 using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Communication Source, and CINAHL databases and relevant review articles. Study Selection Studies were included if they: (1) sampled adolescents (mean age, ≤18 years), (2) included parents in a key intervention component, (3) evaluated program effects with experimental/quasi-experimental designs, (4) included an adolescent-reported behavioral outcome, (5) consisted of a US-based sample, and (6) were published in English. Data Extraction and Synthesis Standardized mean difference (d) and 95% confidence intervals were computed from studies and meta-analyzed using random-effects models. A secondary analysis evaluated potential moderating variables. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were delayed sexual activity, condom use, and sexual communication. Results Independent findings from 31 articles reporting on 12 464 adolescents (mean age = 12.3 years) were synthesized. Across studies, there was a significant association of parent-based interventions with improved condom use (d = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13-0.51; P = .001) and parent-child sexual communication (d = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.19-0.35; P = .001). No significant differences between parent-based interventions and control programs were found for delaying sexual activity (d = -0.06; 95% CI, -0.14 to 0.02; P = .16). The associations for condom use were heterogeneous. Moderation analyses revealed larger associations for interventions that focused on younger, compared with older, adolescents; targeted black or Hispanic youth compared with mixed race/ethnicity samples; targeted parents and teens equally compared with emphasizing parents only; and included a program dose of 10 hours or more compared with a lower dose. Conclusions and Relevance Parent-based sexual health programs can promote safer sex behavior and cognitions in adolescents, although the findings in this analysis were generally modest. Moderation analyses indicated several areas where future programs could place additional attention to improve potential effectiveness.}, number={9}, journal={JAMA PEDIATRICS}, author={Widman, Laura and Evans, Reina and Javidi, Hannah and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia}, year={2019}, month={Sep}, pages={866–877} } @article{choukas-bradley_nesi_widman_higgins_2019, title={Camera-ready: Young women’s appearance-related social media consciousness.}, volume={8}, ISSN={2160-4142 2160-4134}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/PPM0000196}, DOI={10.1037/ppm0000196}, number={4}, journal={Psychology of Popular Media Culture}, publisher={American Psychological Association (APA)}, author={Choukas-Bradley, Sophia and Nesi, Jacqueline and Widman, Laura and Higgins, M. K.}, year={2019}, month={Oct}, pages={473–481} } @article{stewart_spivey_widman_choukas-bradley_prinstein_2019, title={Developmental patterns of sexual identity, romantic attraction, and sexual behavior among adolescents over three years}, volume={77}, ISSN={["1095-9254"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.adolescence.2019.10.006}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT}, journal={JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Stewart, J. L. and Spivey, Leigh A. and Widman, Laura and Choukas-Bradley, Sophia and Prinstein, Mitchell J.}, year={2019}, month={Dec}, pages={90–97} } @article{kamke_widman_desmarais_2019, title={Evaluation of an Online Sexual Health Program among Adolescent Girls with Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties}, volume={29}, ISSN={1062-1024 1573-2843}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01685-1}, DOI={10.1007/s10826-019-01685-1}, abstractNote={Adolescent girls with emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBDs) have a heightened risk of negative sexual health, including HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancy. Few evidence-based sexual health interventions are available for adolescent girls with EBDs. This study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a brief, online sexual health program called HEART (Health Education and Relationship Training).}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Child and Family Studies}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Kamke, Kristyn and Widman, Laura and Desmarais, Sarah L.}, year={2019}, month={Dec}, pages={1044–1054} } @article{francis_stevens_noar_widman_2019, title={Public Reactions to and Impact of Celebrity Health Announcements: Understanding the Charlie Sheen Effect}, volume={30}, ISSN={["1096-4649"]}, DOI={10.1080/10646175.2018.1532852}, abstractNote={Abstract Charlie Sheen, a popular actor, disclosed his HIV positive status on national television in November 2015. The purpose of this study was to examine reactions to and impact of Sheen’s HIV disclosure, specifically empathetic reactions, public engagement (information seeking, interpersonal communication, information sharing), and HIV testing intentions. We surveyed 751 adults about 2 months after Sheen’s disclosure and found high exposure to the announcement as well as information seeking, interpersonal communication, and information sharing about HIV. We found significant demographic differences in engagement with Sheen’s disclosure, with African Americans more likely to seek information and engage in conversations. Interpersonal communication mediated the relationship between empathy and HIV testing intentions. Public figure announcements, when widely-reported like that of Sheen, offer compelling health communication opportunities to inform and educate the public about disease and produce changes in public engagement that may impact behavioral intentions and ultimately behavior.}, number={5}, journal={HOWARD JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATIONS}, author={Francis, Diane B. and Stevens, Elise M. and Noar, Seth M. and Widman, Laura}, year={2019}, month={Oct}, pages={479–494} } @article{kamke_widman_haskett_2019, title={Safer Sex Communication and Sexual Health Behaviors Among a Representative Statewide Sample of Homeless Adolescents}, volume={57}, ISSN={0022-4499 1559-8519}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2019.1577945}, DOI={10.1080/00224499.2019.1577945}, abstractNote={Homeless adolescents are at substantial risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancy; however, little research has assessed factors, such as safer sex communication, that may protect homeless adolescents against these negative outcomes. Using the 2015 North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS; unweighted N = 5,486; ages 12 to 18; 5% homeless), we compared homeless adolescents’ primary safer sex communication sources (i.e., health care providers, parents, teachers, peers, religious leaders) to housed adolescents’ communication sources and assessed how these sources relate to sexual health behaviors, including condom use, HIV testing, and number of sexual partners. Most homeless adolescents (61%), and 46% of housed adolescents reported having questions about sex. Further, twice as many homeless adolescents communicated primarily with health care providers compared to housed adolescents. Importantly, among homeless adolescents, communicating primarily with health care providers or teachers was related to greater likelihood of condom use and communicating primarily with religious leaders was related to greater likelihood of HIV testing. Parent communication was unrelated to homeless adolescents’ sexual health behaviors. Last, communicating primarily with peers was associated with reduced likelihood of HIV testing. Having nonparental adult communication sources, including health care providers, teachers, and religious leaders, may be critical for encouraging safer sex behaviors among homeless adolescents.}, number={2}, journal={The Journal of Sex Research}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Kamke, Kristyn and Widman, Laura and Haskett, Mary E.}, year={2019}, month={Feb}, pages={1–8} } @inbook{widman_mcnulty_2019, place={New York}, edition={4th}, title={The sexual narcissism scale}, booktitle={Handbook of Sexuality-Related Measures}, publisher={Routledge}, author={Widman, L. and McNulty, J.K.}, editor={Milhausen, R. and Fisher, T.D. and Davis, C.M. and Yarber, W.L. and Davis, S.L.Editors}, year={2019}, pages={552–553} } @article{burnette_russell_hoyt_orvidas_widman_2018, title={An online growth mindset intervention in a sample of rural adolescent girls}, volume={88}, ISSN={["2044-8279"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85048912279&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1111/bjep.12192}, abstractNote={BackgroundStudents living in rural areas of the United States exhibit lower levels of educational attainment than their suburban counterparts. Innovative interventions are needed to close this educational achievement gap.}, number={3}, journal={BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Burnette, Jeni L. and Russell, Michelle V. and Hoyt, Crystal L. and Orvidas, Kasey and Widman, Laura}, year={2018}, month={Sep}, pages={428–445} } @article{choukas-bradley_nesi_widman_noar_2018, title={Examining the Roles of Self-Objectification and Appearance Expectations in Young Women’s Indoor Tanning Behavior}, volume={80}, DOI={10.1007/s11199-018-0913-9}, number={1-2}, journal={Sex Roles}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Choukas-Bradley, Sophia and Nesi, Jacqueline and Widman, Laura and Noar, Seth M.}, year={2018}, month={Apr}, pages={52–62} } @article{wagner_widman_nesi_noar_2018, title={Intentions to Use Emergency Contraception: The Role of Accurate Knowledge and Information Source Credibility}, volume={49}, ISSN={["2168-3751"]}, DOI={10.1080/19325037.2018.1473179}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Background: Emergency contraception (EC) is a highly effective form of birth control that may lower rates of unintended pregnancy among young women. But efforts to disseminate EC to women are hampered by misinformation and inadequate information. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the sources from which young women learn about EC (including health care providers, friends/interpersonal sources, media sources, or no information sources) and to examine associations between source credibility with the accuracy of EC knowledge and intentions to use EC. Method: Using a computer-based survey, 339 college women (M age = 18.4) reported their EC information sources, knowledge about EC, and behavioral intentions to use EC. Results: In total, 97% of participants had heard of EC from at least one source and 49% indicated that they were highly likely to use EC in the future if needed. Results demonstrated that EC knowledge mediated the relationship between EC information source credibility and intentions to use EC. Discussion: This study contributes important insights to a scarce literature on EC information sources and the factors that predict intentions to use EC. Translation to Health Education Practice: Future EC promotion efforts should target Health Education sources instead of media or interpersonal sources to promote EC knowledge and use among young sexually at-risk populations.}, number={4}, journal={AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH EDUCATION}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Wagner, Kyla P. Garrett and Widman, Laura and Nesi, Jacqueline and Noar, Seth M.}, year={2018}, pages={264–270} } @misc{mcnulty_widman_2018, title={Narcissistic Qualities and Infidelity}, ISBN={9783319921709 9783319921716}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92171-6_35}, DOI={10.1007/978-3-319-92171-6_35}, journal={Handbook of Trait Narcissism}, publisher={Springer International Publishing}, author={McNulty, James K. and Widman, Laura}, year={2018}, pages={327–333} } @article{widman_golin_kamke_burnette_prinstein_2018, title={Sexual Assertiveness Skills and Sexual Decision-Making in Adolescent Girls: Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Program}, volume={108}, ISSN={0090-0036 1541-0048}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2017.304106}, DOI={10.2105/ajph.2017.304106}, abstractNote={ Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of an interactive, Web-based sexual health program (Health Education and Relationship Training [HEART]) for developing sexual assertiveness skills and enhancing sexual decision-making in adolescent girls. }, number={1}, journal={American Journal of Public Health}, publisher={American Public Health Association}, author={Widman, Laura and Golin, Carol E. and Kamke, Kristyn and Burnette, Jeni L. and Prinstein, Mitchell J.}, year={2018}, month={Jan}, pages={96–102} } @inbook{widman_kamke_2018, title={Sexual Attitudes}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781506307633.n731}, DOI={10.4135/9781506307633.n731}, booktitle={The SAGE Encyclopedia of Lifespan Human Development}, publisher={SAGE Publications, Inc.}, author={Widman, L. and Kamke, K.}, editor={Bornstein, M.H.Editor}, year={2018}, pages={1965–1968} } @misc{widman_nesi_kamke_choukas-bradley_stewart_2018, title={Technology-Based Interventions to Reduce Sexually Transmitted Infections and Unintended Pregnancy Among Youth}, volume={62}, ISSN={["1879-1972"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.02.007}, DOI={10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.02.007}, abstractNote={