2017/05/22 by Alexander M. Wasserman, A. M. Wasserman, Lisa J. Crockett +1
Health Professions · Psychology · #Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health #Behavioral Health and Interventions #Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology
paper · doi:10.1111/jora.12321
openalex publication_date 2017/05/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Research has provided support for the dual systems model of adolescent risk taking, but the model has rarely been applied to sexual behavior. Using data from the NICHD SECCYD (N = 958; Mage = 15.07, SD = 0.18), this study examined the effects of cognitive control, reward seeking, and their interaction on sexual behavior. Results of structural equation models revealed that performance on behavioral tasks assessing reward seeking and cognitive control uniquely predicted sexual intercourse, but the interaction between them was not significant. For oral sex, only cognitive control was a significant predictor. The findings provide additional support for the dual systems model, and suggest that reward seeking and cognitive control make unique contributions to adolescent sexual behavior.