PROTOTYPE PERCEPTION PREDICTS (LACK OF) PREGNANCY PREVENTION

This research examined the relation between adolescents' perceptions of the prototypical unwed pregnant teenager (or her boyfriend) and their willingness to engage in unprotected sexual intercourse. Two samples of 13- to 15-year-old adolescents were asked how willing they were to engage in unprotected sex with their boy/girlfriend (the criterion variable), their perceptions of the prototypical person who has engaged in the risky behavior, and their intention to use effective contraception. Perceptions of the unwed-parent prototype and perceived similarity to that prototype significantly predicted willingness to engage in unprotected sex, independent of intentions to use effective contraception. A prototype-based model of onset and cessation of risky behavior is discussed.