Ashley Schaffer

Date Approved

11-8-2012

Embargo Period

3-3-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Applied Psychology and Professional Mental Health Counseling

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Angelone, DJ

Subject(s)

Foreign study; Unsafe sex

Disciplines

Psychiatric and Mental Health

Abstract

Using the Triandis Model of Interpersonal Behavior (TIB) this study examined the influence of environmental and individual characteristics on predicting risky sexual behaviors of study abroad students. This study utilized a two-stage, qualitative and quantitative methodological framework. First, focus groups with previous study abroad students were held in order to gather data that informed the development of assessment. Second, data was subsequently collected from 128 study abroad students. The TIB significantly predicted a participant's intentions to engage in risky sexual behavior with the construct labeled subjective social norms emerging as a significant predictor. The model also significantly predicted engaging in risky sexual behavior while abroad. The situational conditions construct related to the study abroad environment emerged as a significant predictor of those engaging in risky sex. This study highlights the importance of both contextual and individual factors on understanding sexual behaviors, as well as the need for developing interventions to prevent possible consequences such as STIs.

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