Self-determination theory and its relationship with risky sexual behavior in adolescents: A systematic review

Abstract

Research on predictors of risky sexual behavior in adolescents has focused on social contexts and biological factors, leaving aside the adolescent's motives for having effective behaviors to abstain from risky behaviors. The self-determination theory (SDT), in explaining human motivation, raises essential questions as an intermediary for risky sexual behavior. Objective. To know what elements of SDT have been addressed in the modification and / or prevention of risky sexual behavior in adolescents. Method. A search was made in the PubMed, Ebsco (Academic Search Complete), Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, Sage Journals, Medline, Lilacs, Wiley, Science direct and Redalyc databases, from which full-text studies were analyzed, where the DeCS and Mesh descriptors were used, as well as Boolean truncators and operators. Results. Six studies were identified in relation to SDT and risky sexual behavior in adolescents, which addressed autonomy, autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, motivation, intrinsic, extrinsic motivation and types of regulation. Conclusion. There is an evident need to clarify and expand the application of SDT to develop more self-determined motivations associated with the prevention of risky sexual behavior in adolescence.