Problem Solving Reduces Sexual Risk Associated with Sensation Seeking, Substance Use, and Depressive Symptoms Among African-American Adolescents

Abstract

Abstract African-American adolescents experience higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared to same-age Caucasian peers. Substance use, sensation seeking, and depression have all been linked to risky sexual practices. Theory suggests that problem-solving skills may help to buffer against these risk factors. To test this hypothesis, we used data from African-American adolescents (N\u2009=\u20091,018; M age\u2009=\u200916.7, SD\u2009=\u20091.1; 58% female) who participated in a prevention trial. Nearly half of the sample (47%) reported lifetime marijuana use, while 13% reported drug use prior to most recent sexual encounter. Sexual sensation seeking was directly associated with drug use prior to sex (β\u2009=\u20091.13, b\u2009=\u20090.13, SE\u2009=\u20090.02, p\u2009<\u2009.001) and lower problem-solving skills (β\u2009=\u2009–0.08, b\u2009=\u2009–0.06, SE\u2009=\u20090.02, p = .01). Problem-solving skills were associated with drug use prior to sex (β\u2009=\u20090.92, b\u2009=\u2009−0.08, SE\u2009=\u20090.03, p\u2009=\u2009.004), such that those with greater problem-solving skills were less likely to report drug use prior to most recent sex. Finally, problem-solving skills mediated the association between sexual sensation seeking and drug use prior to sex, although the effect was small (β\u2009=\u20090.01, 95% CI: .001, .01). Problem-solving skills can have a protective influence on risky behavior for adolescents. Future research might examine the utility of strengthening problem-solving skills in order to reduce STI/HIV risk among African-American adolescents.