Risky adolescent sexual behavior: A psychological perspective for primary care clinicians

The majority of older adolescents in North America are sexually active, yet many do not take appropriate precautions to prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted infections. This article discusses several ways to conceptualize, assess, and manage risky sexual behavior in adolescents from a psychological perspective. Adolescents, like adults, may be prone to engaging in risky sexual behavior due to perceptions of personal invulnerability and their tendency to focus on the immediate, rather than long-term, consequences of their behavior. Mentally ill adolescents may be particularly at risk and warrant special consideration. Specific clinical recommendations for assessing and managing risky sexual behavior are discussed. These include maintaining an empathic stance toward the adolescent, supporting the autonomy of the adolescent, identifying and owning one's own values, familiarizing oneself with available resources, and referring to mental health practitioners when appropriate.