Amigos com Benefícios na adolescência: Um estudo usando a Teoria do Comportamento Planejado (Theory of Planned Behavior)

Friends with benefi ts in adolescence: A study using the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

Objective: Most studies on adolescents and casual sex are a-theoretical. The objectives were: 1) to describe the experience
of Friends with benefi ts among adolescents, and 2) to examine factors associated with the intention to have such a
relationship using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Methods: A sample with 345 students (50% female; mean age =
16.5 years) from four high schools completed a questionnaire which included variables of attitudes, subjective norms,
control of observed behavior, intention and additional variables. Comparisons were made according to gender, experience
with Friends with benefi ts and lifetime sexual experience, and a regression analysis was used to predict the intentions of engaging in Friends with benefi ts relationships. Results: Thirty percent of adolescents had the intention to engage in
Friends with benefi ts relationships in the next three months. As many girls as boys had previously had one, but more boys
reported having the intention. Intentions did not vary when considering lifetime sexual experience. A three steps logistic
regression concluded that the predictors of a positive intention were regrets of not having a Friend with benefi ts, reporting
previous experience of Friends with benefi ts relationships and positive attitudes toward the experience. Being regretful of
having such a relationship was related to not having the intention. Conclusion: These results may expose the contents of
the sexual health education programs which help adolescents to make informed sexual choices. It would be also useful to
include in the curriculum of these programs discussions about attitudes and possible regrets for not having had certain
types of sexual relationships.