Prototype Perception Predicts (Lack of) Pregnancy Prevention
Frederick X. Gibbons, Meg Gerrard, Sue Boney McCoy
(1995) Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 21,
85-93.
This research examined the relation between adolescents’
perceptions of the prototypical unwed pregnant teenager (or her boyfriend) and
their willingness to engage in unprotected sexual intercourse. Two samples of
13- to 15-year-old adolescents were asked how willing they were to engage in
unprotected sex with their boy/girlfriend (the criterion variable), their
perceptions of the prototypical person who has engaged in the risky behavior,
and their intention to use effective contraception. Perceptions of the unwed-parent
prototype and perceived similarity to that prototype significantly predicted
willingness to engage in unprotected sex, independent of intentions to use
effective contraception. A prototype-based model of onset and cessation of
risky behavior is discussed.