PSYCHOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF RISKY SEXUAL BEHAVIORS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SOME SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN BAMENDA NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON

DR YIMELI LONPA MIRABELLE DR YIMELI LONPA MIRABELLE

doi:10.5281/zenodo.18722106

Authors

DR YIMELI LONPA MIRABELLE Higher Institute for Professionalism and Excellence- HIPTEX Yaounde

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18722106

Abstract

Risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) among adolescents and young adults constitute a major global health and developmental challenge. In sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV/AIDS prevalence, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies are disproportionately high, the university population is particularly vulnerable due to developmental, social, and psychological transitions during late adolescence and early adulthood. This study investigates the psychological predictors of risky sexual behaviors among adolescents in selected universities in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon, a context characterized by socio-political instability, cultural transitions, and limited adolescent-friendly health interventions. The study is anchored on four theoretical perspectives: The Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991), which posits that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control predict health-related behaviors; The Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977), which emphasizes the role of peer modeling and reinforcement in sexual decision-making; the Problem Behavior Theory (Jessor & Jessor, 1977), which conceptualizes RSBs as part of a broader syndrome of risk-taking influenced by personality and environment; and the Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), which highlights how intrinsic motivation and self-regulation influence behavioral outcomes. Together, these frameworks provide a multidimensional understanding of how psychological and social factors intersect to shape adolescents’ sexual choices. A mixed-methods convergent design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 350 adolescents (ages 17–22) across three purposively selected universities in Bamenda, using validated instruments measuring self-esteem (Rosenberg, 1965), sensation-seeking (Zuckerman, 1994), peer influence (Santor et al., 2000), emotional regulation (Gross & John, 2003), and risky sexual behaviors (WHO, 2015 scale). Qualitative insights were obtained through 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 12 key informant interviews (KIIs) with peer educators and university counselors. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were applied. Findings revealed that psychological factors significantly predicted adolescents’ engagement in RSBs. Specifically: Low self-esteem (? = –.38, p < .01) was strongly associated with transactional sex, multiple sexual partners, and low condom use, corroborating studies by Orth & Robins (2014). High sensation-seeking tendencies (? = .42, p < .01) predicted experimentation with alcohol/drug-facilitated sex and unprotected casual encounters, consistent with Zuckerman’s (1994) theory of risk-taking. Peer influence and social conformity pressures (? = .35, p < .05) significantly increased vulnerability to early sexual debut, aligning with Bandura’s (1977) Social Learning Theory. Poor emotional regulation (? = .29, p < .05) predicted impulsive sexual decisions during stress, validating Gross and John’s (2003) model of emotion regulation. Conversely, higher perceived behavioral control and positive safe-sex attitudes significantly reduced risky sexual practices (? = –.33, p < .01). Qualitative data reinforced these findings, with participants describing peer group pressure, academic stress, and campus social culture as key drivers of risky sexual practices. Gender differences were notable, male adolescents reported greater sensation-seeking, while females were more affected by low self-esteem and relational peer pressures, echoing evidence from Fatusi & Hindin (2010). The study concludes that psychological predictors are central in understanding adolescents’ risky sexual behaviors, and that interventions should target not just biological knowledge but also underlying psychological processes. Recommendations include, University-level interventions that is to develop comprehensive sexuality education programs integrating psychological skills (self-esteem building, emotional regulation, decision-making). Peer-based strategies which entails training peer educators as role models in promoting safe behaviors, leveraging Bandura’s observational learning framework. Mental health integration should establish campus counseling services with a focus on sensation-seeking management, stress coping, and relational empowerment. For policy measures, Ministries of Higher Education and Health should institutionalize adolescent-friendly health centers in universities, offering confidential counseling and free access to contraceptives. Community and parental engagement should promote open parent adolescent communication on sexuality to counterbalance peer pressure and media influence. For future research, researcher should conduct longitudinal studies to examine the cumulative psychological and social influences on RSBs in varying cultural contexts. This study contributes to adolescent psychology, public health, and educational policy by empirically linking psychological predictors with risky sexual behaviors in a Cameroonian university context. It advances theoretical application in African settings, bridging global frameworks with local realities, and offers evidence-based recommendations for reducing risky sexual practices while promoting adolescents’ holistic well-being.

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