Using Relational Agents to Promote Exercise and Sun Protection: Assessment of Participants' Experiences With Two Interventions.

Background: Relational agents (RAs) are electronic computational figures designed to engage participants in the change process. A recent study, Project RAISE, tested the effectiveness of RAs, combined with existing computer-based interventions to increase regular exercise and sun protection behaviors. Results showed these interventions can be effective but need further development.

Associations of Sexual Victimization, Depression, and Sexual Assertiveness with Unprotected Sex: A Test of the Multifaceted Model of HIV Risk Across Gender.

This study examined whether the Multifaceted Model of HIV Risk (MMOHR) would predict unprotected sex based on predictors including gender, childhood sexual abuse (CSA), sexual victimization (SV), depression, and sexual assertiveness for condom use. A community-based sample of 473 heterosexually active men and women, aged 18-46 years completed survey measures of model variables. Gender predicted several variables significantly.

Tailored intervention to increase dual-contraceptive method use: a randomized trial to reduce unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether a transtheoretical model-tailored expert system intervention increases dual-method contraceptive use, compared with a nontailored educational intervention.

Study Design: We performed a randomized clinical trial of 542 women at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. The intervention group received computer-based tailored feedback using a multimedia program.

Design of a stage-matched intervention trial to increase dual method contraceptive use (Project PROTECT).

This manuscript describes the randomized clinical trial titled Stage-Matched Intervention to Increase Dual Method Use or Project PROTECT. Project PROTECT compared two approaches to promote the use of dual methods of contraception among high-risk women. The intervention arm received tailored individualized feedback based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change using a computer-based multimedia program.

Applying the transtheoretical model to ethnically diverse women at risk for HIV.

The purpose of this study is to compare the reliability and predictability of transtheoretical model (TTM) constructs when applied to minority and White women at risk for HIV. Participants consisted of 332 women, including Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans, other non-Whites, and Whites. The results supported the reliability and validity of the TTM variables for minority women as well as for White women.

Sexual assertiveness in heterosexually active men: a test of three samples.

Heterosexually active men have great potential to increase condom use rates during sexual encounters. However, this potential cannot be realized if men are not assertive with their partners regarding condom use. This study reports on the examination of condom-specific sexual assertiveness (SA) in three independent samples of heterosexually active men.