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Toward an Understanding of (Em)Power(Ment) for HIV/AIDS Prevention with Adolescent Women

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Abstract

Adolescent females, particularly urban and low-income youth of color, are at particular risk for HIV infection. This article uses an empowerment perspective to consider the degree to which intrapersonal and interpersonal power dynamics in heterosexual relations have an impact on condom use among high-risk youth. Participants in this study were 333 African American and European American urban youth, ages 14–19 years, who were heterosexually active. Measures focused on interpersonal and intrapersonal factors thought to be associated with condom use. This model was most useful in predicting condom use among women and least useful in predicting condom use among male participants. Implications for empowerment theory and future research are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Michigan, USA

    Lorraine Gutiérrez

  2. Georgia State University, USA

    Hyun Joo Oh

  3. University of Washington, USA

    Mary Rogers Gillmore

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  1. Lorraine Gutiérrez
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  2. Hyun Joo Oh
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Gutiérrez, L., Oh, H.J. & Gillmore, M.R. Toward an Understanding of (Em)Power(Ment) for HIV/AIDS Prevention with Adolescent Women. Sex Roles 42, 581–611 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007047306063

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