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Coerced Sexual Experiences Among Adolescent Substance Abusers: A Potential Pathway to Increased Vulnerability to HIV Exposure

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Abstract

This study describes the forced sexual experiences, serious internalizing problems, risky sexual behavior, and alcohol-related correlates of risky sexual behavior of 120 substance abusing adolescents and young adults (87 men, 33 women; mean age = 17.2 years) undergoing treatment. Prior coerced sexual experiences were associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts, higher levels of risky sexual behaviors, avoidance motives for drinking, and sexual decision-making conducive to risky sexual behavior. Sexual coercion was associated with patterns of sexual behavior and alcohol use that potentially increase vulnerability to HIV exposure. Social workers can play a number of significant roles in addressing ongoing psychological distress associated with sexual coercion among these predominantly female adolescents. Therefore, effective social work practice should enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce risk for a range of maladaptive outcomes including exposure to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and revictimization.

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Authors
  1. Jonathan G. Tubman
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  2. Lilly M. Langer
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  3. Diana M. Calderon
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Tubman, J.G., Langer, L.M. & Calderon, D.M. Coerced Sexual Experiences Among Adolescent Substance Abusers: A Potential Pathway to Increased Vulnerability to HIV Exposure. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal 18, 281–303 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010989001086

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