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Learning Objective #1: examine a model depicting the process of “normalizing sex” from the perspective of high risk adolescent females.

Learning Objective #2: discuss the relevance and appropriateness of this model to provide a better understanding of adolescent sexual decision making.

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While the US leads all industrialized nations in the rates of sexually transmitted infections and teen pregnancy, the importance of understanding adolescent sexual decision making is recognized worldwide. To provide insight regarding how adolescents make sexual choices, 19 high risk (incarcerated) adolescent females were interviewed in a grounded theory study. The purpose of the study was to generate a substantive theory, to explain sexual decision-making in high risk adolescent females. Through semi-structured interviews data were collected and analyzed using constant comparison, until saturation occurred. In response to being bombarded by seductive influences which encouraged them to be sexually active, these participants normalized sex. The process of normalizing sex occurred in three ways: by surrendering to situations, perceiving that “everybody’s doing it,” and wanting to belong. Surrendering to, or giving in to, situations that led to sexual intercourse occurred through unplanned sexual experiences that “just happened,” being “caught up in the moment” due to the joy or excitement at the time, and because sex felt good both physically and emotionally. These teens perceived that “everybody’s doing it” (having sex), due to the influence of peers, the media, and the examples of parents and other significant people in their lives. Wanting to “belong” to a social group or a significant other helped normalize sex also. The purpose of this presentation is to examine a model of normalizing sex developed from a grounded theory project with high risk adolescent females. The relevance and appropriateness of this model will be discussed to provide a better understanding of adolescent sexual decision making. Recognizing how some adolescents come to view sexual activity as normal teen behavior could provide insight for more effective communication with teens about safe sexual practices and the development of better strategies to promote safe sexual choices.