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Adolescent Risk-perception Cognition and Self-assessment in Relation to the HIV/AIDS Pandemic

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  • Marisen Mwale

    (Mzuzu University, Malawi)

Abstract

Most researchers, on adolescent reproductive health and associated vulnerability to contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome HIV/AIDS, have explicitly highlighted the paradoxical misfit between adolescent knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission dynamics and positive change in behaviour. Popular explanation focuses more on socio-cultural factors such as male chauvinism, peer influence and pressure, and stoicism towards death in most African cultures. An alternative explanation derived from psycho-social theory is that, as a result of egocentrism and the crisis at adolescence, the period is imbued with confounded perception of risk to the pandemic. This alternative is tested using survey data from adolescent students from some selected schools in southern Malawi. Results show that respondents are typified by adolescent egocentrism. This is consistent with the conception of adolescence as a period of crisis. These results are discussed within the larger context of the applicability of psychodynamic theory to the AIDS pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Marisen Mwale, 2008. "Adolescent Risk-perception Cognition and Self-assessment in Relation to the HIV/AIDS Pandemic," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 20(2), pages 229-240, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:psydev:v:20:y:2008:i:2:p:229-240
    DOI: 10.1177/097133360802000205
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brown, Judith E. & Ayowa, Okako Bibi & Brown, Richard C., 1993. "Dry and tight: Sexual practices and potential AIDS risk in Zaire," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 37(8), pages 989-994, October.
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