Social support, self-esteem and depression: Relationship with risk for sexually transmitted infections/HIV transmission

*Corresponding author at: Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center, CIMCYC, Spain, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain. E-mail address: [email protected] (M.T. Ramiro). Abstract Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are important health problems that affect adolescents. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between 1) depression, self-esteem and perceived social support and 2) sexual risk behaviors according to gender. The sample used in this ex post facto study was composed of 1,005 adolescents of both sexes aged between 14 and 18 years. Participants completed several questionnaires in the classrooms of their secondary education schools. The questionnaires assessed depression, selfesteem and perceived social support and recorded information on sexual behavior and sociodemographic issues. Results showed that, among males, self-esteem predicted higher vaginal risk, depression was related to higher vaginal, anal and oral sexual risk, and perceived support from the family predicted lower vaginal and anal sexual risk. Among females, self-esteem was found to be associated with lower anal sexual risk and perceived support from friends predicted lower anal and oral sexual risk. The study highlights the importance of considering family and friends as well as gender differences in the prevention of STIs/HIV. © 2013 Asociación Española de Psicología Conductual. Published by Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.