Quantitative Methods for Assessing Change: Application to Condom Use

Author

Kerry E. Evers, University of Rhode Island

Date of Award

1998

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Lisa L. Harlow

Abstract

This study attempts to understand more about how to quantitatively assess longitudinal change within the Transtheoretical Model applied to the area of condom use among college students. A total of 215 sexually active male and female undergraduate students completed both assessments one month apart. Measurement development was conducted on the Condom Use URICA scale, which was then used in a cluster analysis. A four cluster solution was reliably replicated across two random samples (R²=.99), and the clusters were then examined in terms of their external validity using MANOVAs. The four clusters showed significant differences on variables associated with the Transtheoretical Model, psycho-attitudinal variables and a behavioral measure of condom use. In addition, the four cluster solution was compared to the Stages of Condom Use that were assessed using an algorithm approach. Latent Transition Analysis was used to assess an appropriate model of natural movement through the Stages of Condom Use for men and women. Precontemplation was found to be the most stable stage for the entire sample, as well as for the sample of women only. However, the model for men only found Preparation to be the most stable. All three of the resulting models found relapse to be an important aspect of the model. Longitudinal predictors of stage movement were examined using logistic regression. Models on the entire sample indicated that high endorsement of Eroticizing Condoms predicted progression. Models specific to both men and women found that high Self-Esteem was associated with greater regression. Lastly, Longitudinal Structural Modeling was used to further understand the relationship between Stages of Condom Use and other variables associated with both the TTM and the Multifaceted Model of HIV Risk in Women. The only predictors of Stage one month later were the Pros and Cons of condom use. This also served as an application of longitudinal "step-modeling" to a limited real world data set. Each of the separate types of analyses provide insight into different questions surrounding the analysis of change within the context of condom use. These results can help guide the development of interventions focusing on increasing condom use among undergraduate students.

Recommended Citation

Evers, Kerry E., "Quantitative Methods for Assessing Change: Application to Condom Use" (1998). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 907.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/907