Impact Of Abuse History On Adolescent African American Women

Impact of Abuse History on Adolescent African American Women's Current HIV/STD-Associated Behaviors and Psychosocial Mediators of HIV/STD Risk

In this paper, a comprehensive group counseling program is proposed targeting adolescents exhibiting high sexual activity, with a specific emphasis on addressing the underlying psychological and social factors contributing to risky sexual behaviors. The intervention is grounded in the theoretical framework of Existential Therapy, which emphasizes confronting the fundamental givens of existence, personal responsibility, and finding meaning amidst adversity, making it particularly relevant for adolescents grappling with complex emotional and developmental challenges related to sexuality.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and social changes that influence behavior and identity formation. High rates of sexual activity among adolescents are of particular concern due to associated risks such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and psychological distress. These behaviors are often compounded by underlying issues like abuse history, peer influence, and familial dynamics. Based on scholarly research, addressing adolescent sexual health requires tailored interventions that consider psychological, social, and cultural factors. This proposal outlines a group counseling program employing Existential Therapy geared towards adolescents with high sexual activity, aiming to foster self-awareness, personal responsibility, and decision-making skills to promote healthier behaviors.

Rationale

The justification for implementing this group stems from empirical evidence linking early sexual activity with psychological distress, abuse history, lack of proper sexual education, and peer or gang influences (Brown et al., 2014; King, Voisin, & DiClemente, 2013). Adolescents with histories of trauma or abuse often experience difficulties in forming healthy relationships and making safe choices, necessitating therapeutic interventions that facilitate meaning-making and self-acceptance. Existential therapy, which emphasizes confronting life's inherent challenges and personal responsibility, offers a unique approach to empower adolescents to navigate their sexuality conscientiously and responsibly.

Purpose

The primary goal of this group is to educate adolescents on sexual health, promote self-reflection regarding their values and beliefs about sexuality, and provide coping strategies for peer pressure, peer norms, and personal challenges. Specifically, the group aims to reduce risky sexual behaviors, increase awareness of consent and safe sex practices, and foster resilience against external influences such as gang norms and societal expectations. By integrating existential themes, the program intends to help adolescents explore their freedom and responsibility in making sexual decisions aligned with their authentic selves.

Problems and Solutions

Potential issues include confidentiality concerns, parental resistance, and adolescents' reluctance to openly discuss sensitive topics. To mitigate these, strict confidentiality protocols will be established, and parental involvement will be facilitated through informed consent procedures compliant with legal and ethical standards. Adolescents may also experience discomfort or stigma; thus, establishing a safe, non-judgmental environment is crucial. Facilitators trained in multicultural competence and adolescent psychology will employ trauma-informed practices to address these challenges effectively.

Group Type

The proposed group will be a closed, skill-based intervention focused on personal growth and health education. It is designed to be a structured, psychoeducational group, fostering a sense of trust and continuity among participants, which is essential for meaningful cognitive and emotional engagement.

Targeted Population

The group will include adolescents aged 13-18 from diverse racial, gender, and sexual identities, including LGBT youth. The rationale stems from research indicating that these groups may face unique challenges related to sexuality, peer norms, and societal stigma (Milan et al., 2006). Addressing this broad demographic ensures inclusivity and relevance, acknowledging the varied experiences influencing sexual behaviors.

Objectives, Process, and Goals

The objectives include increasing knowledge of safe sex practices, fostering self-awareness and self-esteem, and building skills to resist negative peer influences. Over the course of the program, participants will engage in discussions, activities, and reflection exercises aligned with stages of adolescent development, all geared towards empowering responsible decision-making. Outcomes will be measured through pre-and post-assessments of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual health.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Due to the involvement of minors, parental consent is mandatory, and confidentiality must be maintained within legal limits. Engagement with parents during orientation sessions will be necessary to secure support and facilitate communication. Navigating mandatory reporting requirements related to disclosures of abuse or risk behaviors will be an integral ethical consideration, ensuring adolescents' safety while respecting their privacy.

Member Recruitment

Recruitment will be conducted via flyers and announcements in clinics, schools, and community centers. Collaboration with school counselors and community organizations will be leveraged to identify and refer eligible participants. Additionally, presentations during parent-teacher conferences and community events will serve to inform and invite adolescents and parents to participate.

Screening Process

Participants will undergo a prescreening interview to assess their willingness to participate, appropriateness for the group, and to identify any mental health concerns or behavioral issues that may require additional support. Screening tools will include questionnaires on sexual history, behavioral risk factors, and psychological well-being, ensuring suitability for group participation.

Group Structure

The group will consist of 8-10 adolescents meeting weekly for 8-10 sessions lasting 1.5 hours each. Sessions will follow a structured curriculum incorporating educational topics, discussions, and experiential activities rooted in existential themes such as authenticity, responsibility, and choice. Flexibility will be maintained to address emergent issues and participant needs.

Facilitation and Leadership

Facilitators must possess training in adolescent psychology, group therapy, and cultural competence. Facilitators will create a supportive environment, utilizing active listening, empathy, and boundary-setting skills. Leadership will emphasize empowering adolescents to explore their values and responsibilities in a safe space, fostering openness and respect.

Ethical Issues

Key ethical issues include ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and addressing mandatory reporting obligations. Facilitators must also be sensitive to multicultural factors, avoiding biases and providing culturally responsive interventions that respect diverse backgrounds and identities.

Cultural Perspectives

Inclusion of multicultural perspectives is integral to the program design. Facilitators will incorporate culturally relevant materials and recognize diverse beliefs about sexuality, gender roles, and familial expectations. The group will promote inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all participants' backgrounds.

Techniques and Developmental Stages

Appropriate techniques include motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral strategies, role-playing, and values clarification exercises. Activities will be tailored to developmental stages, helping early adolescents explore identity and social influences, while older teens focus on responsibility and planning for future relationships (Sneed, 2008; Senn & Carey, 2011).

Outcome Evaluation

Effectiveness will be assessed through participant feedback, behavioral surveys, and knowledge tests administered before and after the program. Indicators of success include increased condom use, decreased risky behaviors, enhanced self-efficacy, and improved communication about sexuality. Follow-up assessments will gauge long-term impact.

Conclusion

This proposed group intervention aims to mitigate high risky sexual activity among adolescents by fostering self-awareness, personal responsibility, and resilience, utilizing existential therapy principles. Its comprehensive design integrates research-based strategies, ethical considerations, and cultural competence, supporting adolescents in making informed, healthy decisions about their sexuality.

References

• Brown, J. L., Young, A. M., Sales, J. M., DiClemente, R. J., Rose, E. S., & Wingood, G. M. (2014). Impact of Abuse History on Adolescent African American Women's Current HIV/STD-Associated Behaviors and Psychosocial Mediators of HIV/STD Risk. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 23(2),.
• Hahm, H., Lee, J., Zerden, L., Ozonoff, A., Amodeo, M., & Adkins, C. (2008). Longitudinal effects of perceived maternal approval on sexual behaviors of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) young adults. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 37(1), 74-84.
• King, K. M., Voisin, D. R., & DiClemente, R. J. (2013). Gang norms and risky sex among adolescents with a history of detention. Journal of Social Service Research, 39(4),.
• Milan, S., Ethier, K., Lewis, J., Kershaw, T., Niccolai, L., & Ickovics, J. (2006). Reproductive health of urban adolescents: differences in the behaviors, cognitions, and social context of African-American and Puerto Rican females. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 35(6),.
• Rahman, M., & Berenson, A. B. (2013). Pregnancy test taking is a correlate of unsafe sex, contraceptive nonadherence, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections in adolescent and young adult women. Journal of Women's Health, 22(4),.
• Senn, T. E., & Carey, M. P. (2011). Age of partner at first adolescent intercourse and adult sexual risk behavior among women. Journal of Women's Health, 20(1), 61-66.
• Sneed, C. D. (2008). Parent-adolescent communication about sex: The impact of content and comfort on adolescent sexual behavior. Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention in Children & Youth, 9(1), 70-83.
• Jackson, C., Geddes, R., Haw, S., & Frank, J. (2012). Interventions to prevent substance use and risky sexual behaviour in young people: a systematic review. Addiction, 107(4),.