Heritage Theoretical Bases

Social Learning Theory proposes that the likelihood of an action is determined by:

• Understanding how to take action
• Confidence in one’s ability to take action
• Confidence in the ability of the action to achieve the desired outcome
• High estimation of the benefit of the desired outcome

Social Inoculation Theory suggests that an adolescent’s susceptibility to negative pressures can be reduced by simulating these pressures in a safe environment where students can learn how to resist them.

Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change is built around the understanding that individuals making a behavior change progress over time through a series of stages. This is in contrast with the standard view of change as an action event, rather than a process.

• Pre-contemplation-not ready to change
• Contemplation-thinking about change
• Preparation-taking small steps to change
• Action-made overt change for less than six months
• Maintenance-made overt change for more than six months

Miller's Typology Regarding Sexual Activity -when approaching the adolescent population with the abstinence message it is important to recognize distinctions beyond "sexually active" versus "not sexually active."

• Multiples-have had sex more than once with two or more partners
• Steadies-have had sex more than once, but with only one partner
• One-timers-have had sex one time
• Anticipators-have not had sex, but have a high expectation they will in the next year
• Delayers-have not had sex, and have a low expectation they will do so in the next year
• Abstainers-have not had sex and intend not to do so at any time before marriage

Cognitive Behavior Theory stresses the acquisition of skills and healthy ways of thinking.
The model has three components:

• Activities that personalize information
• Training in decision-making and assertive communication skills
• Practice in applying these skills in personally difficult situations

Emotional Intelligence Theory recognizing and explaining the maturation from decisions based on feeling (immature, instant gratification) to evaluative, cognitive decision-making (mature, self-disciplined, delayed gratification).