Abstract:
Infection with sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies are risks associated with
adolescents’ risky sexual behavior. Mental models of attachment relationships influence behavior and
may influence adolescents’ involvement in sexual activities that are risky. This study explored whether
attachment styles predicted adolescents’ involvement in risky sexual behavior. A correlational study
design was adopted with 367 students from public secondary schools in Nairobi County taking part in the
study. The Attachment Styles Questionnaire and Risky Sexual Behavior Scale were used to collect data.
Multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether secure, preoccupied, dismissing or fearful
attachment styles predicted students’ risky sexual behavior. The study found that preoccupied attachment
style and secure attachment style had predictive effects on risky sexual behavior. Preoccupied attachment
style was predictive of greater involvement in risky sexual behavior whereas secure attachment style was
predictive of less risky sexual behavior. It was evident based on the findings that secure attachment style
was protective against risky sexual behavior whereas preoccupied attachment style created vulnerability
to risky sexual behavior. It was recommended that special attention should be paid to adolescents with
insecure attachment styles in guidance and counseling programs aimed at discouraging adolescents’
risky sexual behavior and parents/guardians should be encouraged to be more nurturing towards their
children in order to encourage formation of secure attachment which was protective against risky sexual
behavior.
Keywords: attachment styles, attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, secure attachment, risky sexual
behavior
