Model Based on Self-Determination Theory for Sexual Behavior to Prevent Adolescent Pregnancy.

The objective of the study was to test a structural equation model in which sexual communication, life goals, basic psychological needs, and self-determined motivation were incorporated in order to explain their effect on sexual behavior to prevent adolescent pregnancy. This research was conducted with a sample of 620 Mexican adolescents of both sexes. The results of the model showed satisfactory goodness-of-fit indexes and it was determined that sexual communication with their mother predicted their intrinsic life goals. Sexual communication with friends predicted life goals and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and self-determined motivation decreased. Sexual communication with the partner increased basic psychological needs satisfaction. The greater basic psychological needs satisfaction, the greater self-determined motivation. Self-determined motivation can increase sexual behaviors to prevent pregnancy.