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The Effects of Assessment Mode and Privacy Level on Self‐Reports of Risky Sexual Behaviors and Substance Use Among Young Women 1
Author(s) -
Brown Jennifer L.,
Vanable Peter A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2009.00547.x
Subject(s) - psychology , substance use , self disclosure , clinical psychology , sexual behavior , mode (computer interface) , social psychology , computer science , operating system
This study examined differences in reported behaviors by assessment mode under differing privacy levels. Females were randomized to a computer‐administered self‐interview (CASI) or self‐administered questionnaire (SAQ) assessment of sexual risk and substance use behaviors that was completed non‐anonymously or anonymously. There were few differences in reported behaviors between assessment modes and privacy levels. However, an assessment mode by privacy‐level interaction was found for 2 outcomes (unprotected oral sex, recent sexual partner). Greater disclosure occurred in the CASI‐anonymous condition than the CASI‐non‐anonymous condition. Those in the CASI condition disclosed more instances of drinking until intoxicated than did those completing the SAQ. Overall, the findings suggest that CASI and SAQ under differing privacy levels result in comparable health behavior self‐reports.