The Teen PEP model is grounded in a multitheoretical
approach and draws upon tenets of social learning theory [5], the
health belief model [6], and principles of positive youth development
[7]. Guided by the social learning perspective, Teen PEP
peer educators model positive attitudes and reinforce the benefits
of healthy behaviors as a way of directing and changing
behavior of younger peers while offering opportunities for
practicing skills to support behavioral change.
The health belief model is based on the understanding that a
person will participate in health-related behaviors if he or she (1)
feels that an undesirable consequence (e.g., unintended pregnancy)
can be avoided; (2) expects that by taking a recommended
action, he or she can avoid the negative health
consequence (e.g., using condoms and hormonal birth control to
prevent pregnancy); and (3) believes that he or she can successfully
take a recommended action (e.g., can obtain condoms
comfortably and with confidence). The Teen PEP curriculum
helps youth recognize their vulnerability to undesirable health
consequences such as unintended pregnancy although simultaneously
conveying specific risk-reduction strategies that they can
use to avoid those outcomes.