Abstract

The present thesis facts within the problematic framework of putting into action an intention. It deals with variables influencing resistance in the use of preservatives with inspiration from the theory of planned behaviour by Ajzen (1991). This theory states that a planned behaviour is preceded by an intentional action and the intention is a decisive predictor of behaviour. However, the results obtained from fieldwork involving sexually active adolescents-students in the upper sixth form in the city of Yaounde (Cameroon) show that the relationship between intention and behaviour is not evident. In reality, 38% of participants manifesting a good intention of using preservatives (condoms) for protection against Hiv/Aids have unfortunately had improtected sexual intercourse (ie without preservatives). The analysis of results show that this asymetry is due to the influence exercised by the inventorised statistical variables as intermediaries in the intention to act and action. Thus the following conclusion is retained: there exists between the intention to act and action variables which lead to the realisation of a behaviour “anti-intentional”. Put in another sense, the intention loses sometimes its autonomy on the behaviour.

Key words : action, adolescent, attitude, behaviour, behaviour change, condoms, Hiv/Aids, intention, resistance of change, sexual behaviour, sexuality, theory of planned behaviour