Faculty Collaboration Database

Psychological Distress Moderates the Intention-Behavior Association for Sexual Partner Concurrency Among Adults. AIDS Behav 2017 Jun;21(6):1567-1571

Date

09/15/2016

Pubmed ID

27624728

Pubmed Central ID

PMC5348277

DOI

10.1007/s10461-016-1548-x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84987596908 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   3 Citations

Abstract

Research suggests that intentions are an important determinant of sexual risk behavior. However, this association is often weaker than hypothesized. This research investigated whether psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety) can help to explain the intentions-behavior gap. We used data from 397 patients seeking care at an STI clinic to test whether the association between partner concurrency intentions and behavior 3 months later was moderated by distress. Intentions predicted concurrency behavior only among less-distressed individuals; however, exploratory analyses for condom use did not demonstrate this effect. Comprehensive sexual health intervention programs should address affective determinants of risk behavior.

Author List

McGarrity LA, Senn TE, Walsh JL, Scott-Sheldon LAJ, Carey KB, Carey MP

Author

Jennifer L. Walsh PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Ambulatory Care Facilities
Female
HIV Infections
Humans
Intention
Male
Risk
Risk-Taking
Safe Sex
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Partners
Stress, Psychological