Scientific journal paper Q1
Regulatory focus and sexual health: Motives for security and pleasure in sexuality are associated with distinct protective behaviors
David L. Rodrigues (Rodrigues, D. L.); Diniz Lopes (Lopes, D.); Ana Catarina Carvalho (Carvalho, A.);
Journal Title
Journal of Sex Research
Year (definitive publication)
2022
Language
English
Country
United Kingdom
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Abstract
We examined if motives for security (i.e., prevention focus) or pleasure (i.e., promotion focus) were uniquely associated with intentions to get tested for STIs and behavioral control over condom use, over and above variables already identified in theoretical models. We conducted an online survey with Portuguese adults (N = 836; Mage = 22.27, SD = 5.14). Overall, 99.4% of the participants knew at least one of eight STIs, but only 25.2% got tested in the last six months. Participants more focused on prevention had condomless sex less frequently, whereas participants more focused on promotion knew more STIs and got tested for more STIs. Furthermore, participants had stronger intentions to get tested for STIs if they got tested for more STIs in the past, were more concerned about STIs, perceived greater susceptibility to STI acquisition, and were more focused on promotion (but not prevention). Participants had greater behavioral control over condom use if they had condomless sex less often and were more focused on prevention (but not promotion). These findings suggest that promotion-focused people are more likely to consider the consequences of having condomless sex. In contrast, prevention-focused people are more likely to take control of their sexual health.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
STIs,Knowledge,Motivation,Regulatory focus in sexuality,STI testing,Behavioral control,Condom use
  • Basic Medicine - Medical and Health Sciences
  • Psychology - Social Sciences
  • Sociology - Social Sciences
  • Other Social Sciences - Social Sciences
  • Other Humanities - Humanities
Funding Records
Funding Reference Funding Entity
UIDB/03125/2020 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

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