Background: We examined the unique contribution of regulatory focus in sexuality to sexual health behaviors, over and above variables already identified in theoretical models. Specifically, we examined if motives for security (i.e., having a focus on prevention) or pleasure (i.e., having a focus on promotion) were uniquely associated with intentions to get tested for STIs and behavioral control over condom use. Methods: Online survey with Portuguese adults (N = 836; Mage = 22.27, SD = 5.14). We computed two hierarchical linear regressions to examine the extent to which prevention and promotion scores (Step 3) were uniquely associated with intentions to get tested for any STI, and with behavioral control over condom use, over and above demographic variables (Step 1), and all other continuous variables (Step 2). Results: Results showed that participants had stronger intentions to get tested for STIs if they had already been tested in the past, were more concerned about STIs, perceived greater susceptibility to STIs 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 in the past and were more focused on prevention (but not promotion). Conclusions: Our findings highlight how different motivations in sexuality play critical roles in sexual health decision-making. People more focused on prevention focus enacted more condom use are more willing to continue that course of action and have more control over that behavior. Despite having enacted less condom use, people more focused on promotion enacted more STI testing and are more willing to continue that course of action.

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