TitleRelational underpinnings of condom use: Findings from the project on partner dynamics.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsAgnew, CR, Harvey, SM, Vanderdrift, LE, Warren, J
JournalHealth Psychol
Volume36
Issue7
Pagination713-720
Date Published07/2017
ISSN1930-7810
KeywordsCondoms, Female, Humans, Intention, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Safe Sex, Sexual Partners
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine how relational qualities, including commitment to a sexual partner, are associated with condom use among young heterosexual adults at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections. Guided by the investment model of commitment processes, we hypothesized that sexual partner commitment is a function of satisfaction with, alternatives to, and investments in the relationship. Commitment to a sexual partner is, in turn, associated with reduced perceptions of vulnerability to sexually transmitted infection acquisition, which results in lowered condom use intentions and use.

METHOD: We tested the hypothesized model using data from the Project on Partner Dynamics (POPD), a 4-wave, 1-year longitudinal study featuring a Time 1 sample of 538 African American, Hispanic, and White young adult from East Los Angeles, California, who provided data on all their sexual relationships over the year.

RESULTS: Findings from hierarchical path models supported the hypotheses, with relational qualities significantly linked to condom use via commitment, perceived vulnerability to harm from partner and intentions to use.

CONCLUSION: These findings have implications for improving the health of high-risk individuals, including suggesting the importance of raising awareness of relational qualities that may give rise to unsafe sexual practices. (PsycINFO Database Record

DOI10.1037/hea0000488
Alternate JournalHealth Psychol
PubMed ID28277704
PubMed Central IDPMC5476490
Grant ListR01 HD047151 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States