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Condom use beliefs differ according to regulatory focus: a mixed-methods study in Portugal and Spain

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posted on 2023-06-10, 07:07 authored by David L Rodrigues, A Catarina Carvalho, Marilia Prada, Margarida V Garrido, Rhonda N Balzarini, Richard De VisserRichard De Visser, Diniz Lopes
Reports worldwide have been showing increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and condomless sex in recent years. Research has identified several individual and situational variables that can determine the decision to use condoms or forgo their use. We argue that such a decision can also be shaped by motives related to pleasure and safety (i.e., regulatory focus in sexuality). Using open ended questions, we asked 742 Portuguese and Spanish adults to indicate situations and reasons that could inform the decision making process with casual partners and the functions/attributes related to condoms. Using thematic analyses, we coded the drivers of condomless sex and condom use into themes and subthemes, and computed their frequencies. Using quantitative measures, we also asked participants to indicate their condom use expectancies and perceived barriers. Comparing participants according to regulatory focus revealed some differences. Pleasure promotion participants were more likely to consider that condom use decision making is driven by unexpectedness, pleasure, and intimacy pursuit, attached more pleasure reduction functions to condoms, expected more negative outcomes in condom use, and endorsed more sensation and partner barriers in condom use. In contrast, disease prevention participants were more likely to consider that condom use decision making is driven by adequate sexual education, responsibility, and behavioral control, and attached more health protective functions to condoms. These differences can inform the development of tailored intervention and awareness campaigns aimed at helping people to use condoms more consistently with casual partners and to avoid behaviors that put them at risk of STI transmission.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Journal of Sex Research

ISSN

0022-4499

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Volume

ahead-

Page range

1-18

Event location

United States

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2023-05-22

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2023-05-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2023-05-19

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