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The purpose of this study was to determine if sexual orientation can be correctly identified under controlled conditions. A series of 24 brief videotaped interviews with homosexual and heterosexual men and women were presented to a sample of 143 subject raters divided into four sexual preference and gender groups. None of the groups were able to exceed levels of correct detection. Approximately 20% of the total subject pool did exceed chance levels. There were significantly more women than men in this sub-sample and homosexual women were represented disproportionately. Although there were some differences in the types of behavioral cues used by the different sexual preference groups to make their judgments, with the possible exception of homosexual women, these cues were unrelated to accurate identification of sexual orientation. The relatively better performance of female raters is discussed in terms of differences in the socialization process of men and women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sexual behaviors of college students and assess the extent to which they were engaging in behaviors that have a risk for contracting AIDS. A total of 132 single sexually active students and 58 married students responded to a survey on their sexual behaviors and attitudes. Risk behaviors such as engaging in unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners, practicing anal sex, alcohol use, and infidelity and deceptive communication with partner were examined. Compared with earlier surveys on the same population, there was an increase in concern about contracting AIDS and a significant increase in the percentage of students who took the AIDS antibody test. Although none indicated they would lie to partners about a seropositive AIDS test, a few would not tell their partner unless specifically asked. A small percentage of subjects would have extradyadic relations without informing their steady partners and a small number of respondents indicated they might continue to engage in sexual relations with a seropositive partner or a new partner who recently had a seronegative AIDS test. The risks most predominant in this sample were the practice of unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners, and the consumption of alcohol in conjunction with sexual activity. With the exception of unprotected intercourse, the majority of respondents were engaging in behaviors that pose a minimal risk for contracting AIDS.

The purposes of this study were to determine by questionnaire current attitudes about AIDS, herpes, and Toxic Shock Syndrome and to what extent concern about these diseases affected behavior of 232 volunteers from classes in a midwestern university. The majority of the respondents expressed relatively little concern about any of these diseases. Except for a few respondents who expressed extreme concern, there were also no changes in current self-reported rates of sexual activity compared to a year ago. Male homosexuals expressed more concern about AIDS than other sexual preference groups. However, this did not appear to affect their level of sexual activity. Female respondents expressed relatively more concern about Toxic Shock Syndrome than either AIDS or herpes but the majority of them were still users of tampons. Previous media reports had indicated there was significant curtailment in sexual activity as a result of herpes and AIDS. It is hypothesized that the media reports were based on surveys of areas that had higher actual incidence rates of these diseases than was observed in this sample. Concern about these diseases and any psychological impact may be a function of the incidence of disease.

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