Multiple partners in the age of AIDS: Self-consciousness theory and HIV risk behavior

Abstract

In two studies, we found consistent correlations among gender, self-consciousness, and high-risk sexual behavior in college students. Men higher in public self-consciousness reported more sexual partners, but less pleasurable sexual experiences. Among women higher in private self-consciousness, using sex to assuage feelings of loneliness was associated with a greater number of sexual partners. However, higher levels of private self-consciousness coupled with a view of sex as a way to satisfy emotional needs predicted fewer sexual partners. A closer examination of how selfconsciousness, attitudes toward sexual activity, and gender influence decisions to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors is proposed.

The relationship between early attachment and adolescent risky behaviors with changes in loneliness in a mediating role.

“…skipping school, destroying property), cheating, lying, and stealing (Achenbach & Edelbrock, 1978;Ackerson, 1942;Greenberg, et al, 1993;Hewitt & Jenkins, 1946;Schofield, et al, 2008). With adolescence, childhood risk behaviors may continue with the addition of or possibly evolution into substance use (CDC, 2010;Klein, et al, 1993), promiscuous and unsafe sexual behaviors (Klein et al, 1993;Mendez, et al, 2001), suicide attempts (CDC, 2010), poor nutritional practices (CDC, 2010), gang affiliation (Pollard & Austin, 1990), having carried a weapon (CDC, 2010), and transportation risks (e.g. speeding excessively, driving while intoxicated, traveling with an intoxicated driver; see CDC, 2010;Shapiro et al, 1998).…”