Wolfs et al. - Review Alcohol sexual arousal and condom use intentions 4-4-2023

Abstract

It is suggested that individuals are more inclined to engage in unprotected sex when they are in a state of sexual arousal or under the influence of alcohol. In this review we present an overview of the experimental and theoretical evidence that has been published on the link between alcohol, sexual arousal, and intentions to use a condom. The focus will be on placebo-controlled experimental studies that actually induced a state of sexual arousal and/or alcohol intoxication and that used condom use intentions as a dependent variable. A total of 33 articles met these selection criteria and were included in the review. Most studies supported the notion that alcohol and sexual arousal decrease intentions to use a condom. In addition, the majority of studies in which both sexual arousal and a state of alcohol intoxication were induced showed that sexual arousal was a mediator of the effect of alcohol on intentions to use a condom. Theoretical support for the interactions between alcohol, sexual arousal and condom use intentions is provided by the cognitive mediation model and the alcohol myopia theory. Recommendations for future research and practical implications for interventions to promote safe sex are discussed. In addition, an alternative theoretical model to explain the impact of alcohol and arousal on condom use intentions, the dual-process model, is proposed.