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Wolfs K, Bos AE, Mevissen FE, Alberts H, van Lankveld JJ. Ego depletion and implicit and explicit determinants of condom use intentions: an experimental study among young men. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2023; 3:11. [PMID: 37645512 PMCID: PMC10445834 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.15433.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Reflective Impulsive Model of Strack and Deutsch (2004) is a dual-process model and could be a dynamic theoretical framework of sexual risk behavior that is able to predict condom use under different circumstances. If we apply the Reflective Impulsive Model to sexual risk behavior, implicit attitudes regarding sexual risk behavior should have a stronger impact on behavior when working memory capacity is low. Explicit attitudes have a strong impact on intentions, which diminishes as participants have less working memory capacity. METHODS In this study, we induced a state of ego depletion to examine the impact of low working memory capacity on implicit and explicit attitudes and condom use intentions. Young, male participants ( N = 66) were randomly assigned to either an ego depletion condition (difficult calculus task) or a placebo condition (easy calculus task). At baseline, a questionnaire measuring explicit attitudes and intentions to use a condom, and an Implicit Association Test measuring implicit attitudes towards condoms were administered. After the ego calculus task, participants once more completed the questionnaire and Implicit Association Test. RESULTS We found no evidence that ego depletion had an effect on intentions to use a condom in young men. Explicit attitudes predicted intentions to use a condom, regardless of participants' state. We found no relationship between implicit condom attitudes and intentions to use a condom, neither in the ego depletion nor in the placebo condition. CONCLUSIONS The implications of this null finding are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Wolfs
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan E.R. Bos
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Fraukje E.F. Mevissen
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo Alberts
- Positivepsychology.com, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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2
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Orchowski LM, Oesterle DW, Haikalis M. What Stops Unwanted Sexual and Social Advances Made by Heavy Drinking College Men? JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP22250-NP22272. [PMID: 35363590 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211072157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although rates of sexual aggression are high among college men who engage in heavy drinking, little is known regarding how often heavy drinking college men initiate unwanted sexual advances towards women that could lead to a potential sexual assault or the reasons why these advances stop or proceed. The present study describes heavy drinking college men's (N = 210) initiation of unwanted sexual and social advances towards women, as well as outcomes of these interactions, including how often these behaviors continue, and men's perception of what stopped the behavior over a 3-month period. Men indicated whether they were in a situation where a sexual partner noted that she does not want sexual activity to proceed further, initiated unwanted sexual contact, initiated unwanted sexual intercourse, attempted to give a woman alcohol when she did not appear to want to drink, or attempted to take a woman to an isolated location when she did not appear to want to go. These unwanted sexual and social advances most often stopped because of women's verbal resistance (i.e., saying "stop" or "no"), or because men engaged in a discussion regarding the women's limits or choices. Given that none of the unwanted sexual or social advances stopped because of bystander intervention, the present study highlights the importance of raising awareness of the effectiveness of women's resistance tactics and continuing to train bystanders to notice and take action to address risky situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Orchowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Daniel W Oesterle
- Department of Psychological Sciences, 311308Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Michelle Haikalis
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, 6752Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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3
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Klein S, Krikova K, Antons S, Brand M, Klucken T, Stark R. Reward Responsiveness, Learning, and Valuation Implicated in Problematic Pornography Use — a Research Domain Criteria Perspective. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-022-00423-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Problematic pornography use (PPU) describes a pattern of behavior characterized by excessive time spent using or thinking about pornography and continued use despite negative consequences. To help advance the understanding of transdiagnostic underlying psychological and neurobiological mechanisms in PPU, we aim to review existing evidence on these mechanisms focusing on positive valence systems within the transdiagnostic Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework.
Recent Findings
Reward anticipation processes seem to be increased in individuals with PPU symptoms when they anticipate sexual stimuli compared with other rewards. Studies further suggest that the initial neural and attentional responses to sexual rewards compared with different control stimuli are also increased in individuals with PPU symptoms, as are conditioned responses in sexual reward learning paradigms. Sexual reward valuation studies point towards an increased neural value differentiation with increasing PPU symptoms.
Summary
The current state of evidence indicates that positive valence systems are altered in persons with PPU. This framework of organizing evidence may aid in elucidating PPU development and maintenance as well as planning future studies.
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George WH, Blayney JA, Stappenbeck CA, Davis KC. The Role of Alcohol-Related Behavioral Risk in the Design of HIV Prevention Interventions in the Era of Antiretrovirals: Alcohol Challenge Studies and Research Agenda. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:347-364. [PMID: 34244871 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03351-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS remains a significant health threat and alcohol is a robust contributing factor. After 25 years of alcohol challenge studies investigating alcohol-related behavioral risk (ARBR), much has been learned delineating how drinking influences sexual transmission. We examine this research and consider its relevance for interventions in the era of antiretrovirals. We consider prototypic alcohol challenge methods, illustrative findings, and prevention/intervention implications, noting three perspectives: (a) scale up/extend existing interventions, including identifying under-targeted risk groups and intersecting with PrEP/PEP interventions; (b) modify existing interventions by cultivating psychoeducational content related to alcohol expectancies, alcohol myopia, sexual arousal, risk perception, sexual abdication, and condom use resistance; and (c) innovate new interventions through Science of Behavior Change approaches and repurposing ARBR paradigms. Finally, we suggest research directions concluding that until HIV incidence diminishes significantly, psychosocial interventions addressing the nexus of alcohol use, sexual transmission, and adherence to biomedical protocols will be an important priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H George
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Box 351525, Seattle, WA, 98195-1525, USA.
| | - Jessica A Blayney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cynthia A Stappenbeck
- Department of Psychology, Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kelly Cue Davis
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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5
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Palfai TP, Luehring-Jones P. How Alcohol Influences Mechanisms of Sexual Risk Behavior Change: Contributions of Alcohol Challenge Research to the Development of HIV Prevention Interventions. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:314-332. [PMID: 34148189 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03346-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines the contributions of laboratory-based alcohol challenge research (ACR) to the development of HIV prevention interventions. Following a brief overview of HIV prevention interventions and related health behavior change models, we discuss how alcohol may influence mechanisms of behavior change. The paper highlights the value of ACR for: (1) elucidating mechanisms of action through which alcohol affects sexual risk behavior, (2) testing how alcohol may influence mechanisms thought to underlie HIV prevention interventions, (3) clarifying moderators of the causal influences of alcohol, (4) identifying novel intervention targets, and (5) developing strategies to reduce sexual risk among those who consume alcohol. We conclude with a discussion of the importance of using experimental research to identify mechanisms of behavior change that are specific to populations at high risk for HIV and outline some key implications for developing HIV prevention interventions that integrate the role of alcohol.
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6
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LaRowe LR, Maisto SA, Ditre JW. A measure of expectancies for alcohol analgesia: Preliminary factor analysis, reliability, and validity. Addict Behav 2021; 116:106822. [PMID: 33460990 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.106822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Rates of alcohol consumption are substantially higher among persons with pain, and recent research has focused on elucidating bidirectional pain-alcohol effects. Expectancies for alcohol analgesia could influence the degree to which alcohol confers acute pain-relieving effects, and may amplify the propensity to respond to pain with drinking behavior. However, no validated measures of expectancies for alcohol analgesia are available. Therefore, we developed a five-item measure of Expectancies for Alcohol Analgesia (EAA), which assesses the perceived likelihood that alcohol will reduce pain. The goal of this project was to examine psychometric properties of the EAA among a sample of 273 current alcohol users with chronic pain (Mage = 32.9; 34% female) who completed an online survey of pain and substance use. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results indicated that the hypothesized single-factor structure of the EAA provided good model fit (Bollen-Stine bootstrap p = .13). The EAA also showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.97), and scores were positively associated with quantity/frequency of alcohol use, alcohol outcome expectancies, coping-related drinking motives, and pain severity (ps < 0.01). These findings provide initial support regarding the single-factor structure, reliability, and validity of the EAA. Examination of predictive utility and further validation are important next steps.
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7
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Wray TB, Monti PM, Celio MA, Pérez AE. Cognitive-emotional mechanisms of alcohol intoxication-involved HIV-risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM). Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2021; 29:178-190. [PMID: 33793290 PMCID: PMC8382306 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use is a key risk factor for HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), primarily because it interferes with condom use. However, little is known about the cognitive-emotional mechanisms through which alcohol influences decisions to use condoms with high-risk partners among MSM. In this study, we tested whether alcohol-related deficits in inhibitory control and attention bias toward sexual cues (vs. condoms and neutral cues) accounted for increases in condomless anal sex (CAS) intentions after drinking among MSM. Heavy-drinking, high-risk MSM (N = 83) were randomly assigned to receive (a) alcohol, (b) placebo, or (c) control beverages before behavioral tasks assessing inhibitory control and attention bias, and a video-based sexual risk scenario that assessed several aspects of sexual decision making. Results showed that inhibitory control and attention bias to sexual cues did not mediate associations between intoxication and CAS intentions. Inhibitory control deficits also did not moderate the indirect effects of intoxication on CAS intentions through attention bias. Three-way interactions between alcohol/placebo condition, inhibitory control, and attention bias were also not significant. Together, these findings provide little evidence that these two processes play a significant role in alcohol-involved HIV risk, at least as assessed by the specific tasks used in this study. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B. Wray
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02906
| | - Peter M. Monti
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02906
| | - Mark A. Celio
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02906
| | - Ashley E. Pérez
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94118
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8
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Welsch R, von Castell C, Rettenberger M, Turner D, Hecht H, Fromberger P. Sexual attraction modulates interpersonal distance and approach-avoidance movements towards virtual agents in males. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231539. [PMID: 32315317 PMCID: PMC7173797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
How does sexual attraction alter social interaction behavior? We examined the influence of sexual orientation on locomotor approach-avoidance behavior and interpersonal distance. We immersed androphilic and gynophilic male subjects into a virtual environment and presented various male and female virtual persons. In the first experiment, subjects took a step forward (approach) or backward (avoidance) in response to the sex of the virtual person. We measured reaction time, peak velocity, and step size, and obtained ratings of sexual attractiveness in every trial. In the second experiment, subjects had to approach the virtual person as if they were to engage in a social interaction. Here, we analyzed interpersonal distance and peak velocity of the approaches. Our results suggest that sexual attraction facilitates the approach response and reduces the preferred interpersonal distance. We discuss our findings in terms of proxemics, current findings in sex research, and the applicability of our novel task in other fields of psychological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Welsch
- Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Martin Rettenberger
- Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Centre of Criminology Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Daniel Turner
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Heiko Hecht
- Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Fromberger
- Human Medical Center, Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Forensic Psychiatry, Göttingen, Germany
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9
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Fricke K, Vogel S. How interindividual differences shape approach-avoidance behavior: Relating self-report and diagnostic measures of interindividual differences to behavioral measurements of approach and avoidance. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 111:30-56. [PMID: 31954150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Responding to stimuli in ambiguous environments is partially governed by approach-avoidance tendencies. Imbalances in these approach-avoidance behaviors are implicated in many mental disorders including anxiety disorders, phobias and substance use disorders. While factors biasing human behavior in approach-avoidance conflicts have been researched in numerous experiments, a much-needed comprehensive overview integrating those findings is missing. Here, we systematically searched the existing literature on individual differences in task-based approach-avoidance behavior and aggregated the current evidence for the effect of self-reported approach/avoidance traits, anxiety and anxiety disorders, specific phobias, depression, aggression, anger and psychopathy, substance use and related disorders, eating disorders and habits, trauma, acute stress and, finally, hormone levels (mainly testosterone, oxytocin). We highlight consistent findings, underrepresented research areas and unexpected results, and detail the amount of controversy between studies. We discuss potential reasons for ambiguous results in some research areas, offer practical advice for future studies and highlight potential variables such as task-related researcher decisions that may influence how interindividual differences and disorders drive automatic approach-avoidance biases in behavioral experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Fricke
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Susanne Vogel
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, Am Kaiserkai 1, 20457, Hamburg, Germany
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10
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Rabinovitz S, Goldman K, Rosca P, Barda J, Levine SZ. The role of substance use and adult sexual assault severity in the course of schizophrenia: An epidemiological catchment study of sexual assault victims. Schizophr Res 2019; 208:406-413. [PMID: 30654922 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood trauma increases the risk of schizophrenia, yet the role of adult sexual assault in the course of schizophrenia is unknown. This study aims to examine the associations between substance use and sexual assault severity characteristics with the course of schizophrenia among adult sexual assault victims using an epidemiologic study design. METHODS Sexual assault data on all individuals received from 2000 to 2010 (N = 2147) at the Center for Care of Sexual Assault Victims at Wolfson Medical Center, the largest medical center for sexual assault victims in the country, were merged with the Israel National Psychiatric Case Registry, that consisted of lifetime psychiatric hospitalizations of schizophrenia (birth to 6 years post-assault). The associations between substance use and adult sexual assault severity characteristics with hospitalizations were quantified using recurrent events Cox modeling. RESULTS Schizophrenia with sexual assault survivors occurred in 117 persons. Cox modeling showed that recurrent psychiatric hospitalizations were associated with younger age, sexual assault at older age, previous diagnosis of psychosis, and drug use shortly before or during the assault. Other assault characteristics (number of assailants, means of subdual, penetration type, perpetrator violence, physical injury of the victim) and immediacy of seeking help had a null association with the course of psychiatric hospitalization. These results replicated in two sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Substance use among victims of sexual assault was associated with an exacerbated course of schizophrenia, pointing to a possibly modifiable risk factor that should be targeted in prevention, assessment, treatment formulation and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Rabinovitz
- School of Criminology and The Unit for Excellence in Research & Study of Addiction (ERSA), The Center for Rehabilitation Research, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Keren Goldman
- School of Criminology and The Unit for Excellence in Research & Study of Addiction (ERSA), The Center for Rehabilitation Research, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paula Rosca
- Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Julia Barda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Center for Care of Sexual Assault Victims, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Stephen Z Levine
- Department of Community Mental Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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11
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George WH. Alcohol and Sexual Health Behavior: "What We Know and How We Know It". JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2019; 56:409-424. [PMID: 30958036 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1588213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol, despite salutary associations with sexuality, has been implicated in sexual health problems. This review examines the relationship between alcohol and outcomes related to sexual health. Methodological considerations limiting causal assertions permissible with nonexperimental data are discussed, as are advantages of experimental methods. Findings from laboratory experiments are reviewed evaluating causal effects of acute alcohol intoxication on a variety of outcomes, including sexual arousal, sexual desire, orgasm, and sexual risk behaviors related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Several variables exerting mediating and moderating influences are identified. It is concluded that acute alcohol intoxication is capable of exerting a causal impact on multiple constituent components of sexual responding related to sexual health. Both alcohol expectancy and alcohol myopia theories have been supported as explanations for these causal effects. Furthermore, for sexual risk behavior, noteworthy recent developments include research highlighting the importance of women's sexual victimization history and men's condom use resistance. Limitations and implications associated with this body of research are also discussed.
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12
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Hahn AM, Simons RM, Simons JS, Wiers RW, Welker LE. Can cognitive bias modification simultaneously target two behaviors? Approach bias retraining for alcohol and condom use. Clin Psychol Sci 2019; 7:1078-1093. [PMID: 31890350 DOI: 10.1177/2167702619834570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the effectiveness of a cognitive bias modification (CBM) intervention to simultaneously reduce approach biases toward alcohol and increase approach biases toward condoms among high-risk young adults. Participants (N = 102) were randomly assigned to either a training condition or a sham-training condition. Participants in the training condition were trained to make avoidance movements away from alcohol stimuli and approach movements toward condom stimuli over four training sessions. Approach biases and behavior were assessed at pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up. Approach biases changed for both stimulus categories in accordance with training condition. Condom behavior and attitudes also changed as a function of training condition, such that participants in the training condition reported fewer instances of condom nonuse and a more positive attitudes toward condoms at a three-month follow-up. Participants in both conditions had significant reductions in alcohol consumption following the intervention and did not differ by training condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Hahn
- Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota
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13
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Turner D, Wittekind CE, Briken P, Fromberger P, Moritz S, Rettenberger M. Approach and Avoidance Biases Toward Sexual Stimuli and Their Association with the Dual Control Model of Sexual Response in Heterosexual Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:867-880. [PMID: 30238184 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Many models of human behavior work in an interaction of a dual system. While one system usually represents controlled and reflective behavioral responses, the other system reflects automatic and impulsive actions. In the impulsive system, positive stimuli initiate approach reactions and negative cues avoidance reactions. Besides stimulus valence, the behavioral response triggered by the impulsive system is influenced by personality (e.g., the propensity to react with approach or avoidance biases in a specific situation). The present study applied a computerized Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT; Rinck & Becker, 2007) to assess automatic behavioral approach and avoidance biases toward sexual and neutral stimuli in heterosexual men (N = 40). Individual AAT-performance was furthermore related to sexual excitation (SES) and the two sexual inhibition factors (SIS1 and SIS2) as proposed by the Dual Control Model of sexual response (Bancroft & Janssen, 2000). Against our hypotheses, participants did not show a stronger approach bias toward sexually preferred (i.e., images of women) than sexually not preferred stimuli (i.e., images of men or children). However, stronger approach biases toward images of women were positively associated with sexual excitation and negatively correlated with sexual inhibition due to a threat of performance failure (SIS1) even after controlling for potential confounds (i.e., general behavioral activation and inhibition). The results support the importance of the influence of dispositional traits measured with the Dual Control Model of sexual response on approach and avoidance biases toward sexually preferred stimuli in heterosexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Turner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Untere Zahlbacherstraße 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
- Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Charlotte E Wittekind
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Fromberger
- Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Forensic Psychiatry, Human Medical Center Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Steffen Moritz
- Clinical Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Rettenberger
- Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Criminology (Kriminologische Zentralstelle - KrimZ), Wiesbaden, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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14
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Wolfs K, Bos AER, Mevissen FEF, Peters GJY, van Lankveld JJDM. Sexual Arousal and Implicit and Explicit Determinants of Condom Use Intentions. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:469-480. [PMID: 30003438 PMCID: PMC6373232 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1257-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Being sexually aroused may be an important risk factor contributing to sexual decision making. Dual-process cognitive models, such as the reflective-impulsive model of Strack and Deutsch (2004), could be used to explain the effect of sexual arousal on intentions to use a condom. In this study, we investigated whether explicit and implicit attitudes toward condom use can predict intentions to use a condom when participants are sexually aroused and not aroused. In a within-subjects experimental design, male participants (N = 27) watched both a neutral and an erotic movie clip in counterbalanced order. After each clip, participants completed a questionnaire assessing their intentions to use a condom and explicit condom attitudes, followed by a wanting Implicit Association Test (IAT; Greenwald et al., 2003) and a liking IAT to assess their implicit attitudes to unsafe sex. In concordance with the reflective-impulsive model, we found that when participants were not sexually aroused, their intentions to use a condom were solely predicted by their explicit attitudes. However, when they were sexually aroused, intentions to use a condom were predicted by both explicit and implicit attitudes toward condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Wolfs
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
- Treatment Center for People with a Mild Intellectual Disability, AltraCura, 6161 DJ, Geleen, The Netherlands.
| | - Arjan E R Bos
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Fraukje E F Mevissen
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gjalt-Jorn Y Peters
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
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15
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Goedel WC, Duncan DT. Contextual factors in geosocial-networking smartphone application use and engagement in condomless anal intercourse among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who use Grindr. Sex Health 2018; 13:549-554. [PMID: 27712610 DOI: 10.1071/sh16008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Geosocial-networking smartphone applications (apps) have been used increasingly by men who have sex with men (MSM) to meet new sexual partners. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between contexts of app use (e.g. using apps when drinking) and condomless anal intercourse among a sample of MSM who use these apps. METHODS MSM (n=174) in New York City were recruited through Grindr, a geosocial-networking app popular among MSM, using broadcast advertisements asking MSM to complete an Internet-based survey about their app use and sexual behaviours. Log-binomial regression models were fit to assess the association between each of the six app-use contexts (e.g. using apps when lonely, when drinking) and engagement in condomless insertive and receptive anal intercourse with one or more partners in the past 3 months. RESULTS Engagement in condomless receptive and insertive anal intercourse with one or more partners in the preceding 3 months was common (39.7% and 43.1% respectively) and was associated with several app-use contexts. For example, significant associations (P<0.05) were observed between alcohol and other drug use when using these apps and engagement in condomless receptive and insertive anal intercourse. CONCLUSION Given that 57.5% of respondents had engaged in condomless anal intercourse in the preceding 3 months and the associations of app-use contexts with condomless sexual behaviours, these findings suggest that reductions in substance use may lead to safer sexual practices among MSM who use apps to meet sexual partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C Goedel
- Department of Population Health, School of Medicine, New York University, Spatial Epidemiology Lab, 227 East 30th Street, Cube 628A, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Population Health, School of Medicine, New York University, Spatial Epidemiology Lab, 227 East 30th Street, Cube 628A, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Simons JS, Simons RM, Maisto SA, Hahn AM, Walters KJ. Daily associations between alcohol and sexual behavior in young adults. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2018; 26:36-48. [PMID: 29389169 PMCID: PMC5798003 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We tested within-person effects of alcohol on sexual behavior among young adults in a longitudinal burst design (N = 213, 6,487 days) using data collected from a previously published parent study. We differentiated effects of alcohol on likelihood of sexual activity versus use of protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or pregnancy on intercourse occasions by testing a multilevel multinomial model with 4 outcomes (no sex, oral sex without intercourse, protected intercourse, and unprotected intercourse). At the within-person level, effects of alcohol were hypothesized to be conditional upon level of intoxication (i.e., curvilinear effect). We also tested effects of four between-person moderators: gender, typical length of relationship with sexual partners, and two facets of self-control (effortful control and reactivity). Consistent with our hypothesis, low-level intoxication was associated with increased likelihood of engaging in oral sex or protected intercourse (relative to no sex) but was not related to likelihood of unprotected intercourse. The effect of intoxication on unprotected versus protected intercourse was an accelerating curve, significantly increasing likelihood of unprotected intercourse at high levels of intoxication. Between-person factors moderated associations between intoxication and sexual behavior. Effects of intoxication on both protected and unprotected intercourse were diminished for individuals with more familiar sexual partners. Effortful control exhibited a protective effect, reducing the effects of intoxication on likelihood of unprotected intercourse. Hypothesized effects of reactivity were not supported. Intoxication was a stronger predictor of oral sex and protected intercourse (but not unprotected intercourse) for women relative to men. Results highlight the inherent complexities of the alcohol-sexual behavior nexus. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S. Simons
- University of South Dakota, 414 East Clark St., Department of Psychology, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA
| | - Raluca M. Simons
- University of South Dakota, 414 East Clark St., Department of Psychology, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA
| | - Stephen A. Maisto
- Syracuse University, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244 USA
| | - Austin M. Hahn
- University of South Dakota, 414 East Clark St., Department of Psychology, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA
| | - Kyle J. Walters
- University of South Dakota, 414 East Clark St., Department of Psychology, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA
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Testa M, Cleveland MJ. Does Alcohol Contribute to College Men's Sexual Assault Perpetration? Between- and Within-Person Effects Over Five Semesters. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2017; 78:5-13. [PMID: 27936357 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2017.78.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current longitudinal study was designed to consider the time-varying effects of men's heavy episodic drinking (HED) and drinking setting attendance on college sexual assault perpetration. METHOD Freshman men (N = 992) were recruited in their first semester and completed online measures at the end of their first five semesters. Using multilevel models, we examined whether men with higher frequency HED (or party or bar attendance) were more likely to perpetrate sexual assault (between-person, Level 2 effect) and whether sexual assault perpetration was more likely in semesters in which HED (or party or bar attendance) was higher than each individual's average (within-person, Level 1 effect). RESULTS The between-person effect of HED on sexual assault was not significant after accounting for the between-person effects of antisocial behavior, impersonal sex orientation, and low self-control. The within-person effect of HED on sexual assault perpetration was not significant. However, models substituting frequency of party attendance or bar attendance revealed both between- and within-person effects. The odds of sexual assault were increased for men with higher bar and party attendance than the sample as a whole, and in semesters in which party or bar attendance was higher than their own average. Supplemental analyses suggested that these drinking setting effects were explained by hookups, with sexual assault perpetration more likely in semesters in which the number of hookups exceeded one's own average. CONCLUSIONS Findings point toward the importance of drinking contexts, rather than drinking per se, as predictors of college men's sexual assault perpetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Testa
- Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Michael J Cleveland
- Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M. Millar
- Health Psychology & Clinical Science Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
- Center for HIV/AIDS Educational Studies & Training (CHEST), Hunter College, CUNY, New York, NY, USA
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Dolder PC, Holze F, Liakoni E, Harder S, Schmid Y, Liechti ME. Alcohol acutely enhances decoding of positive emotions and emotional concern for positive stimuli and facilitates the viewing of sexual images. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:41-51. [PMID: 27640999 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4431-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Social cognition influences social interactions. Alcohol reportedly facilitates social interactions. However, the acute effects of alcohol on social cognition are relatively poorly studied. METHODS We investigated the effects of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beer on emotion recognition, empathy, and sexual arousal using the dynamic face emotion recognition task (FERT), Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET), and Sexual Arousal Task (SAT) in a double-blind, random-order, cross-over study in 60 healthy social drinkers. We also assessed subjective effects using visual analog scales (VASs), blood alcohol concentrations, and plasma oxytocin levels. RESULTS Alcohol increased VAS ratings of stimulated, happy, talkative, open, and want to be with others. The subjective effects of alcohol were greater in participants with higher trait inhibitedness. Alcohol facilitated the recognition of happy faces on the FERT and enhanced emotional empathy for positive stimuli on the MET, particularly in participants with low trait empathy. Pictures of explicit sexual content were rated as less pleasant than neutral pictures after non-alcoholic beer but not after alcoholic beer. Explicit sexual pictures were rated as more pleasant after alcoholic beer compared with non-alcoholic beer, particularly in women. Alcohol did not alter the levels of circulating oxytocin. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol biased emotion recognition toward better decoding of positive emotions and increased emotional concern for positive stimuli. No support was found for a modulatory role of oxytocin. Alcohol also facilitated the viewing of sexual images, consistent with disinhibition, but it did not actually enhance sexual arousal. These effects of alcohol on social cognition likely enhance sociability. TRIAL REGISTRATION www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02318823.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Dolder
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Friederike Holze
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Evangelia Liakoni
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Harder
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yasmin Schmid
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Hebelstrasse 2, 4031, Basel, CH, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Human adolescents engage in very high rates of unprotected sex. This behavior has a high potential for unintended, serious, and sustained health consequences including HIV/AIDS. Despite these serious health consequences, we know little about the neural and cognitive factors that influence adolescents' decision-making around sex, and their potential overlap with behaviorally co-occurring risk behaviors, including alcohol use. Thus, in this review, we evaluate the developmental neuroscience of sexual risk and alcohol use for human adolescents with an eye to relevant prevention and intervention implications.
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Maisto SA, Simons JS. Research on the Effects of Alcohol and Sexual Arousal on Sexual Risk in Men who have Sex with Men: Implications for HIV Prevention Interventions. AIDS Behav 2016; 20 Suppl 1:S158-72. [PMID: 26459332 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1220-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to describe and appraise the research evidence on the effects of acute alcohol intoxication and sexual arousal on sexual risk behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM) and to examine its implications for design of HIV prevention interventions that target MSM. Toward that end, the paper begins with a discussion of research on sexual arousal in men and alcohol and their acute effects on sexual behaviors. This is followed by a review of empirical evidence on the combined acute effects of alcohol and sexual arousal in heterosexual men (the large majority of studies) and then in MSM. The empirical evidence and related theoretical developments then are integrated to derive implications for developing effective HIV prevention interventions that target MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Maisto
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA.
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