Rodrigues DL, Prada M, Lopes D. Perceived sexual self-control and condom use with primary and casual sex partners: age and relationship agreement differences in a Portuguese sample.
Psychol Health 2019;
34:1231-1249. [PMID:
31111739 DOI:
10.1080/08870446.2019.1603384]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Consistent condom use is still not ideal. Research showed that perceived sexual self-control is associated with greater likelihood of using condoms. However, this association seems to vary according to age and relationship agreement (i.e. non-consensual non-monogamy, NCNM vs. consensual non-monogamy, CNM).
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study with 307 heterosexual users of a dating web site for romantically involved individuals (81.8% men; Mage = 42.24, SD = 9.65, range: 23-76 years). All individuals were in a romantic relationship (Mlength = 13.47 years, SD = 9.39).
MEASURES
Demographic information, perceived sexual self-control, condom use frequency (casual sex partners; primary partner in the last 3 months) and relationship agreement.
RESULTS
Independently of relationship agreement, perceived sexual self-control was positively associated with condom use frequency with casual sex partners among younger and middle age participants, but not older ones (>49 years). Regarding the primary partner, a similar pattern emerged for CNM participants. In contrast, no significant association between perceived sexual self-control and condom use frequency with the primary partner emerged for NCNM individuals, regardless of age.
CONCLUSION
Our findings can inform evidence-based strategies to promote consistent condom use as an effective behaviour to prevent sexually transmitted infections, especially among older and NCNM individuals.
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