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

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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-con-sciousness 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 self-consciousness, attitudes toward sexual activity, and gender influence decisions to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors is proposed.

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  1. Southwest Texas State University, 78666, San Marcos, TX

    Roque V. Mendez, Timothy L. Hulsey & Richard L. Archer

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  1. Roque V. Mendez
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  2. Timothy L. Hulsey
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Mendez, R.V., Hulsey, T.L. & Archer, R.L. Multiple partners in the age of AIDS: Self-consciousness theory and HIV risk behavior. Curr Psychol 20, 349–362 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-001-1017-0

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