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Methodological challenges in research on sexual risk behavior: II. Accuracy of self-reports

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Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Assessing sexual behavior with self-report is essential to research on a variety of health topics, including pregnancy and infertility, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual health and functioning. Recent methodological research has provided new insights regarding the accuracy of self-reports of sexual behavior. We review these studies, paying particular attention to a promising new development: the use of computer-assisted assessments. The collection of sexual risk behavior data with computers has increased dramatically in recent years, but little is known about the accuracy of such assessments. We summarize the evidence, discuss methodological issues that arise in studies evaluating the accuracy of self-reports, and offer recommendations for future research.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Health and Behavior, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, 13244-2340, Syracuse, NY

    Kerstin E. E. Schroder Ph.D., Michael P. Carey Ph.D. & Peter A. Vanable Ph.D.

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  1. Kerstin E. E. Schroder Ph.D.
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  2. Michael P. Carey Ph.D.
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  3. Peter A. Vanable Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael P. Carey Ph.D..

Additional information

This work was supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grants R01-MH54929 and K02-MH01582.

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Schroder, K.E.E., Carey, M.P. & Vanable, P.A. Methodological challenges in research on sexual risk behavior: II. Accuracy of self-reports. ann. behav. med. 26, 104–123 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1207/S15324796ABM2602_03

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