Condom inclusion in cognitive representations of sexual encounters

Abstract

To identify the inclusion of condom use (N = 360 college students), two sexual scripts (stable and casual relationships) were identified by free-generation methods (Study 1) and used to develop open-ended narratives up to the point before sexual intercourse. Participants completed the narratives to verify whether they spontaneously included references to condom use, and these references were related to self-report of sexual protection (Study 2). Finally, a recognition memory test clarified the typicality of condom use actions in the sexual script-based narratives (Study 3). The results indicated that although moderately referred to when free-generation is used, condom use is much less mentioned when participants complete script-based narratives and is considered a script-atypical action. Thus, we conclude that when behavior is guided by script, protective behaviors will not become mentally accessible and will not be used. Both relationships require intervention in order to increase condom use and make it a sexual routine.