Relationship cognitions and longitudinal trajectories of sexual risk behavior among young gay and bisexual men: The P18 cohort study

J Health Psychol. 2018 Dec;23(14):1884-1894. doi: 10.1177/1359105316671187. Epub 2016 Oct 9.

Abstract

This study examines how romantic relationship cognitions are associated with changes of condomless anal sex among emerging adult gay and bisexual men. The sample was drawn from four waves of a prospective cohort study ( N = 598; Mage = 18.2). Results suggest that condomless anal sex increased over the emerging adulthood period. Romantic relationship fear was associated with increased receptive condomless anal sex. Perceptions of greater romantic relationship control increased the likelihood of having insertive and receptive condomless anal sex. Findings suggest that romantic relationship cognitions are important to consider when understanding longitudinal changes in condomless anal sex in this population.

Keywords: emerging adulthood; growth model; romantic relationship cognitions; young gay men.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Development
  • Adult
  • Bisexuality / psychology*
  • Bisexuality / statistics & numerical data
  • Cognition
  • Condoms
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities / psychology*
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology*
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult