Predicting Contraceptive Behavior Among University Men: The Role of Emotions and Behavioral Intentions1

This research employed two theories to predict contraceptive behavior (condom use) among university men. The sexual behavior sequence (Byrne, 1977, 1983) hypothesizes that erotophobia‐erotophilia (negative to positive emotional response to sexuality) will generalize and mediate avoidance or approach of contraception. The theory of reasoned action (Ajzen Fishbein BI is hypothesized to be a function of attitudes towards the act (Aact) and relevant subjective norms (SN), and Aact and SN in turn have hypothesized basic determinants ( ). In addition, the theory of reasoned action holds that variables external to this model (i.e., erotophobia‐erotophilia) may only affect behavior indirectly, by affecting the model's components. To test these assumptions, 145 undergraduate males completed measures of erotophobia‐erotophilia and BI, Aact, SN, and and with respect to condom use in the coming month; a one month follow‐up measure of B was also obtained. Results confirmed each of the hypothesized relationships and showed that for subjects who had sex during the month under study ( N = 44), erotophobia‐erotophilia and behavioral intentions were related to condom use ( r = .33, r = .44, p < .05). Moreover, in contrast to the assumption of the theory of reasoned action, erotophobia‐erotophilia and intentions independently predicted condom use; the linear combination of these factors predicted condom use significantly better ( R = .57, p < .001) than either factor taken singly. Conceptual and applied implications of these findings are discussed.