The Relationship of Perceived Risk to Condom Use: Why Results are Inconsistent

Studies of the relationship between perceived risk and condom use among young adults show contradictory results. This article examines some reasons why the relationship appears to be inconsistent. One source of inconclusive results within and across studies appears to be the fact that perceived risk is both a “cause” and an “effect” of condom use. Measures of perceived risk rarely specify the context for responding and can therefore be interpreted in varying ways. Implications for both researchers and social marketing practitioners are discussed.