Adult Attachment and High‐Risk Sexual Behavior Among HIV‐Positive Patients

The present study investigated the relationship between adult attachment style and sexual behavior among HIV‐positive patients. HIV‐positive (HIV+) participants ( N = 48) completed questionnaires assessing number of sexual partners, adult attachment, self‐esteem, and depressive symptoms. Results revealed that insecure attachment styles (particularly negative attachment representations of self and fearful attachment) were associated with having multiple sexual partners, including at‐risk HIV‐negative (HIV‐) partners. These relationships remained significant after controlling for sexual orientation, self‐esteem, and depressive symptomatology. These results suggest that interpersonal issues may play a key role in high‐risk sexual behavior among HIV+ individuals.