BARRIERS TO CONDOM USE AND SAFER SEX TALK AMONG COLLEGE DATING COUPLES

Using an open-ended questionnaire response format, this study examined self-generated barriers to condom use and safer sex talk among 119 he terosexual college dating couples at the University of New Mexico (tot al N = 238). Data were collected from both members of these dyads. Rea sons for abstaining from intercourse were also elicited. Several gener al response categories emerged including no perceived risk; spontaneit y; deliberate choice; negative attitudes; and a lack of perceived self -efficacy for enacting condom use and safer sex discussion. Explanatio ns for abstinence included religious/moral prohibitions; lack of readi ness for intercourse; and a fear of being emotionally hurt. Few differ ences emerged across gender, ethnicity (Caucasian vs Hispanic), and pr ior sexual experience (participant had intercourse prior to current re lationship vs did not). Selected reasons for not using a condom and/or discussing safer sex (e.g. partner is monogamous) were cross-validate d with the self-reported behavior of the respondent's dating partner. In general, participants' reasons for perceived non-risk were not supp orted by their partner's reported behavior. Implications of these find ings for sexual risk reduction programs include: establishing realisti c goals for safer sex behavior and talk within committed relationships , acknowledging the impact of passion on safer sex, and addressing kno wledge gaps in risk perception.