Harming the ones we love: Relational attachment and perceived consequencesas predictors of safe-sex behavior

There are an enormous number of studies surrounding predictors of condom us e, and an equally impressive number of prevention programs in place to decr ease the rate of HIV transmission. Despite such attention, the incidence of HIV infection remains high. One contributing factor to the continued sprea d of HN may be the relative absence of recognition by researchers that cond oms are imbued with a social meaning that threatens two salient goals for i nteractants: the desires to maintain positive identities and chose relation ships. Recent evidence suggests that requests to use a condom may be interp reted in ways that threaten both goals. This investigation examines the rol es of identity and relational maintenance goals as influences on safe-sex d ecisions. Results from an experimental design confirm the importance of the se goals to safe-sex behavior. Implications are noted and suggestions for c hanges in prevention programs offered.