Personality characteristics of condom users

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Understanding factors influencing condom use is crucial for sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention.
• College-aged men represent a key demographic for sexual health interventions.
• Personality traits may play a role in consistent condom use behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between personality characteristics and condom use in sexually active heterosexual male university students.
• To identify reasons for inconsistent condom use among this population.
• To inform targeted sexual health counseling strategies.

Main Methods:

• Administered the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) and a custom sexual behavior survey.
• Sample included 132 sexually active, heterosexual male university students (mean age 19.2).
• Defined condom users based on reported use in the last sexual encounter to ejaculation.

Main Results:

• Condom users scored higher on CPI's Achievement via Independence, Socialization, and Social Presence scales.
• Condom users' mean CPI profile indicated the 'Gamma' personality type (externally-oriented, norm questioning).
• Common reasons for non-use included not expecting intercourse and unavailability of condoms; low HIV risk perception was prevalent.

Conclusions:

• Specific personality traits, particularly those associated with the Gamma type, may correlate with higher condom use.
• Addressing practical barriers like condom availability and perceived risk is essential for promoting safer sex practices.
• Counseling strategies should consider personality factors and common barriers to condom use in college populations.