Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sexual stereotypes shape perceptions of male and female sexuality.
• Understanding stereotype endorsement is crucial for sexual health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify endorsement of sexual stereotypes among heterosexual Puerto Rican men and women.
• To examine the relationship between stereotype endorsement, attitudes toward condom use, and actual condom use.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study with 429 heterosexual participants.
• Utilized two scales assessing male and female sexual stereotypes.
• Assessed attitudes toward and self-reported condom use.

Main Results:

• Men endorsed more sexual stereotypes than women, viewing female sexuality more conservatively.
• Higher stereotype endorsement correlated with negative attitudes toward condom use.
• Stereotype endorsement did not predict actual condom use.

Conclusions:

• Sexual stereotypes are prevalent and linked to negative condom use attitudes.
• Findings suggest current sexual stereotypes may not directly drive high-risk sexual behavior.
• Implications for designing targeted sexual health and prevention programs.