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Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Measuring Delay Discounting in Humans Using an Adjusting Amount Task
Published on: January 9, 2016
Age-dependent effects in the association between monetary delay discounting and risky sexual behavior
Jeb Jones1, Patrick S Sullivan1
1Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA.
Background:
Monetary delay discounting is a measure of impulsivity associated with substance use and abuse, problem gambling, and other health-related outcomes. More recently, delay discounting has been shown to be associated with risky sexual behavior. We analyzed survey data from men who have sex with men who completed a monetary discounting task and reported sexual behaviors in the previous 12 months.
Findings:
Monetary delay discounting was associated with condomless anal intercourse among young (18-24 years), but not older, men who have sex with men.
Conclusions:
Monetary delay discounting may identify young men at increased risk of engaging in HIV risk behaviors.
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