Partner Attractiveness and Perceived Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Among Sexual Minority Men

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience disproportionately high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Despite risks, many MSM engage in condomless sex, potentially influenced by perceptions of lower STI risk from attractive partners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of partner attractiveness on perceived STI risk and condom use intentions among MSM.
• To examine the roles of implicit personality theory and motivated reasoning in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• 197 MSM participants viewed photos of attractive and unattractive men.
• Assessed perceptions of positive traits, STI risk, sexual motivation, and condom use intentions.
• Manipulated sexual arousal to test its influence.

Main Results:

• Higher partner attractiveness was associated with lower perceived STI risk and reduced condom use intentions.
• This effect was mediated by increased positive perceptions and motivation for sexual engagement.
• Sexual arousal did not significantly influence the observed effects.

Conclusions:

• Partner attractiveness significantly influences STI risk perception and condom use intentions in MSM.
• Cognitive biases, including positive trait assumptions and motivated reasoning, underlie this effect.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted sexual health interventions considering partner attractiveness biases.