Factors predicting high-risk sexual behavior in heterosexual college females

The purpose of this study was to determine which factors based in social cognitive theory are associated with risky sexual behavior in heterosexual college females. Results showed that negative attitudes toward condoms and toward involvement in a relationship were associated with less consistent condom use; frequent alcohol use preceding intercourse and low sexual satisfaction were associated with less consistent contraceptive use. Sex education on the college campus currently provides protection information only; these strategies have not proved successful. We encourage the development of more comprehensive educational strategies, which include discussion of the social cognitive factors shown here to be associated with risky sexual behavior.