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Abstract
Currently, the most highly effective method for the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, is the consistent and correct use of condoms (Warner & Hatcher, 1998). Research examining the sexual behaviors and risks of adolescents and young adults is particularly important given that this is a time in psychosocial development when young people are becoming sexually active (Carver, Joyner, & Udry, 2004). During this critical period, adolescents and young adults may be increasing the risks of STI and HIV infection by not using condoms (Brown & Vanable, 2007; Reisen & Poppen, 1999). It is estimated that roughly half of the new HIV infections in the United States are among young people under the age of 25 years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). The purpose of the current study was to assess the attitudes young men and women have toward condoms and their intentions to use condoms with different types of sexual partners. This approach conceptualizes attitudes and intentions to use condoms with different sexual partner types as a potential predictor of actual condom use with various sexual partner types (e.g., monogamous, casual).
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