Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

955

Date

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Psychology

Committee Chair

James Murphy

Committee Member

Leslie Robinson

Committee Member

Helen Sable

Abstract

The years spent in college are a period of increased risky sexual behavior (RSB). RSB includes any behavior(s) that increases the likelihood of negative consequences associated with sexual contact. Variables such as gender and alcohol use are predictors of RSB, but our understanding of RSB and predictors is incomplete. Delay Discounting (DD), Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC) and Relative Reinforcing Efficacy (RRE) have been implicated in health risk behaviors and may predict engagement in RSB among students. We examined the relationship between these variables, established predictors (e.g., impulsivity) and RSB among students (N = 364; 76% female) controlling for gender, ethniticy, drinking and relationship status. When entered together in one model, RRE was the most robust predictors of RSB in our sample. DD was also significant. In seperate models, trait impulsivity accounted for the largest amount of variance compared to all other predictors. These results suggest the value of sexual activity relative to other reinforcers may play an important role in RSB.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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