TY - JOUR
T1 - The Role of Unrealistic Optimism in College Student Risky Sexual Behavior
AU - Lopez, Susanna V.
AU - Leffingwell, Thad R.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2020/4/2
Y1 - 2020/4/2
N2 - The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between unrealistic optimism (UO) and risky sexual behavior (RSB) and related consequences in a college student sample. Participants believed they had significantly lower personal risk of engagement in alcohol-related sexual activity, unintended pregnancy, and STIs than the average college student (ps < 0.01). Compared to national data, participants significantly underestimated likelihood of HPV and sexual engagement with four or more partners in the next year (ps < 0.01). Findings support evidence of UO relating to RSB-related consequences, indicating need for improvements in sexual health education and intervention.
AB - The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between unrealistic optimism (UO) and risky sexual behavior (RSB) and related consequences in a college student sample. Participants believed they had significantly lower personal risk of engagement in alcohol-related sexual activity, unintended pregnancy, and STIs than the average college student (ps < 0.01). Compared to national data, participants significantly underestimated likelihood of HPV and sexual engagement with four or more partners in the next year (ps < 0.01). Findings support evidence of UO relating to RSB-related consequences, indicating need for improvements in sexual health education and intervention.
KW - Alcohol
KW - college students
KW - risky sexual behavior
KW - unrealistic optimism
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85081901613&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/15546128.2020.1734131
DO - 10.1080/15546128.2020.1734131
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85081901613
SN - 1554-6128
VL - 15
SP - 201
EP - 217
JO - American Journal of Sexuality Education
JF - American Journal of Sexuality Education
IS - 2
ER -