Impulsivity Levels Predict Risky Sexual Behaviors During the Transition to College

Sherley K. Vazquez*, Rebekah L. Damitz, Nicholas A. Turiano, Eblery College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology,

Field (Broad Category): Psychology (Behavioral & Social Sciences) 

Student’s Major: Psychology B.S. 

Understanding factors that predict sexual risk taking is paramount during college because risky sex can lead to a number of health problems, such as sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies (Winer, Lee, Hughes, Adam, Kiviat & Koutsky, 2003; Finer & Zolna, 2016). Prior research has found that individual differences in impulsivity are related to risky behavior, including sexual risk taking. However, much of this research is based on cross-sectional data and single risk behaviors (e.g., using a condom versus not). In the current study, we investigated whether impulsivity (negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, or sensation seeking) measured midway through freshman year (November) predicts sexual risk taking at the end of freshman year. Data was collected via the College Student Transition (CST) study. The sample consisted of 353 first-time freshmen from a large public University in the Appalachian region. Participants completed an online Survey Monkey questionnaire 5 times throughout their freshman year (2016-17). Regression analyses indicated no significant associations among impulsivity and risky sexual behaviors. However, more impulsive individuals reported a greater number of sexual partners over their freshman year. Overall, research in this field is crucial to narrowing down possible factors that contribute to risky sex behaviors to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. Future work should look at specific contraception use behaviors to fully understand how impulsivity is related to sexual risk taking. 

Funding: National Insititute of General Medical Sciences 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course