Abstract
The purpose of the current investigation was to contextualize the sexual relationships and risk behaviors of heterosexually
active African Americans. A total of 38 participants (20 females and 18 males) aged 18–44 years were recruited in a large
city in the southeastern U.S. to participate in focus group discussions exploring sexual partnerships, general condom perceptions,
and condom negotiation. Results indicated that participants distinguished among at least three partner types—one-night stand,
“regular” casual partner, and main partner. Partner types were found to shape and influence types of sexual behaviors, perceptions
of risk and condom use, and condom negotiation. Participants also shared general perceptions about condoms and elucidated
situations in which intentions to use condoms were not realized. Gender differences emerged in many of these areas. Implications
of these findings are discussed and directions for future research on sexual partnerships and risk behavior are offered.
active African Americans. A total of 38 participants (20 females and 18 males) aged 18–44 years were recruited in a large
city in the southeastern U.S. to participate in focus group discussions exploring sexual partnerships, general condom perceptions,
and condom negotiation. Results indicated that participants distinguished among at least three partner types—one-night stand,
“regular” casual partner, and main partner. Partner types were found to shape and influence types of sexual behaviors, perceptions
of risk and condom use, and condom negotiation. Participants also shared general perceptions about condoms and elucidated
situations in which intentions to use condoms were not realized. Gender differences emerged in many of these areas. Implications
of these findings are discussed and directions for future research on sexual partnerships and risk behavior are offered.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10508-011-9890-6
- Authors
- Seth M. Noar, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 363 Carroll Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3365, USA
- Elizabeth Webb, Department of Applied Health Science, The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Stephanie Van Stee, Department of Communication, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Sonja Feist-Price, Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Richard Crosby, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Jessica Fitts Willoughby, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 363 Carroll Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3365, USA
- Adewale Troutman, Louisville Metro Department of Health and Wellness, Louisville, KY, USA
- Journal Archives of Sexual Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-2800
- Print ISSN 0004-0002