Date of Award

8-8-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Cynthia Stappenbeck

Abstract

The present research evaluated whether sexual victimization (SV) severity is related to less frequent condom use through experiences of lower power in sexual relationships and lower sexual assertiveness for condom use. This secondary data analysis study utilized existing data from 770 women recruited from an urban community who reported STI risk factors and moderate social drinking. Participants presented to the laboratory and completed a questionnaire battery on the computer as part of the larger study that included an alcohol administration protocol. Path analyses revealed that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adolescent/adult SV were indirectly associated with frequency of condom use through lower sexual relationship power and lower sexual assertiveness for condom use. Findings suggest that the association between SV and less frequent condom use may be reduced by interventions that prioritize decreasing power imbalances in sexual relationships and enhancing women’s access to sexual health protection strategies.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/35868290

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