Couple-based interventions are efficacious in reducing unprotected sex within the context of romantic relationships. Future research should continue to improve risk reduction for couples.

Rates of HIV/AIDS and depression in women are significant public health concerns. The current meta-analysis tested the hypothesis that depression levels moderate change in sexual risk behavior in women participating in HIV prevention interventions. Features of the interventions were also explored as possible factors in decreasing levels of depression and sexual risk behavior. Included were HIV primary prevention interventions that measured sexual risk behavior and depression at baseline and follow-up and reported separate results for women. Ten studies (fourteen intervention groups) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of participants (N = 4,195 women) were African American; mean age was 28-years old. Both depression and sexual risk behavior decreased significantly in treatment and control groups from baseline to follow-up. Sexual risk decreased more to the extent that interventions sampled (a) participants with higher baseline levels of depression, (b) older women, (c) Hispanics/Latinas, and (d) members of risk groups (e.g., drug users, homeless). Interventions that included (e) condom provision, (f) information about condoms, and (g) HIV counseling and testing were also more successful in decreasing sexual risk. Finally (h), interventions were more likely to reduce sexual risk behavior when they decreased depression to a large extent relative to baseline levels. Interventions were more likely to decrease depression when they (a) had samples of only women; (b) targeted risk groups; and (c) provided self-management and coping skills. Reducing depression appears to play a role in decreasing sexual risk behavior, suggesting that interventions should actively address depression.

The current study examined relationship power in the context of the investment model of relationship commitment (Rusbult, 1980). It was hypothesized that satisfaction with, quality of alternatives to, and investment in the relationship would mediate the relationship between power and commitment in 120 dating couples. Data were analyzed using mediation within the actor-partner interdependence model. Participants who possessed a higher level of power reported lower satisfaction and commitment and higher quality of alternatives. Furthermore, the relationship between female’s power and male’s commitment was mediated by male’s satisfaction and the relationship between male’s power and female’s commitment was mediated by male’s quality of alternatives. Findings are discussed within the context of the field’s expanding conceptualization of power within intimate relationships.

Housing for people living with HIV/AIDS has been linked to a number of positive physical and mental health outcomes, in addition to decreased sexual and drug-related risk behavior. The current study identified service priorities for people living with HIV/AIDS, services provided by HIV/AIDS housing agencies, and unmet service needs for people living with HIV/AIDS through a nationwide telephone survey of HIV/AIDS housing agencies in the United States. Housing, alcohol/drug treatment, and mental health services were identified as the three highest priorities for people living with HIV/AIDS and assistance finding employment, dental care, vocational assistance, and mental health services were the top needs not being met. Differences by geographical region were also examined. Findings indicate that while housing affords people living with HIV/AIDS access to services, there are still areas (e.g., mental health services) where gaps in linkages to care exist.

The rate of casual sexual encounters is increasing on college campuses. To decrease sexual risk behavior, information used to judge sexual risk in others needs to be identified. Women rated male targets on willingness to have unprotected sex with the target and likelihood that the target has a sexually transmitted infection. Physical attractiveness was the strongest predictor of ratings, accounting for all the target variance in willingness to have unprotected sex. However, risk factors reported by the target were inconsistent predictors of perceived sexual risk. Findings are discussed within the context of safer sex interventions for college students.

Technology and engineering education students responded to a survey regarding hands-on and hands-off activities. First, the students listed hands-on and hands-off activities and what characterized the two types of activities. Activities such as building or assembling something as well as working manually with tools were viewed as hands-on. Passive activities such as listening or watching were perceived as hands-off. Then, the students rated 30 different activities on a bipolar scale ranging from 1 (high degree hands-off) to 7 (high degree hands-on). A Principal Components Factor Analysis of the 30 activities revealed two independent factors. The hands-off factor consisted of many modern technological activities such as computer-aided design, using a three-dimensional printer, and constructing functional prototypes using stereo-lithography technology. The hands-on factor consisted of more traditional activities such as rebuilding an engine and using a screwdriver. These results suggest that students perceive traditional activities as more hands-on than modern activities.

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