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This study was designed to examine the influence a potential date's physical attractiveness and sexual history has on an individual's intentions to engage in safer sex. Over 1,200 participants completed an Internet survey. The questionnaire presented a randomized biography and photograph and asked participants to rate their interest in dating and having a sexual relationship with the target. Participants were randomly assigned to one of six conditions based on the target's physical attractiveness (low vs. high) and sexual experience (low, medium, or high). Results indicated that men reported greater intentions to have sex than women did, and all participants reported greater likelihood of having sex when the potential partner was highly attractive. Participants rated men and more experienced targets as more risky sexual partners, and the level of a target's sexual experience was directly related to participants' willingness to discuss sexual risks. Results indicate a continuing need to include discussion of cognitive factors in all HIV prevention efforts.

Objective: This project developed a new questionnaire format to facilitate the self-report of risky sexual behavior. This new format asked participants whether they or their partners initiated various sexual behaviors. It was predicted that allowing respondents to attribute their behaviors to others would facilitate the disclosure of risky sex. Method: College student participants were randomly assigned to one of two sexual behavior questionnaire formats (Initiation vs Standard). Results: Individuals assigned to the Initiation Questionnaire format, in comparison to Standard format, reported significantly more sexual partners during the past 1 and 3 months. Women reported significantly more unprotected oral sex during the previous 3 months using the Initiation format. Participants not in a committed relationship reported significantly more unprotected vaginal intercourse in the Initiation condition during the previous 1 and 3 months. Conclusion: The Initiation Questionnaire format may facilitate the self-report of risky sexual behavior.