ABSTRACT
Despite repeated media warnings about the association between “unprotected sex” and AIDS transmission, major national samples indicate that consistent use of condoms is not a typical practice for large numbers of sexually active persons, especially within the heterosexual population (Catania et al., 1989). One often voiced barrier to condom use is a negative attitude toward condoms (e.g., reduced sensitivity, loss of spontaneity during intercourse, discomfort, unpleasant odor, and messiness; Sonnex, Hart, Williams, & Adler, 1989). A more psychological obstacle is the fact that the onset of the disease may be delayed for up to 7 years or more following exposure to the virus. Thus, the immediate consequences of sexual activity are reinforcing, whereas the negative consequences of unprotected sex are uncertain and removed in time from the sexual act (Kelly, St. Lawrence, Hood, & Brasfield, 1989).
