Sensation Seeking, Self-Esteem, and Unprotected Sex in College Students

This descriptive correlational study examined the relationships of sexual sensation seeking, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in condom use, stages of change, and alcohol consumption to HIV risk-taking behaviors among college students. A total of 159 students completed an online survey in 2004. Instruments included the Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale, College Alcohol Problems Scale, Condom Use Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. High sensation seekers had higher self-esteem, more self-efficacy in condom usage, fewer problems associated with alcohol consumption, and belonged to Greek organizations (F [1,158] = 12.54; p < .0005). Women who were high sensation seekers perceived more advantages (F [1, 116] = 1.67; p = .05) than disadvantages (F [1, 116] = 2.01; p = .01) to using condoms. Men consumed significantly more alcohol and had more social problems related to alcohol use than women (F [1, 158] = 5.04; p < .03). Students in Greek organizations had significantly more positive attitudes (X2 [1] = 4.55; p < .03) and more respect for themselves (X2 [1] = 11.22; p < .0008) than other students and were more likely to be tested for HIV (X2 [1] = 3.85; p < .05). Students with low self-esteem consumed more alcohol, had more sexual partners, and had more HIV risk-taking behaviors than other students. Even though students were reported to be efficacious in condom usage, they used them inconsistently with their sexual partners and were in the earlier stages of change. Interventions are needed in the community to help sexually active individuals take responsibility for their sexual health and to increase the awareness of the need to be tested for HIV.