Publication Abstract Display | Type: Published Manuscript | Title: Negative self-perceptions and sexual risk behavior among heterosexual methamphetamine users. | Authors: Semple SJ, Grant I, Patterson TL | Contact: Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0680, USA. | Year: 2005 | Publication: Substance Use and Misuse | Volume: 40 Issue: 12 Pages: 1797-810 | Abstract:This research examined the relationship between negative self-perceptions and sexual risk behavior in a sample of 156 heterosexually identified, methamphetamine users from San Diego, California. The Beck Depression Inventory and the Self Esteem Rating Scale, respectively, were used to assess depression and negative self-perceptions. Measures of sexual risk behavior and methamphetamine use were developed specifically for this research. Data were gathered in 2001-2002. Participants were primarily male (76%), Caucasian (56%), never married (51%), and unemployed (73%), with a mean age of 39.1 years. Participants with high levels of negative self-perceptions evidenced the greatest degree of sexual risk behavior, including significantly more unprotected vaginal sex and a larger number of sexual partners as compared to individuals with low levels of negative self-perceptions. In cross-sectional analyses, negative self-perceptions predicted intensity of methamphetamine use and depressive symptoms. However, neither of these variables were found to mediate the relationship between negative self-perceptions and sexual risk behavior. Findings are discussed in relation to the need for further research into the role of negative self-perceptions as a determinant of sexual risk behavior among methamphetamine users. | Funding: NIMH:MH 1 R01 MH61146-01A2, NIDA:DA R01 DA12116 | Keywords: Adolescent, Adult, Affect, Behavior Therapy, Counseling, Female, Heterosexuality, Humans, Male, Methamphetamine, Middle Aged, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov''t, Non-P.H.S., Risk-Taking, Self Concept, Sexual Behavior, Substance-Related Disorders |
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