Testing the effects of an alcohol and a safe sex prime on perceptions and behaviour

Abstract

Background: Experimental manipulation of an alcohol and a safe sex prime tested for the possibility that the indirect experience of salient alcohol-related cues would influence related perceptions and behaviour without actual alcohol consumption. Methods: A 2 (alcohol prime: alcohol words vs. no alcohol words) X 2 (safe sex-related prime: safe sex message vs. no message) between participants design was employed. Participants were 80 university students - sexually-active alcohol users. Measures included the AUDIT-C; CARE-R; sex-related alcohol expectancies; perceptions of: sexuality, sexual intent, attraction, and behaviour, and disinhibition; and a behavioural measure of proximity. Findings: Participants exposed to only a safe sex prime rated an experimental stooge as being significantly more inhibited than participants in conditions with an alcohol prime or no prime. Results of a behavioural measure of proximity found that participants primed with an alcohol and/or a safe sex cue sat significantly closer to a potential partner than participants exposed to no prime. Discussion: Perceptions and behaviours of sexually-active alcohol users may be influenced by alcohol and safe sex environmental stimuli.