The effect of counterfactuals as an expression of unattained goals on sexual risk taking

Abstract

Background: In the context of hedonistic goals, such as having sex, unattained goals can lead to counterfactual thoughts (CF, what would have happened if a condition in the past had been different). Previous research has shown that counterfactuals can influence future behavior, but has not focused on goal attainment processes that are associated with sexual risk. We posit that the presence of counterfactuals thoughts about unattained sexual goals leads to riskier sexual behavior. Design: Four studies (total N = 572) with MSM and heterosexual participants (age range 18-65); quasi-experimental designs (Study 1-3, coding for the presence and type of CF), and experimental designs (Study 4, 1-factorial inducing CF, 2 control conditions); sexual risk taking intentions, past STI history as dependent measures. Findings: MSM, young adults and adults showed more future sexual risk taking intentions when counterfactuals about sexual goals were present. MSM also had more STI episodes in the past 6 month. Discussion: This research supports the innovative notion that sexual risk taking is not necessarily a product of self-regulation failure, but a “functional†result of hedonistic goal attainment processes.