Differences in Condom Use Patterns Between Couples and Singles in College-Aged Individuals

Condoms are safe and effective at preventing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy (Hatcher, 2007; Holmes et al., 2004). However, when an individual enters a committed relationship, their condom use decreases significantly (Copen, 2017; Lehmiller et al., 2014; Matser et al., 2014; Weitzman et al., 2019). We surveyed 219 heterosexual individuals in committed relationships and 87 in noncommitted sexual relationships to determine differences in their condom use patterns. We collected data on individual psychometric characteristics (condom use attitudes, sexual narcissism, perceived invulnerability, concern for sexual pleasure, condom use selfefficacy, and concern for pregnancy and STIs), individual sexual behaviors (birth control usage, type of sexual activity, number of partners, number of sexual encounters), and couple characteristics (commitment and exclusivity). We modeled the predictors using hierarchical regressions. Our model for coupled participants was significant, F(3, 150) = 10.12, p = .002, R-2 = .36, and included birth control, pregnancy, and condom use attitudes as significant predictors. Our model for single individuals was also significant, F(3, 82) = 18.02, p < .001, R-2 = .38, and included STI concern, pregnancy concern, and condom use attitudes as significant predictors. Understanding predictors of when collegeaged individuals in committed and casual relationships chose to use condoms may allow researchers to be able to create better, targeted tactics to promote condom use in the future.