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. 2009 Jan;28(1):20-8.
doi: 10.1037/a0012649.

Cognitive mediation of alcohol's effects on women's in-the-moment sexual decision making

Jeanette Norris  1 , Susan A Stoner, Danielle M Hessler, Tina M Zawacki, William H George, Diane M Morrison, Kelly C Davis
Affiliations

Cognitive mediation of alcohol's effects on women's in-the-moment sexual decision making

Jeanette Norris et al. Health Psychol. 2009 Jan.

Abstract

Objective: To test a cognitive mediation model examining whether cognitive appraisals mediate alcohol consumption effects on condom request and unprotected sex intentions.

Design: Female social drinkers (N = 173) participated in an experiment comparing four beverage conditions: control, placebo, target BAL = .04%, and target BAL = .08%. Subjects projected themselves into a hypothetical sexual encounter with a new sex partner.

Measures: Appraisals of the situation's sexual potential, impelling and inhibiting cognitions, and behavioral intentions were assessed at several points.

Results: Findings support the theoretical model, indicating that alcohol's effects on direct condom request and unprotected sex intentions were mediated through cognitive appraisals.

Conclusion: Prevention interventions should include information about alcohol's effects on cognitions that may lead to ineffective condom negotiation and unprotected sex.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Hypothesized cognitive mediation model.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Final cognitive mediation model with standardized estimates.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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