Does attractiveness affect the intention to use condoms? [Creative Poster]

This poster was an academic project required by one of my MSc modules in Health Psychology

The aim is to promote safe-sex behavior among young Greek male adults due to certain misconceptions associated with unprotected sex.

Below is a summary of the body of research that the poster is based on:

What is STD’s and why is condom-use important?

• Condoms are the only form of contraceptive that can prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

• Many forms of STDs can often be treated or managed with antibiotics, but there are certain diseases up to date that do not have a cure such as genital herpes, HIV, and HPV.

• Preventive behavior should be encouraged even though medical treatment is available to avoid damage on health, psychological distress, and financial burden.

• Read more about STDs: https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm

Why are you emphasizing ‘Hot People’?

• Research suggests that attractiveness can be a factor in men’s condom use intentions.

• One study has found that men who are willing to have sex with attractive women have low intention of using a condom (Eleftheriou et al., 2016). It has been suggested that this is perhaps due to the perception that attractive women take good care of themselves and therefore, are healthier.

• A contradicting study suggests that men perceive attractive women as riskier since it is assumed that they are more sexually active (Dijkstra et al., 2006).

• However, regardless of the two perceptions, the poster wants to reduce the misconception that the risk of STDs is based on attractiveness and instead, promote a regular use of condoms.

Why are you targeting the younger adult population?

• Age is an important factor in condom use behaviour and risky sexual activities.

• More than 60% of young Greek adolescents have low awareness and knowledge of the human papilloma virus (HPV) and its protection methods (Vaidakis et al., 2017).

• Young age is associated with urban lifestyle which can lead to careless selection of sexual partners (Anastasiadis et al., 2013).

Why are you focusing on males?

• Risky sexual behaviour can be different between males and females.

• Greek men are more likely to have multiple sexual partners and are more likely to indulge in one-nighters than women (Anastasiadis et al., 2013).

References

Anastasiadis, A., Koumousidis, A., Varras, M., Vrachnis, N., Paltoglou, G., Tzoumas, N. et al (2013). The awareness on sexual and reproductive health issues in urban and rural areas of Greece: a retrospective study on 200 adults 18-45 years old. OA Women’s Health, 1, 2.

Dijkstra, P., Buunk, B. P., & Blanton, H. (2006). The Effect of Target’s Physical Attractiveness and Dominance on STD‐Risk Perceptions. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 30(8), 1738-1755.

Eleftheriou, A., Bullock, S., Graham, C.A., Stone, N., & Ingham, R. (2016). Does attractiveness influence condom use intentions in heterosexual men: An experimental study. BMJ Open.

Vaidakis, D. et al. (2017). Knowledge of Greek adolescents on human papilloma virus (HPV) and vaccination – A national epidemiologic study. Medicine (Baltimore), 86(1), e5287.