Abstract
Self-perceived costs and benefits of condoms are important, decisive factors in protection motivation and ultimately condom use, but vary from person to person and from situation to situation. In this article, the diversity of costs and benefits of condoms within the specific context of commercial sex was explored for 87 male clients of female prostitutes. It was found that there are connections between protection motivation on the one hand and the meaning of, and motivation towards, prostitution on the other. Eight different protection styles are identified and discussed. Consequent condom users evaluate both commercial sex itself and condoms more positively. Furthermore, it was found that consequent condom users are better educated and have lower scores on external locus of control.
