ABSTRACT
Emotion regulation and emotional expression may be important factors which contribute to sexual risk behavior among emerging adults, yet research exploring their relation is limited. Further, the influence of a romantic partner is unclear. The current study aims to a) investigate association between emotional difficulties and sexual risk behavior (e.g., sexual compulsivity and sensation-seeking) and b) explore the influence of a romantic partner on individual sexual risk. Participants were 49 couples (n = 98) participating in a randomized control pilot intervention. Results demonstrated that individual and partner emotional difficulties were associated with sexual risk behavior. Results did not vary by gender.
Conflict of interest
The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Funding
National Institute of Mental Health (R25MH087217-03). Fogarty International Center (K01TW009660).