Selection of Film Clips and Development of a Video for the Investigation of Sexual Decision Making among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

Experimental research on sexual decision making is limited, despite the public health importance of such work. We describe formative work conducted in advance of an experimental study designed to evaluate the effects of alcohol intoxication and sexual arousal on risky sexual decision making among men who have sex with men. In Study 1, we describe the procedures for selecting and validating erotic film clips (to be used for the experimental manipulation of arousal). In Study 2, we describe the tailoring of two interactive role-play videos to be used to measure risk perception and communication skills in an analog risky sex situation. Together, these studies illustrate a method for creating experimental stimuli to investigate sexual decision making in a laboratory setting. Research using this approach will support experimental research that affords a stronger basis for drawing causal inferences regarding sexual decision making.

This work was supported by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Grant R01 AA14480.

Notes

Note. Means based on Likert-type scales ranging from zero to six.

^a Grand means: film clip = 58.36 sec (range = 12–120); arousing = 2.70 sec (range = 1.42–3.70), attractive = 2.28 sec (range = 1.80–3.10).

^b Grand means: arousing = 3.40, attractive = 2.24.

^c Grand means: arousing = 2.92, attractive = 2.36.

^d Grand means: arousing = 2.38, attractive = 2.20.

^e Grand means: arousing = 2.25, attractive = 2.34.

Note. Means based on Likert-type scales ranging from zero to six. Items in italics represent the clips chosen for the analog study.

Note. Means based on Likert-type scales ranging from zero to six. Items in italics represent the clips chosen for the main experimental study. a = first set of actors; b = second set of actors.