Sexual objectification as a predictor of sexual risk tolerance

Abstract

HIV rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US remain high. While risk is being redefined in the age of treatment as prevention, research is needed to better understand sexual behavior among MSM. Sexual objectification is implicated in risky behavior, but research involving MSM is limited. This study examined the role of sexual objectification on risk tolerance after controlling for HIV-related stigma. Results revealed sexual objectification is a significant predictor of sexual risk tolerance in sexual decision making. Condom use intentions were high. Findings illustrate the need to explore sexual objectification when working with MSM.

Keywords:

• Condom use
• HIV/AIDS
• MSM
• objectification theory
• risk tolerance
• sexual objectification

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1 U = U, also known as Treatment as Prevention, stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable. If a person consistently maintains an undetectable viral load through antiretroviral medications, they cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners.