Abstract
Due to the complex role of sexual excitation in risky sexual behaviors, this study aimed to disentangle this phenomenon by jointly analyzing the combined role of three forms of sexual excitation: genital and subjective, and individual´s propensity. Therefore, we examined the relationship between the components of the Dual Control Model, that is, propensity for sexual excitation/inhibition, in addition to genital and subjective arousal, and sexual assertiveness and intention to engage in casual sexual encounters in which sexual risk was implicitly or explicitly present. The sample consisted of 99 heterosexual young adults (55 men and 45 women) with ages ranging from 18 to 32 years. Participants performed an experiment in the laboratory, which involved them watching a sexual clip and then being presented with two erotic excerpts (stories) depicting casual sexual encounters in which there was an existence of implicit and explicit sexual risks. In men, the propensity for sexual inhibition was the most determining variable in preventing them from sexual risk-taking. In women, intention to engage in risky sexual behaviors was better determined by their propensity for sexual excitation and sexual assertiveness in negotiating the use of contraceptive methods. This research highlights the relevance of excitation and inhibition as a trait, in addition to subjective arousal and sexual assertiveness in intention to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
Highlights
The Dual Control Model of sexual response (DCM) proposes that the sexual excitation and inhibition systems present in each individual are essential for adequate sexual functioning, which is made possible by the balance and interaction between the two ☯1]
For the explicit sexual risk context, SIS2 and Sexual Assertiveness Scale (SAS)-P/Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) were positively correlated with more secure sexual behavior in men, while in women, more propensity for sexual excitation (SE) correlated with greater behavioral intention to have sex, while SI and SAS-P/STD correlated with more secure behavior
The present study highlights the role that sexual excitation/inhibition, sexual arousal and sexual assertiveness play in intention to engage in risky sexual behaviors
Summary
The Dual Control Model of sexual response (DCM) proposes that the sexual excitation and inhibition systems present in each individual are essential for adequate sexual functioning, which is made possible by the balance and interaction between the two ☯1]. Behavioral intention to have sex inhibition are associated with a greater likelihood to engage in risky sexual behaviors, when paired with high sexual excitation [4] In this context, inhibition of the sexual response is considered a relevant adaptive mechanism for sexual risk-taking [5]. As proposed by the DCM, in certain individuals, this adaptive mechanism might be absent, or the propensity for inhibition might be lower, implying a higher probability of getting involved in risky sexual situations [3,5] If these individuals show high propensity for excitation, a sexual response may develop even in presence of a threat [2], associating this scenario with risky sexual behaviors [3,5]. The presence of sexual excitation does imply lower risk control, it is sexual inhibition that effectively counteracts this effect [6]
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