Risk diffusing operators and who uses them to help manage negative consequences of sexual decision making

Abstract

Risk Diffusing Operators (RDOs) are precautions before, or repairs after, attempting a risky event in order to help alter the costs of potential negative outcomes. This study used a repeated “choose your own adventure” paradigm to investigate how individuals use RDOs when making decisions about sexual behavior within the context of a relationship storyline; choosing whether or not to engage in sex and whether to employ RDOs to prevent/mitigate possible negative consequences. Sociosexual attitudes and life history strategy were most associated with decisions and RDO use, whereas participant sex, sociosexual desires and behaviors, and mate value were much less predictive. Domain-specific risk-taking (for fertility and mating) also showed promise as predictors, rather than general risk-taking propensity. These results suggest both a powerful methodology and key variables in relationship decision making research. Research on RDO use more broadly can also benefit from incorporating key individual differences as factors.