IMPULSIVENESS, VENTURESOMENESS AND SEXUAL RISK-TAKING AMONG HETEROSEXUAL GUM CLINIC ATTENDERS

Five hundred and thirty one exclusively heterosexual GUM clinic attenders completed an anonymous questionnaire on aspects of their sexual behaviour. Data were also collected on levels of Venturesomeness and Impulsiveness using shortened versions of the I7 scales. The measures possessed very satisfactory levels of reliability and sex differences and age trends consistent with previous research were found. Subjects were divided into those reporting use or non-use of condoms with respect to both regular and casual partners. Non-users of condoms were expected to be more venturesome and impulsive and this expectation was supported particularly for younger respondents in the context of casual relationships. The implications of the findings for future research and practical health promotion initiatives are discussed.