Psychological Distress Moderates the Intention-Behavior Association for Sexual Partner Concurrency among Adults

Research suggests that intentions are an important determinant of sexual risk behavior. However, this association is often weaker than hypothesized. This research investigated whether psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety) can help to explain the intentions–behavior gap. We used data from 397 patients seeking care at an STI clinic to test whether the association between partner concurrency intentions and behavior 3 months later was moderated by distress. Intentions predicted concurrency behavior only among less-distressed individuals; however, exploratory analyses for condom use did not demonstrate this effect. Comprehensive sexual health intervention programs should address affective determinants of risk behavior.