Encouraging safer sex: mediating and moderating effects on condom use among Italian girls

The present study investigated the effects of condom availability, peer norms, and negotiation self-efficacy on girls’ perception of male condom use. Participants were presented with a vignette in which condom availability, peer norms, and negotiation self-efficacy were manipulated. Condom availability and peer norms interacted in determining condom use, such that protected sex was more likely when a condom was available and when peer norms approved, rather than disapproved, of condom use. The effect of peer norms on condom use was mediated by intentions to use a condom and communication between partners about condom use. Condom communication, identified as a direct antecedent of condom use, was influenced by negotiation self-efficacy. These results suggest that interventions aimed at reducing risky sexual behavior should not only make condoms available but also address key psychosocial variables, such as peer norms. Condom communication should be taken into account as well, considering that it can be affected directly by negotiation self-efficacy and can be affected indirectly by peer norms.