Condom Use as it Relates to Partner Perception and Self-Efficacy Taryn D. Larribas, University of San Francisco Hypotheses It was hypothesized that condom use would be positively correlated with higher levels of CUSE. It was further hypothesized that condom use would be positively correlated with positive perceptions of others’ attitudes. Introduction  College-aged students are at a higher risk for STIs, HIV/AIDS, and unplanned pregnancies because they are more likely to have had multiple sex partners (El-Mallakh & Abraham, 2007).  Studies have been conducted on college campuses about the barriers related to contraception and condom purchasing (Corbett et al., 2009; Critelli & Suire, 1998; Hogben et al., 2006; Hynie, MacDonald, & Marques, 2006).  Factors influencing the use or non use of condoms are less clear. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991; Hynie, MacDonald, & Marques, 2006) suggests that action is predicted by attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control. This can be seen in Figure 1.  Little research has examined barriers such as individual attitudes, biases, and behaviors in relation to condom use self- efficacy (CUSE). This study suggests a revised TPB which is illustrated in Figure 2.  The lack of understanding, regarding partner perceptions may contribute to the increase of college-aged students being infected with STIs (Beckman, Harvey, & Tiersky, 1996). Participants  Participants 104 undergraduate students at the University of San Francisco:  80% female  20% male  Aged (M= 18.68, SD = 1.29).  Participants were primarily White/Non-Hispanic (43%) or Asian/Pacific Islander (32%).  Participants were also primarily heterosexual (93%) and of some Christian denomination (62%). Measures Participants completed an online survey including various questionnaires: Condom Use Self-Efficacy: Assessed using 28 items from Brafford and Beck’s (1991) Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale. Frequency of Condom Use: Assessed using a single item. Partner’s Perceived Attitudes towards Condoms: Assessed using 13 items adapted from DeHart & Birkimer’s (1997) Attitudes towards Condoms Scale. Conclusions Findings suggest that self-efficacy and perceptions of partner’s attitudes were significant indicators of condom use. These findings are in keeping with the revised TPB and suggest that self-efficacy is a better predictor of condom use. Results of this study suggest that if a person thinks that their partner does not approve of condoms, and subsequently condom use, they will be less likely to ask for or suggest condom use. This could indicate that condom use is about more than just one’s personal feelings or attitudes about condoms but about how they think their partner might feel about the use of condoms. Limitations to this study: a small number of participants, making results difficult to generalize, participants were also not required to have had sex to participate and could therefore respond hypothetically, unrealistically high self-efficacy responses, and a gender power imbalance. Future studies should focus on the dyad to further elucidate the ramifications of these perceptions. Results  Pearson Product Moment analysis revealed insignificant correlations between condom use and CUSE, r(97) = -.140, p =.171. However, significant trends were found when condom use and CUSE were correlated in conjunction to the use of other forms of contraception, r(97) = -.140, p =.171.  Analysis revealed significant correlations with concern to perceptions of partners’ attitudes towards condoms and condom use, r(63) = -.373, p =.003.  Analysis showed that there was a significant gender difference between perceptions of partners’ attitudes towards condoms in that women were possibly more sensitive to the attitudes of their partner. Figure 1. Revised Theory of Planned Behavior Norm Attitude Self-efficacy Future Behavior Intention