Alcohol and intentions to use condoms: Applying the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

Two studies of the impact of alcohol on intentions to use condoms and its antecedents are reported. Each employed the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and related measures. In Study 1, students (N = 213) completed measures of the TPB in relation to using a condom whilst imagining themselves in a scenario in which relationship (single versus long-term relationship) and alcohol consumption (alcohol consumed in scenario or not) of the scenario couple were manipulated. In study 2, students who were intoxicated with alcohol or not (N = 200) imagined themselves in a scenario in which alcohol was consumed or not and then completed measures of the TPB in relation to condom use. Both studies were supportive of the TPB: intentions were predictable from attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control (PBC). Results also supported the inclusion of moral norms and anticipated affective reactions (study 2) as predictors of intentions. Respondent alcohol consumption or reading about consuming alcohol in the scenario did not show a consistent impact on intentions to use condoms. However, reading about alcohol in the scenario (study 1) or reading about alcohol in the scenario in combination with respondent alcohol intoxication (study 2) consistently moderated the impact of PBC on intentions (PBC was a stronger predictor of intentions when alcohol was present). Implications for using the TPB to understand decisions to use condoms under the influence of alcohol are discussed.