Youngsters represent a high HIV-related risk population because
unprotected sexual behavior is the mainly cause today. The aim of this
study was to assess two cognitive variables, self-concept and sensation
seeking, as predictors of sexual risk behavior among college students.
The sample included 339 undergraduates aged 18-29 years (M = 19.53;
SD = 3.27). The students completed a self-administered questionnaire
during the class about their sexual behaviors, drug-taking, and sensation
seeking and self-concept scales. Three independent predicting models
based on the kind of substance were tested. Self-concept is a predictor of
risk sexual behavior under the influence of cannabis and other drugs, but
not under the influence of alcohol. Sensation seeking isn’t a predictor of
risk sexual behavior under influence of drugs.