Indulgence or restraint? Gender differences in the relationship between controlled orientation and the erotophilia-risky sex link

The present research evaluated the relationships among controlled orientation, erotophilia, and risky sexual behavior. Erotophilia was expected to be positively associated with risky sexual behavior and the link between erotophilia and risky sexual behavior was expected to be stronger among more controlled individuals, especially for men. Participants (N = 111: 64 women, 47 men) completed self-report measures of self-determination, erotophobia–erotophilia, and risky sexual behavior. Being more controlled was associated with engaging in more risky sexual behavior, and for men, a stronger link between erotophilia and risky sex. Results suggest that favorable attitudes and responses to sexual cues are more strongly associated with risky behaviors among individuals who are more controlled. Differential norms for men and women regarding the acceptability of risky sexual behavior are probable moderators of the stronger erotophilic-risk link among more controlled individuals.