A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Magazine Use and Safe Sex in Emerging Adulthood.

Abstract

Mainstream women’s and men’s lifestyle magazines are widely read and contain large amounts of sexual content, giving them great potential to influence safe sex outcomes in emerging adulthood. However, previous media effects research has failed to examine magazine reading or involvement, to consider a variety of safe sex outcomes, and to investigate pathways through which influence on outcomes may occur. This dissertation addresses these gaps by exploring associations between magazine reading and involvement and a variety of safe sex outcomes using the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and multiple research methods. Study 1 used structural equation modeling to assess TPB mediators of the connections between magazine use and safe sex intentions among first-year college students (N=457, 61.9% female). Models showed a variety of positive associations between magazine reading and safe sex outcomes, particularly for men who had never engaged in intercourse. Associations between magazine involvement and outcomes were mixed. Study 2 assessed connections between magazine use and safe sex outcomes longitudinally. A subsample of Study 1 participants (N=175, 65.1% female) provided additional data 4 months later, and we assessed how magazine use at Wave 1 related to TPB constructs at Wave 2. Cross-lagged models showed women’s earlier magazine reading was frequently related to their later safe sex outcomes. Finally, Study 3 examined experimental effects of exposure to safe sex content from women’s magazines on safe sex outcomes among college women (N=95). This study demonstrated the ability of brief exposure to magazine content to improve safe sex attitudes and intentions. These effects were often stronger for women who had never engaged in intercourse. These studies for the first time address the potential impact of magazine reading on safe sex outcomes using the framework of TPB, showing that magazine reading may contribute to positive outcomes in the arenas of condom use, safe sex discussion, and HIV/STI testing. Mainstream magazines’ popularity with young people makes them a powerful vehicle through which to share sexual health information and promote safe sex behavior. Future research should continue to investigate the potential for these magazines to positively impact young people’s sexual decision making.Ph.D.PsychologyUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78736/1/walshjen_1.pd