Spontaneous cognition and HIV risk behavior.
Theories of cognitive processes and risk behavior have not usually addressed spontaneous forms of cognition that may co-occur with, or possibly influence, behavior. This study evaluated whether measures of spontaneous cognition independently predict HIV risk behavior tendencies. Whereas a trait-centered theory suggests that spontaneous cognitions are a by-product of personality, a cognitive view hypothesizes that spontaneous cognitions should predict behavior independently of personality. The results revealed that spontaneous cognition was an independent predictor of behavior tendencies in cross-sectional analyses. Its predictive effect was stronger than drug use, a frequently emphasized correlate of HIV risk behavior in the literature, and comparable with sensation seeking in magnitude. The results suggested that a relatively spontaneous form of cognition may affect HIV risk behavior.
Stacy
Alan W
AW
Institute for Prevention Research and Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, San Bernardino, USA. astacy@usc.edu
Ames
Susan L
SL
Ullman
Jodie B
JB
Zogg
Jennifer B
JB
Leigh
Barbara C
BC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*