The Relationship between Perceived Sexual Infidelity, the Use of Mate Retention Tactics and Attitudes towards Condoms among African American College Women

The current study aimed to examine associations between perceived sexual infidelity, mate retention, and attitudes towards condoms among African American women. A total of 101 African American women were surveyed from an HBCU in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Data was gathered utilizing three measures: Perceived Sexual Infidelity Scale (PSI), Mate Retention Inventory (MRISF) and the SRSA-Attitudes towards condoms scale (SRSA-sexual risk). Preliminary data found Attitudes towards condoms were negatively related to mate retention. Perceived sexual infidelity was not associated with mate retention. Attitudes towards condoms was not associated with perceived sexual infidelity. Subsequent regression analysis covarying the influence of condom use and reported cheating revealed that there were no association between attitudes toward condoms, perceived sexual infidelity and mate retention tactics. Given reported challenges in contemporary relationships and STIs among the population further research is needed.