Examining Relationships Between Sexual Risk–Safety Behaviors and Physical Self-Concept by Gender: A Cluster Analytical Approach

Abstract

Sexual behavior is a normative part of the transition to adulthood, with an intensification of the exploration of the links between self-esteem, sexuality, and physical self-perception. This study examined the relationships between sexual risk–safety behaviors and overall physical self-concept, as well as its subdimensions such as sports ability, body fat, or physical appearance. In total, 652 sexually active undergraduate students completed self-report questionnaires about their physical self-concept and sexual behaviors. A clustering analysis described three patterns of sexual risk–safety behaviors for women and men: “birth control in a relationship,” “condom users,” and “risk-takers.” The male sexual risk-takers reported lower physical self-concept scores related to physical competence and masculinity subdomains (sports, endurance) than the two other groups. The female sexual risk-takers expressed significantly higher physical dissatisfaction in social and femininity subdomains (appearance, strength) than the others. A lack of perceived physical coordination was strongly associated with sexual risk-taking for both men and women. These findings indicate that specific subdomains of physical self-concept may be linked to safer or risky sexual behaviors in a sample of young adults.