ABSTRACT
Most people regularly experience a desire for sex, and sexuality is a pleasurable and important aspect of many people’s intimate relationships that contributes to their wellbeing. Various experiences and conditions can, however, adversely affect people’s sexual health and related outcomes, including unintended pregnancy, sexual harassment, coercion or abuse, hypersexuality, low or no sexual desire, and sexual dysfunctions. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are widespread, and disproportionately affect young people (i.e., those aged 15–29 years) and gay and non-gay identified men who have sex with men (MSM). Theory and research in psychology draw attention to the role of people’s multiple, conflicting goals in understanding their behaviors, offering critical insights regarding health behavior and health promotion. Self-control perspectives especially highlight the importance of controlling momentary, impulsive desires that may conflict with long-term, higher-order goals. Sexuality is considered a classic example of impulsive behavior (cf. Hofmann, Friese, & Gschwendner, 2009), and strong sexual desires are thought to lead people to go against their higher-order goal of protecting their sexual health and wellbeing.
