Efficacy of the Theory of Reasoned Action in Predicting AIDS‐Related Sexual Risk Reduction Among Gay Men1

Abstract

This study evaluates the utility of a social psychological theory, Ajzen and Fishbein's (1980) Theory of Reasoned Action, in explicating attitude‐behavior relationships concerning the practice of “safer sex” in a sample of 297 gay men. As the theory predicts, results indicate that a positive attitude toward “safer sex” and a belief that important, influential referents encouraged such behavior covaried with intention to practice sexual behaviors that minimize risk of infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In turn, intention predicted levels of sexual risk‐taking and employment of HIV‐risk reducing strategies. Results provide support for the theory of reasoned action as a viable model of attitude‐behavior relationships in AIDS‐related risk reduction behaviors of gay men.