Social Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Unprotected Intercourse Among Gay and Bisexual Male Youth

The current study proposed that social anxiety, which may be elevated among gay and bisexual youth, may increase their risk for unprotected sexual intercourse. Social anxiety predicted increased probability of having engaged in unprotected insertive anal intercourse in the past six months. Further examination suggested that social anxiety continued to be associated with unprotected insertive anal intercourse above and beyond the effects of communication about condom use and social support variables. Findings suggest the need to consider the impact of social fears when designing HIV prevention interventions.