Partner involvement and contraceptive efficacy in premarital sexual relationships

This paper attempts to account for the strong, positive correlation between partner involvement and contraceptive behavior in premarital sexual relationships. Interpersonal and structural characteristics of partner involvement identified in previous research as possible explanatory variables were factor analyzed and three major dimensions were isolated: 1. affection and commitment, 2. sexual and contraceptive communication, and 3. predictability of intercourse. Partner involvement loaded highest on the affect factor. In a multiple regression analysis using composite (factor) scores, prior sex-related communication emerged as the strongest predictor of contraceptive behavior, followed by affection for partner; contrary to expectations, however, predictability of intercourse was not significantly related to contraceptive use.Funded by a grant from the Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne Research and Instructional Development Support Program.A version of this paper was presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association convention, Chicago, Illinois, May 3–5, 1984.Address requests for reprints to Judith K. Inazu, Dept. of Psychology, 2430 Campus Rd., University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822