Education: Ph.D., Social Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
My research addresses three main topics 1) gender differences in sexuality 2) consequences of departures from monogamy and 3) relationships between members of different groups, focusing on marginalized group members’ perceptions of dominant groups.
Objectives: In three studies, the authors examined the extent to which STIs and sexual behaviour... more Objectives: In three studies, the authors examined the extent to which STIs and sexual behaviour were perceived negatively and risky compared to objectively riskier behaviours. Methods: In Study 1, participants estimated the risk death as a result of contracting HIV from one instance of unprotected sex (with a non-injection drug user) relative to the risk of death as a result of an automobile accident (a 300 mile drive). In Study 2a, participants read one of two vignettes, in which a target either unknowingly transmitted an STI (chlamydia) or a non-sexual disease (H1N1) to another person through a sexual encounter. In Study 2b, participants read one of twelve vignettes, type of disease (chlamydia or H1N1), severity of the disease outcome (mild, moderate, or severe), and sex of transmitter (female or male) were manipulated. In Study 3, state-level public health and driving websites were coded for risk-reduction recommendations. Results: In Studies 1 and 2, participants rated the target who transmitted chlamydia more negatively than the target who transmitted H1N1; participants also perceived the target who transmitted chlamydia with a mild severity outcome (the sexual partner took antibiotics for one week) more negatively than the target who transmitted H1N1 with a severe outcome (the sexual partner died from contracting H1N1; Study 2). In Study 3, most state-level public health websites promoted safety through recommending the public to abstain from sex; no similar recommendations were provided on driving websites (an objectively riskier behaviour). Conclusions: The stigmatisation of STIs is beyond their degree of severity (relative to other diseases) and viewed as unjustifiably risky (relative to other risky activities).
Across four studies, we assessed the relationship between participants&am... more Across four studies, we assessed the relationship between participants' attitudes toward gay men and their experiences during either imagined or actual interpersonal encounters with gay men. In the first three studies, participants imagined interactions with gay men and either responded in an open-ended or a closed-ended fashion. In these imagined interactions, participants reported that they expected to have considerable agreement between their attitudes and their subjective experiences during the intergroup encounter. However, during actual interactions, there were no differences between members of different prejudice levels in their responses to the gay confederate. A comparison of the actual and imagined interactions demonstrated that high prejudice people are particularly unlikely to have subjective experiences that match their negative attitudes concerning actual interpersonal encounters.
We analyzed 97 gay men's and lesbians&amp... more We analyzed 97 gay men's and lesbians' experiences with and expectations for interactions with majority group members. Respondents described reactions to previous or imagined future interactions with an unfamiliar heterosexual person who had just become aware that the respondent was lesbian or gay. Results indicated that respondents are more proactive than reactive (in contrast to expectation states theories), that the contact hypothesis can be appropriately applied to this group, even though the formulation of the theory was based upon negative attitudes in the absence of extensive contact, and that they have different reactions for people of different prejudice levels, rather than being globally suspicious, as is predicted by many intergroup theories. Future research should direct more attention to the stigmatized group members' attitudes about and reactions toward the majority group.
In two studies, lesbians, gay men and bisexuals were queried concerning mistakes that well-meanin... more In two studies, lesbians, gay men and bisexuals were queried concerning mistakes that well-meaning heterosexual people have made when interacting with them. In qualitative, open-ended research, we determined that the most common mistakes concerned heterosexuals' pointing out that they know someone who is gay, emphasizing their lack of prejudice, and relying on stereotypes about gays. Following up with a quantitative, close-ended questionnaire, we determined that the mistakes respondents experienced most often involved heterosexuals (a) relying on stereotypes and (b) ignoring gay issues; the most annoying mistakes were heterosexuals (a) using subtle prejudicial language and (b) not owning up to their discomfort with gay issues. We used two theoretical perspectives, shared reality theory and the contact hypothesis, to analyze the quantitative responses. Implications for intergroup relationships between heterosexual people and gay people are discussed.
The utility of monogamy (in practice) as a strategy for preventing sexually transmitted infection... more The utility of monogamy (in practice) as a strategy for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was investigated. By reviewing recent literature surrounding monogamous relationships and sexual behaviors, the authors determined that monogamy might not prevent against STIs as expected. First, the authors elucidate the ways in which public health officials and the general public define and interpret monogamy and discuss how this contributes to monogamy as an ineffectual STI prevention strategy. Second, the authors provide evidence that individuals' compliance with monogamy is likely to be low, similar to rates of compliance with other medical advice. Lastly, the authors draw upon recent research findings suggesting that people who label themselves as monogamous are less likely to engage in safer sex behaviors than people who have an explicit agreement with their partner to be non-monogamous. Future research and clinical directions to promote sexual health and destigmatize sexual behaviors are considered.
In a highly influential paper, Clark and Hatfield (1989) demonstrated that, whereas men were quit... more In a highly influential paper, Clark and Hatfield (1989) demonstrated that, whereas men were quite likely to accept a casual sexual offer from a confederate research assistant, women never did so. The current research provides a more in-depth explanation of gender differences in acceptance of casual sex offers via 4 (quasi-) experiments. First, using a person-perception paradigm, I assessed people’s impressions of women and men who proposed a casual sexual encounter in the same manner that confederates in Clark and Hatfield did. Women and men agreed that female proposers were more intelligent, successful, and sexually skilled than men who made the same proposals. Second, I demonstrated that the large gender differences from the original Clark and Hatfield study could be eliminated by asking participants to imagine proposals from (attractive and unattractive) famous individuals, friends, and same-gender individuals. Next, I assessed factors associated with likelihood of agreeing to the casual sex proposal. The extent to which women and men believed that the proposer would be sexually skilled predicted how likely they would be to engage in casual sex with this individual. Finally, I examined these factors in the context of actual encounters from the participants’ previous experiences, and the results were replicated in this context. Overall findings suggest that the large gender differences Clark and Hatfield observed in acceptance of the casual sex offer may have more to do with perceived personality characteristics of the female versus male proposers than with gender differences among Clark and Hatfield’s participants and that sexual pleasure figures largely in women’s and men’s decision making about casual sex.
In the current research, we suggest that shared reality, the belief that one per-ceives the world... more In the current research, we suggest that shared reality, the belief that one per-ceives the world the same way as another group, can predict attitudes to-wards that group. We tested shared reality theory in the context ofAmerican ethnic minority groups’ (i.e. African Americans, Asian Americans,and Latinas/os) attitudes towards White Americans. In surveys of two sam-ples recruited from different geographical locations in the USA, we tested pre-dictions derived from different theories of intergroup relations. Usingmediational analysis, we defined models to assess the extent to which sharedreality theory predicted—directly and indirectly—prejudicial attitudes to-wards Whites. We tested the model derived from shared reality theoryagainst other theoretical alternatives. Taken together, the results of theresearch indicated that shared reality predicts attitudes towards WhiteAmericans among these three ethnic groups. Thus, shared reality is a relevant,though largely overlooked, factor in intergroup dynamics.
This research investigated gender differences in and behavioral sequelae of adult vs. childhood s... more This research investigated gender differences in and behavioral sequelae of adult vs. childhood sexual victimization among a group of undergraduates in a midwestern city. We administered a survey about sexual experiences, eating habits, and weight to individuals who were first victimized in childhood (< age 15); were first victimized in adulthood (> age 18); or had not been sexually victimized. We predicted that those victimized as children would have higher body weight and display more sexual activity than would those victimized as adults. We demonstrated that participants victimized in childhood had significantly higher body mass and weight than did nonvictims or those victimized in adulthood. Men sexually abused as children displayed more promiscuity than did men victimized in adulthood.
This research investigated gender differences in and behavioral sequelae of adult vs. childhood s... more This research investigated gender differences in and behavioral sequelae of adult vs. childhood sexual victimization among a group of undergraduates in a midwestern city. We administered a survey about sexual experiences, eating habits, and weight to individuals who were first victimized in childhood (< age 15); were first victimized in adulthood (> age 18); or had not been sexually victimized. We predicted that those victimized as children would have higher body weight and display more sexual activity than would those victimized as adults. We demonstrated that participants victimized in childhood had significantly higher body mass and weight than did nonvictims or those victimized in adulthood. Men sexually abused as children displayed more promiscuity than did men victimized in adulthood.j asp_828 2551..2572
Throughout this century, most theorizing and empirical research about women's sexual orientation ... more Throughout this century, most theorizing and empirical research about women's sexual orientation have been guided by a belief in the essential masculinity of lesbians and the femininity of heterosexual women. This view can be traced to the influential inversion theories of 19th-century sexologists such as Richard von Krafft-Ebing and Havelock Ellis. Viewing heterosexuality as the biological norm, these scholars believed that homosexuality results from a biological abnormality that leads to gender-atypical ("inverted") sexual attractions and personality. Although there were differences among the various inversion theories, they shared three core elements. First and foremost, inversion theorists characterized heterosexual women as feminine and lesbians as masculine. In Psychopathia Sexualis, described the most extreme form of female homosexuality as a woman who "possesses of the feminine qualities only the genital organs; thought, sentiment, action, even external appearances are those of the man." A second core belief was that sexual orientation is primarily biological in origin. As Meyer-Bahlburg (1984, p. 375) noted, the inversion model has been "the concept guiding biological explanations of homosexuality" throughout this century. A third belief implicit in inversion theories was that social, cultural, and experiential factors have negligible influence on women's sexual orientation. The impact of this perspective has been widespread, especially in psychology, and continues to this day. The thesis of this review is that the cumulative body of empirical research on women's sexual orientation refutes each of the main inversion assumptions. In the following sections we review this research literature. Next we present an alternative perspective on women's sexual orientation, the intimate careers framework, which is compatible with available research findings, and we identify promising directions for future research.
We examined relationships between adult children and their mothers from a relational perspective.... more We examined relationships between adult children and their mothers from a relational perspective. We investigated positive regard for mother relationships versus other dyadic relationships and the role that trust plays in fostering satisfaction in these relationships. In Study 1, undergraduates completed surveys about their relationships with their mothers. Trust was the strongest predictor of satisfaction in participants’ relationships with their
This study addresses how people devalue romantic relationships without devaluing the individuals ... more This study addresses how people devalue romantic relationships without devaluing the individuals in the relationship. We examined perceptions of condom use in close relationships in 3 studies. Relationships of couples who used condoms were devalued, relative to relationships of those who used oral contraceptives. However, the perceptions of individuals in the relationships were unchanged by type of birthcontrol use. In 2 studies, the dyadic devaluation concept was extended to relationships in which one partner was significantly older than the other. Participants believed that relationships in which the woman was substantially older than the man were of lesser quality than relationships in which the man and woman were the same age. Implications for stigma and person perception research are discussed.
Many researchers have elucidated large, well-established, and reliable gender differences in sexu... more Many researchers have elucidated large, well-established, and reliable gender differences in sexuality, but relatively few have empirically examined conditions under which these differences can be eliminated. This article investigates some established sexuality gender differences in greater depth. We demonstrate how creative theoretical and empirical approaches may shed light on prevalent misconceptions concerning sex-related gender differences.
... Terri Conley, Amy Moors, Jes Matsick, Ali Ziegler, Brandon Valentine. ... aux relations sans ... more ... Terri Conley, Amy Moors, Jes Matsick, Ali Ziegler, Brandon Valentine. ... aux relations sans lendemain, et le plus grand empressement dans lequel ils s'y engagent, est l'une des différences entre les hommes et les femmes la plus largement documentée (Petersen & Hyde, 2010). ...
We documented the content and dimensions of non-White groups' stereotypes about White men, then a... more We documented the content and dimensions of non-White groups' stereotypes about White men, then ascertained differences between ethnic groups in perception of those stereotypes. Stereotypes generally fell into dimensions of Gordon Gekkos, nice guys, and frat boys. African Americans generally listed (Study 1a), recognized (Study 1b), and endorsed (Study 2) fewer positive and more negative stereotypes than the other two ethnic groups, consistent with the stereotype content model (SCM). Also consistent with SCM, in Study 2, stereotypes about White men's competence were correlated with perception of Whites' societal status. Stereotypes about White men's coldness were correlated with measures of competition with Whites. These effects were especially strong among African Americans.
In four studies, we documented the symbolic meanings of the progression of contraceptive use in c... more In four studies, we documented the symbolic meanings of the progression of contraceptive use in close relationships. In Study 1A, participants perceived a couple in which one partner suggests changing contraceptive method from condoms to the pill (a normative transition script) as having a more positive relationship than a couple in which one partner suggests changing from the pill to condoms (a counternormative transition script). In Study 1B, participants believed that couples who followed a counternormative transition script had higher likelihood of infidelity/STDs and a lower degree of closeness than couples who followed a normative transition script. In Study 2A, the association of counternormative transition with perceptions of greater infidelity and lower closeness was demonstrated among a group of college students imagining their own relationship partners suggesting the transition. In Study 2B, participants who imagined that their partner suggested a counternormative transition reported more negative emotions than did participants who imagined that their partner suggested a normative transition. These findings suggest that the symbolic meaning of condoms and birth control pills may contribute to the relative lack of safer sex behaviors in close relationships.
Objectives: In three studies, the authors examined the extent to which STIs and sexual behaviour... more Objectives: In three studies, the authors examined the extent to which STIs and sexual behaviour were perceived negatively and risky compared to objectively riskier behaviours. Methods: In Study 1, participants estimated the risk death as a result of contracting HIV from one instance of unprotected sex (with a non-injection drug user) relative to the risk of death as a result of an automobile accident (a 300 mile drive). In Study 2a, participants read one of two vignettes, in which a target either unknowingly transmitted an STI (chlamydia) or a non-sexual disease (H1N1) to another person through a sexual encounter. In Study 2b, participants read one of twelve vignettes, type of disease (chlamydia or H1N1), severity of the disease outcome (mild, moderate, or severe), and sex of transmitter (female or male) were manipulated. In Study 3, state-level public health and driving websites were coded for risk-reduction recommendations. Results: In Studies 1 and 2, participants rated the target who transmitted chlamydia more negatively than the target who transmitted H1N1; participants also perceived the target who transmitted chlamydia with a mild severity outcome (the sexual partner took antibiotics for one week) more negatively than the target who transmitted H1N1 with a severe outcome (the sexual partner died from contracting H1N1; Study 2). In Study 3, most state-level public health websites promoted safety through recommending the public to abstain from sex; no similar recommendations were provided on driving websites (an objectively riskier behaviour). Conclusions: The stigmatisation of STIs is beyond their degree of severity (relative to other diseases) and viewed as unjustifiably risky (relative to other risky activities).
Across four studies, we assessed the relationship between participants&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;am... more Across four studies, we assessed the relationship between participants&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; attitudes toward gay men and their experiences during either imagined or actual interpersonal encounters with gay men. In the first three studies, participants imagined interactions with gay men and either responded in an open-ended or a closed-ended fashion. In these imagined interactions, participants reported that they expected to have considerable agreement between their attitudes and their subjective experiences during the intergroup encounter. However, during actual interactions, there were no differences between members of different prejudice levels in their responses to the gay confederate. A comparison of the actual and imagined interactions demonstrated that high prejudice people are particularly unlikely to have subjective experiences that match their negative attitudes concerning actual interpersonal encounters.
We analyzed 97 gay men&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s and lesbians&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp... more We analyzed 97 gay men&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s and lesbians&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; experiences with and expectations for interactions with majority group members. Respondents described reactions to previous or imagined future interactions with an unfamiliar heterosexual person who had just become aware that the respondent was lesbian or gay. Results indicated that respondents are more proactive than reactive (in contrast to expectation states theories), that the contact hypothesis can be appropriately applied to this group, even though the formulation of the theory was based upon negative attitudes in the absence of extensive contact, and that they have different reactions for people of different prejudice levels, rather than being globally suspicious, as is predicted by many intergroup theories. Future research should direct more attention to the stigmatized group members&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; attitudes about and reactions toward the majority group.
In two studies, lesbians, gay men and bisexuals were queried concerning mistakes that well-meanin... more In two studies, lesbians, gay men and bisexuals were queried concerning mistakes that well-meaning heterosexual people have made when interacting with them. In qualitative, open-ended research, we determined that the most common mistakes concerned heterosexuals&#39; pointing out that they know someone who is gay, emphasizing their lack of prejudice, and relying on stereotypes about gays. Following up with a quantitative, close-ended questionnaire, we determined that the mistakes respondents experienced most often involved heterosexuals (a) relying on stereotypes and (b) ignoring gay issues; the most annoying mistakes were heterosexuals (a) using subtle prejudicial language and (b) not owning up to their discomfort with gay issues. We used two theoretical perspectives, shared reality theory and the contact hypothesis, to analyze the quantitative responses. Implications for intergroup relationships between heterosexual people and gay people are discussed.
The utility of monogamy (in practice) as a strategy for preventing sexually transmitted infection... more The utility of monogamy (in practice) as a strategy for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was investigated. By reviewing recent literature surrounding monogamous relationships and sexual behaviors, the authors determined that monogamy might not prevent against STIs as expected. First, the authors elucidate the ways in which public health officials and the general public define and interpret monogamy and discuss how this contributes to monogamy as an ineffectual STI prevention strategy. Second, the authors provide evidence that individuals' compliance with monogamy is likely to be low, similar to rates of compliance with other medical advice. Lastly, the authors draw upon recent research findings suggesting that people who label themselves as monogamous are less likely to engage in safer sex behaviors than people who have an explicit agreement with their partner to be non-monogamous. Future research and clinical directions to promote sexual health and destigmatize sexual behaviors are considered.
In a highly influential paper, Clark and Hatfield (1989) demonstrated that, whereas men were quit... more In a highly influential paper, Clark and Hatfield (1989) demonstrated that, whereas men were quite likely to accept a casual sexual offer from a confederate research assistant, women never did so. The current research provides a more in-depth explanation of gender differences in acceptance of casual sex offers via 4 (quasi-) experiments. First, using a person-perception paradigm, I assessed people’s impressions of women and men who proposed a casual sexual encounter in the same manner that confederates in Clark and Hatfield did. Women and men agreed that female proposers were more intelligent, successful, and sexually skilled than men who made the same proposals. Second, I demonstrated that the large gender differences from the original Clark and Hatfield study could be eliminated by asking participants to imagine proposals from (attractive and unattractive) famous individuals, friends, and same-gender individuals. Next, I assessed factors associated with likelihood of agreeing to the casual sex proposal. The extent to which women and men believed that the proposer would be sexually skilled predicted how likely they would be to engage in casual sex with this individual. Finally, I examined these factors in the context of actual encounters from the participants’ previous experiences, and the results were replicated in this context. Overall findings suggest that the large gender differences Clark and Hatfield observed in acceptance of the casual sex offer may have more to do with perceived personality characteristics of the female versus male proposers than with gender differences among Clark and Hatfield’s participants and that sexual pleasure figures largely in women’s and men’s decision making about casual sex.
In the current research, we suggest that shared reality, the belief that one per-ceives the world... more In the current research, we suggest that shared reality, the belief that one per-ceives the world the same way as another group, can predict attitudes to-wards that group. We tested shared reality theory in the context ofAmerican ethnic minority groups’ (i.e. African Americans, Asian Americans,and Latinas/os) attitudes towards White Americans. In surveys of two sam-ples recruited from different geographical locations in the USA, we tested pre-dictions derived from different theories of intergroup relations. Usingmediational analysis, we defined models to assess the extent to which sharedreality theory predicted—directly and indirectly—prejudicial attitudes to-wards Whites. We tested the model derived from shared reality theoryagainst other theoretical alternatives. Taken together, the results of theresearch indicated that shared reality predicts attitudes towards WhiteAmericans among these three ethnic groups. Thus, shared reality is a relevant,though largely overlooked, factor in intergroup dynamics.
This research investigated gender differences in and behavioral sequelae of adult vs. childhood s... more This research investigated gender differences in and behavioral sequelae of adult vs. childhood sexual victimization among a group of undergraduates in a midwestern city. We administered a survey about sexual experiences, eating habits, and weight to individuals who were first victimized in childhood (< age 15); were first victimized in adulthood (> age 18); or had not been sexually victimized. We predicted that those victimized as children would have higher body weight and display more sexual activity than would those victimized as adults. We demonstrated that participants victimized in childhood had significantly higher body mass and weight than did nonvictims or those victimized in adulthood. Men sexually abused as children displayed more promiscuity than did men victimized in adulthood.
This research investigated gender differences in and behavioral sequelae of adult vs. childhood s... more This research investigated gender differences in and behavioral sequelae of adult vs. childhood sexual victimization among a group of undergraduates in a midwestern city. We administered a survey about sexual experiences, eating habits, and weight to individuals who were first victimized in childhood (< age 15); were first victimized in adulthood (> age 18); or had not been sexually victimized. We predicted that those victimized as children would have higher body weight and display more sexual activity than would those victimized as adults. We demonstrated that participants victimized in childhood had significantly higher body mass and weight than did nonvictims or those victimized in adulthood. Men sexually abused as children displayed more promiscuity than did men victimized in adulthood.j asp_828 2551..2572
Throughout this century, most theorizing and empirical research about women's sexual orientation ... more Throughout this century, most theorizing and empirical research about women's sexual orientation have been guided by a belief in the essential masculinity of lesbians and the femininity of heterosexual women. This view can be traced to the influential inversion theories of 19th-century sexologists such as Richard von Krafft-Ebing and Havelock Ellis. Viewing heterosexuality as the biological norm, these scholars believed that homosexuality results from a biological abnormality that leads to gender-atypical ("inverted") sexual attractions and personality. Although there were differences among the various inversion theories, they shared three core elements. First and foremost, inversion theorists characterized heterosexual women as feminine and lesbians as masculine. In Psychopathia Sexualis, described the most extreme form of female homosexuality as a woman who "possesses of the feminine qualities only the genital organs; thought, sentiment, action, even external appearances are those of the man." A second core belief was that sexual orientation is primarily biological in origin. As Meyer-Bahlburg (1984, p. 375) noted, the inversion model has been "the concept guiding biological explanations of homosexuality" throughout this century. A third belief implicit in inversion theories was that social, cultural, and experiential factors have negligible influence on women's sexual orientation. The impact of this perspective has been widespread, especially in psychology, and continues to this day. The thesis of this review is that the cumulative body of empirical research on women's sexual orientation refutes each of the main inversion assumptions. In the following sections we review this research literature. Next we present an alternative perspective on women's sexual orientation, the intimate careers framework, which is compatible with available research findings, and we identify promising directions for future research.
We examined relationships between adult children and their mothers from a relational perspective.... more We examined relationships between adult children and their mothers from a relational perspective. We investigated positive regard for mother relationships versus other dyadic relationships and the role that trust plays in fostering satisfaction in these relationships. In Study 1, undergraduates completed surveys about their relationships with their mothers. Trust was the strongest predictor of satisfaction in participants’ relationships with their
This study addresses how people devalue romantic relationships without devaluing the individuals ... more This study addresses how people devalue romantic relationships without devaluing the individuals in the relationship. We examined perceptions of condom use in close relationships in 3 studies. Relationships of couples who used condoms were devalued, relative to relationships of those who used oral contraceptives. However, the perceptions of individuals in the relationships were unchanged by type of birthcontrol use. In 2 studies, the dyadic devaluation concept was extended to relationships in which one partner was significantly older than the other. Participants believed that relationships in which the woman was substantially older than the man were of lesser quality than relationships in which the man and woman were the same age. Implications for stigma and person perception research are discussed.
Many researchers have elucidated large, well-established, and reliable gender differences in sexu... more Many researchers have elucidated large, well-established, and reliable gender differences in sexuality, but relatively few have empirically examined conditions under which these differences can be eliminated. This article investigates some established sexuality gender differences in greater depth. We demonstrate how creative theoretical and empirical approaches may shed light on prevalent misconceptions concerning sex-related gender differences.
... Terri Conley, Amy Moors, Jes Matsick, Ali Ziegler, Brandon Valentine. ... aux relations sans ... more ... Terri Conley, Amy Moors, Jes Matsick, Ali Ziegler, Brandon Valentine. ... aux relations sans lendemain, et le plus grand empressement dans lequel ils s'y engagent, est l'une des différences entre les hommes et les femmes la plus largement documentée (Petersen & Hyde, 2010). ...
We documented the content and dimensions of non-White groups' stereotypes about White men, then a... more We documented the content and dimensions of non-White groups' stereotypes about White men, then ascertained differences between ethnic groups in perception of those stereotypes. Stereotypes generally fell into dimensions of Gordon Gekkos, nice guys, and frat boys. African Americans generally listed (Study 1a), recognized (Study 1b), and endorsed (Study 2) fewer positive and more negative stereotypes than the other two ethnic groups, consistent with the stereotype content model (SCM). Also consistent with SCM, in Study 2, stereotypes about White men's competence were correlated with perception of Whites' societal status. Stereotypes about White men's coldness were correlated with measures of competition with Whites. These effects were especially strong among African Americans.
In four studies, we documented the symbolic meanings of the progression of contraceptive use in c... more In four studies, we documented the symbolic meanings of the progression of contraceptive use in close relationships. In Study 1A, participants perceived a couple in which one partner suggests changing contraceptive method from condoms to the pill (a normative transition script) as having a more positive relationship than a couple in which one partner suggests changing from the pill to condoms (a counternormative transition script). In Study 1B, participants believed that couples who followed a counternormative transition script had higher likelihood of infidelity/STDs and a lower degree of closeness than couples who followed a normative transition script. In Study 2A, the association of counternormative transition with perceptions of greater infidelity and lower closeness was demonstrated among a group of college students imagining their own relationship partners suggesting the transition. In Study 2B, participants who imagined that their partner suggested a counternormative transition reported more negative emotions than did participants who imagined that their partner suggested a normative transition. These findings suggest that the symbolic meaning of condoms and birth control pills may contribute to the relative lack of safer sex behaviors in close relationships.
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Papers by Terri Conley
Methods: In Study 1, participants estimated the risk death as a result of contracting HIV from one instance of unprotected sex (with a non-injection drug user) relative to the risk of death as a result of an automobile accident (a 300 mile drive). In Study 2a, participants read one of two vignettes, in which a target either unknowingly transmitted an STI (chlamydia) or a non-sexual disease (H1N1) to another person through a sexual encounter. In Study 2b, participants read one of twelve vignettes, type of disease (chlamydia or H1N1), severity of the disease outcome (mild, moderate, or severe), and sex of transmitter (female or male) were manipulated. In Study 3, state-level public health and driving websites were coded for risk-reduction recommendations.
Results: In Studies 1 and 2, participants rated the target who transmitted chlamydia more negatively than the target who transmitted H1N1; participants also perceived the target who transmitted chlamydia with a mild severity outcome (the sexual partner took antibiotics for one week) more negatively than the target who transmitted H1N1 with a severe outcome (the sexual partner died from contracting H1N1; Study 2). In Study 3, most state-level public health websites promoted safety through recommending the public to abstain from sex; no similar recommendations were provided on driving websites (an objectively riskier behaviour).
Conclusions: The stigmatisation of STIs is beyond their degree of severity (relative to other diseases) and viewed as unjustifiably risky (relative to other risky activities).
investigated. By reviewing recent literature surrounding monogamous relationships and sexual behaviors, the
authors determined that monogamy might not prevent against STIs as expected. First, the authors elucidate
the ways in which public health officials and the general public define and interpret monogamy and discuss
how this contributes to monogamy as an ineffectual STI prevention strategy. Second, the authors provide evidence
that individuals' compliance with monogamy is likely to be low, similar to rates of compliance with
other medical advice. Lastly, the authors draw upon recent research findings suggesting that people who label
themselves as monogamous are less likely to engage in safer sex behaviors than people who have an explicit
agreement with their partner to be non-monogamous. Future research and clinical directions to promote sexual
health and destigmatize sexual behaviors are considered.
to accept a casual sexual offer from a confederate research assistant, women never did so. The current
research provides a more in-depth explanation of gender differences in acceptance of casual sex offers
via 4 (quasi-) experiments. First, using a person-perception paradigm, I assessed people’s impressions of
women and men who proposed a casual sexual encounter in the same manner that confederates in Clark
and Hatfield did. Women and men agreed that female proposers were more intelligent, successful, and
sexually skilled than men who made the same proposals. Second, I demonstrated that the large gender
differences from the original Clark and Hatfield study could be eliminated by asking participants to
imagine proposals from (attractive and unattractive) famous individuals, friends, and same-gender
individuals. Next, I assessed factors associated with likelihood of agreeing to the casual sex proposal. The
extent to which women and men believed that the proposer would be sexually skilled predicted how
likely they would be to engage in casual sex with this individual. Finally, I examined these factors in the
context of actual encounters from the participants’ previous experiences, and the results were replicated
in this context. Overall findings suggest that the large gender differences Clark and Hatfield observed in
acceptance of the casual sex offer may have more to do with perceived personality characteristics of the
female versus male proposers than with gender differences among Clark and Hatfield’s participants and
that sexual pleasure figures largely in women’s and men’s decision making about casual sex.
Methods: In Study 1, participants estimated the risk death as a result of contracting HIV from one instance of unprotected sex (with a non-injection drug user) relative to the risk of death as a result of an automobile accident (a 300 mile drive). In Study 2a, participants read one of two vignettes, in which a target either unknowingly transmitted an STI (chlamydia) or a non-sexual disease (H1N1) to another person through a sexual encounter. In Study 2b, participants read one of twelve vignettes, type of disease (chlamydia or H1N1), severity of the disease outcome (mild, moderate, or severe), and sex of transmitter (female or male) were manipulated. In Study 3, state-level public health and driving websites were coded for risk-reduction recommendations.
Results: In Studies 1 and 2, participants rated the target who transmitted chlamydia more negatively than the target who transmitted H1N1; participants also perceived the target who transmitted chlamydia with a mild severity outcome (the sexual partner took antibiotics for one week) more negatively than the target who transmitted H1N1 with a severe outcome (the sexual partner died from contracting H1N1; Study 2). In Study 3, most state-level public health websites promoted safety through recommending the public to abstain from sex; no similar recommendations were provided on driving websites (an objectively riskier behaviour).
Conclusions: The stigmatisation of STIs is beyond their degree of severity (relative to other diseases) and viewed as unjustifiably risky (relative to other risky activities).
investigated. By reviewing recent literature surrounding monogamous relationships and sexual behaviors, the
authors determined that monogamy might not prevent against STIs as expected. First, the authors elucidate
the ways in which public health officials and the general public define and interpret monogamy and discuss
how this contributes to monogamy as an ineffectual STI prevention strategy. Second, the authors provide evidence
that individuals' compliance with monogamy is likely to be low, similar to rates of compliance with
other medical advice. Lastly, the authors draw upon recent research findings suggesting that people who label
themselves as monogamous are less likely to engage in safer sex behaviors than people who have an explicit
agreement with their partner to be non-monogamous. Future research and clinical directions to promote sexual
health and destigmatize sexual behaviors are considered.
to accept a casual sexual offer from a confederate research assistant, women never did so. The current
research provides a more in-depth explanation of gender differences in acceptance of casual sex offers
via 4 (quasi-) experiments. First, using a person-perception paradigm, I assessed people’s impressions of
women and men who proposed a casual sexual encounter in the same manner that confederates in Clark
and Hatfield did. Women and men agreed that female proposers were more intelligent, successful, and
sexually skilled than men who made the same proposals. Second, I demonstrated that the large gender
differences from the original Clark and Hatfield study could be eliminated by asking participants to
imagine proposals from (attractive and unattractive) famous individuals, friends, and same-gender
individuals. Next, I assessed factors associated with likelihood of agreeing to the casual sex proposal. The
extent to which women and men believed that the proposer would be sexually skilled predicted how
likely they would be to engage in casual sex with this individual. Finally, I examined these factors in the
context of actual encounters from the participants’ previous experiences, and the results were replicated
in this context. Overall findings suggest that the large gender differences Clark and Hatfield observed in
acceptance of the casual sex offer may have more to do with perceived personality characteristics of the
female versus male proposers than with gender differences among Clark and Hatfield’s participants and
that sexual pleasure figures largely in women’s and men’s decision making about casual sex.