aThe Effect of Fear-Inducing Stimuli Upon STD Attitudes

This study tested the effect of varying levels of fearful information about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and self-efficacy of condom use on attitudes toward condom use and STD prevention. College students (N=118) from an introductory psychology class were exposed to audiotaped information about several STDs. Those in the high fear condition were simultaneously shown explicit photographic slides of the diseases being described. Those in low fear condition only heard the audiotape. Following the STD information subjects read information about the risk of contracting an STD and suggestions for avoiding STDs. Those in the low self-efficacy condition were informed only that if a partner refused to use a condom during sex they should not have sex with that partner. Those in high self-efficacy condition were also given suggestions on how to convince a partner to use a condom if th