Beyond Risk Factors

SUMMARY This article provides an overview of important themes in European research regarding sexual behavior and the risk for HIV infection. There is a growing critique of HIV prevention among European theorists which focuses on four themes: (1) That current models over-emphasize the role of rational decision-making in sexual behavior; (2) That the [individual is viewed as the unit of research and intervention; (3) That the person is assumed to be static, having qualities which remain unchanged over time; and, (4) That the social/ cultural context of human interaction is ignored in relation to sexual behavior. To counteract these perceived deficiencies, it is proposed that future research and practice incorporate the following elements: sexual behavior as being primarily an interaction between persons as opposed to a decision of individuals; the effects of time on sexual decision-making; the cultural context and its influence on sexuality; the subjective experience of love as relates to sex; the role of p...