Effects of Self-Affirmation And/or Mindfulness Interventions on Undergraduates’ Receptivity to Sexual Health Information

Abstract

This study examined the effects of self-affirmation and/or mindfulness interventions on college students’ receptivity to sexual health information. Participants (N = 81) were randomly assigned to one of four groups with differing interventions: (a) control group; (b) self-affirmation intervention; (c) mindfulness intervention; (d) self-affirming x mindful intervention. Following the intervention, participants were presented with high-risk health information in the sexual domain. The major hypothesis was that, relative to the other three groups, those receiving the combined self-affirmation and mindfulness intervention, at the end of the experimental session, would be more likely to endorse positive sexual health-promoting attitudes (e.g., self-report responses about increasing the number of times for routine sexually transmitted infections, or STI, testing) and behaviors (taking educational brochures and free condoms, making an appointment for STI screening). Findings indicated significant differences among groups on three of seven (42.9%) dependent measures (4 attitudinal, 3 behavioral). With respect to attitudes, those in the mindfulness condition report finding the most value in having STI testing within the immediate future. Those in the self-affirmation x mindfulness condition express the strongest intentions to increase the frequency of STI testing and display the highest instance of actually booking appointments for STI testing. In support of the hypothesis, the findings highlight the value of a holistic orientation (assessing attitudes and observing behavior) in changing individuals’ receptivity to considering self-relevant, high-risk information.