Loneliness Sexual Risk Model: Measuring the Impact of Loneliness on Sexual Risk Behaviors among African American Women

Despite the glaring disparities between African American women and other racial/ethnic subgroups at increased risk for HIV, epidemiologic studies that examine psychosocial and cultural correlates of HIV sexual risk taking among minority women remains limited. The same can be said of loneliness with very few epidemiologic studies that investigate the distribution of loneliness in the American population let alone in racial/ethnic groups. Narrowing this knowledge gap is the purpose of this study. Accordingly, the research goal of the study is to predict risky sexual behavior (RSB) in relation to romantic emotional loneliness, substance use, and sexual compulsivity/sexual sensation seeking. The research questions and hypotheses were developed based on the constructs of the Loneliness and Sexual Risk Model (LSRM). A quantitative cross-sectional study design will be employed within a non-probability sample of 102 Black females between the ages of 25 and 44 residing in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Paper surveys will be employed to collect data on the variables of interest. Correlational and regression analyses of models conforming to the LSRM will be employed to analyze data. By determining how loneliness, the use of alcohol and other drugs, and compulsive behaviors influence sexual-risk taking, health care providers, educators, social workers, and policymakers are better informed when creating effective HIV/AIDS, other STI, and substance abuse prevention practices, programs, and policies; ultimately, fostering reductions in the incidence of these public health problems.