Sexual decision making in the absence of choice: The African American female dating experience.

Authors

Michele Peake Andrasik, University of Washington; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, HIV Vaccine Trials NetworkFollow
Hong V. Nguyen, University of WashingtonFollow
William H. George, University of WashingtonFollow
Kelly F. Kajumulo, University of WashingtonFollow

Keywords

HIV prevention; African American; women; sexual risk taking

Disciplines

Public Health

Abstract

Although links between low mate availability and increased HIV and STI risk for African American women have been documented in the literature, we know little about the impact of limited mate choices on the quality of relationships between Black men and women and how these relationship dynamics impact risk for young Black women. We conducted a qualitative study with African American female young adults (N=12) to explore the perceived impact of structural forces on African American female young adults’ dating and sexual behavior. Participants reported (1) perceptions of Black men as untrustworthy and manipulative, (2) the limited and often negative roles for Black men in the larger Black community, and (3) heterosexual relationships in the Black community as increasingly influenced by economics and commerce. Recommendations for HIV prevention interventions that include micro and macro level approaches are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Andrasik, Michele Peake; Nguyen, Hong V.; George, William H.; and Kajumulo, Kelly F. (2014) "Sexual decision making in the absence of choice: The African American female dating experience.," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 7: Iss. 7, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol7/iss7/6