Relationship characteristics and risk of HIV infection: Rusbult's investment model and sexual risk behavior of gay men in steady relationships

This study examined the effects of relationship characteristics, as measured by Rusbult's (1980) investment model, on safer-sex behavior between steady gay male partners. Analyses showed that low satisfaction with the relationship was associated with more risky unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). High commitment to the relationship was associated with more practice of negotiated safety (i.e., having safe UAI after both partners have tested negative for HIV and have reached sexual safety agreements). High relationship investment was associated with more risky UAI (borderline significant). We conclude that using relationship satisfaction, commitment, and investment as co-determinants of sexual risk behavior could prove useful in the development of new HIV-prevention strategies for gay men in relationships.