Interactive Media for Changing Risky Behavior

Our current focus is on using interactive portrayals of sexual encounters in two ways: (1) to study how individuals make decisions in sexual encounters, particularly when intoxicated and/or sexually aroused, and (2) to use the interactive encounters as a semi-realistic environment in which individuals can be taught the cognitive and behavioral skills needed to successfully negotiate a risky sexual encounter.

We have developed an interactive DVD for this project. An online version can be found at the Virtual Sex Project.

We have also developed a video game for changing risky sexual behavior. We recently finished an evaluation demonstrating its effectiveness over a 6 month followup.

  • Stephen J. Read
  • Mendel B. Silberberg Professor of Social Psychology
  • Department of Psychology
  • 501 SGM
  • University of Southern California
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 90089-1061