Published Works

Measuring Sexual Risk-Taking: A Systematic Review of the Sexual Delay Discounting Task

Gebru, N.M., Kalkat, M., Strickland, J.C. et al. Measuring Sexual Risk-Taking: A Systematic Review of the Sexual Delay Discounting Task. Arch Sex Behav 51, 2899–2920 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02355-y

The Sexual Delay Discounting Task (SDDT; Johnson & Bruner, 2012) is a behavioral economic task that assesses sexual risk-taking by measuring likelihood of immediate and delayed condom use. The SDDT is ecologically valid and has been used to test effects of various substances on sexual risk-taking. However, considerable variety in implementation, analysis, and reporting of the SDDT may limit rigor and reproducibility of findings. The current review synthesized studies that used the SDDT to evaluate these possible variabilities systematically.

A combined laboratory and field test of a smartphone breath alcohol device and blood alcohol concentration estimator to facilitate moderate drinking among young adults.

Leeman, R. F., Berey, B. L., Frohe, T., Rowland, B. H. P., Martens, M. P., Fucito, L. M., Stellefson, M., Nixon, S. J., & O’Malley, S. S. (2022). A combined laboratory and field test of a smartphone breath alcohol device and blood alcohol concentration estimator to facilitate moderate drinking among young adults. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 36(6), 710–723. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000780

Young adult alcohol misuse is a public health crisis requiring novel interventions. In-the-moment interventions utilizing mobile technology are promising approaches for young adults. This study supports the feasibility of research on these technologies and provides evidence for their perceived value and ease of use.

Relationships among Substance Use, Sociodemographics, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Related Attitudes among Young Adult Men Who Have Sex with Men

Gebru, N. M., Benvenuti, M. C., Rowland, B. H., Kalkat, M., Chauca, P. G., & Leeman, R. F. (2022). Relationships among Substance Use, Sociodemographics, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Related Attitudes among Young Adult Men Who Have Sex with Men. Substance Use & Misuse, 57(5), 786-798. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2022.2040030

Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for two-thirds of new HIV diagnoses. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly efficacious HIV preventive medication, is underutilized. Identifying correlates of PrEP awareness and attitudes may help increase PrEP use. Thus, we evaluated (1) PrEP awareness; (2) differences in awareness related to substance use and sociodemographics; (3) initial PrEP information sources; and (4) possible associations between information sources and PrEP-related attitudes.

Does Self-Reported or Behavioral Impulsivity Predict Subjective Response to Low-Dose Alcohol?

Berey, B.L., Leeman, R.F., Pittman, B., Franco, N., & Krishnan-Sarin, S. (2019). Does self-reported or behavioral impulsivity predict subjective response to low-dose alcohol? Alcohol & Alcoholism. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agy092

Subjective response to alcohol and impulsivity are both independent predictors of alcohol use and may be related risk factors for alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Recent findings suggest that more impulsive individuals may experience higher risk subjective response patterns at moderate-to-high doses of alcohol. However, whether these relationships are observable early in a drinking occasion remains an open question.

Relationships among impulsive, addictive and sexual tendencies and behaviours: a systematic review of experimental and prospective studies in humans

Leeman, R.F., Rowland, B.H.P., Gebru, N.M., & Potenza, M.N. (2018). Relationships among Impulsive, Addictive and Sexual Tendencies and Behaviours: A Systematic Review of Experimental and Prospective Studies in Humans. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 374(1766). https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2018.0129

Impulsivity’s relationships to addictive and sexual behaviours raise questions regarding the extent impulsivity may constitute a vulnerability factor for subsequent addictive and sexual behaviours and/or results from each of these. Here, we systematically reviewed empirical support for impulsivity as a precipitating factor or a consequence of addictive or sexual behaviours. 

Correlates of cannabis vape-pen use and knowledge among U.S. college students

Frohe, T., Leeman, RF., Patock-Peckham, J., Ecker, A., Kraus, S., & Foster, DW. (2018). Correlates of cannabis vape-pen use and knowledge among US college students. Addictive Behaviors Reports. 7, 32-39. http://10.1016/j.abrep.2017.11.004

The proliferation of electronic devices, such as vape-pens, has provided alternative means for cannabis use. Research has found cannabis-vaping (i.e., vape-pen use) is associated with lower perceived risks and higher cannabis use. Knowledge of these products may increase likelihood of subsequent use. As policies for cannabis shift, beliefs that peers and family approve of this substance use (injunctive norms) increase and there has been an increase in vape-pen use among young adults (18-35 year olds); however, correlates thereof remain unknown. 

Relationships of Impulsivity and Subjective Response to Alcohol Use and Related Problems

Berey, B. L., Leeman, R. F., Pittman, B., & O’Malley, S. S. (2017). Relationships of Impulsivity and Subjective Response to Alcohol Use and Related Problems. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 78(6), 835-843. http://10.15288/jsad.2017.78.835

Impulsivity and subjective response to alcohol are predictors of alcohol use disorder. The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend prior research examining relationships between impulsivity and subjective response patterns. In addition, impulsivity and initial subjective response patterns were examined in relation to current heavy episodic drinking and alcohol-related problems.