Sexual schemas and high-risk sexual behaviors in female students: The mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation

Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies in the relationship between sexual schemas and high-risk sexual behaviors (HRSBs). Materials and Methods: In a descriptive-correlational study, a sample of 426 persons were selected from all female students at Islamic Azad University of Shiraz using random cluster sampling during 2018–2019. The research instruments were High-Risk Sexual Behavior Questionnaire, CER Questionnaire, and Sexual Self-Schema Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and LISREL software using structural equation modeling. Results: The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between sexual schemas with HRSBs and CER. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between CER and HRSBs. The relationship between sexual schemas and HRSBs was mediated by CER. This model has a good fit for the data. Conclusions: The results indicate the mediating role of CER strategies in the relationship between sexual schemas and HRSBs. Therefore, it seems necessary for specialists, therapists, and planners to consider the role of these variables when working with students, especially in counseling and treatment centers.