Integrating Disclosure: Applying "Atomic Habits" to Sexual Health
In continuation of my latest book recommendation of @jamesclear’s “Atomic Habits,” I wanted to share and apply a few things I’ve learned as it relates to sexuality.
This graph is an adaptation of the Habit Loop presented by Clear and adapted from Charles Duhigg & Nir Eyal. For clarification, this is neither an evolution of nor comparison of the sexual response cycle.
This graphic attempts to showcase our typical “habits” when it comes to sex, and how we can integrate the knowledge learned here about STIs and disclosure with our partners.
As Clear states, “All behavior is driven by the desire to solve a problem” (p. 51). Whether that “problem” is a desire for sexual release, emotional or physical intimacy, or something else. Orgasm or pleasure is an immediate reward. While STIs could be transmitted during these experiences of partnered pleasure, they appear days, weeks, or months after the initial contact. They’re also often invisible or asymptomatic. Immediate gratification and “solving the problem” outweigh the potential probability of transmission in the moment—which leads to lack of testing and disclosure.
I’m hopeful in the posts that follow over the coming week or so to share more of the tactics in “Atomic Habits” to help integrate disclosure into your habit loops.
Yes, this work is about awareness and breaking the stigma, but stigma lies deep within our habits, too.