Abstract
The relationship between coping with HIV/AIDS stigma and engaging in risky sexual behavior (i.e., inconsistent condom use)
was examined in HIV-positive adults living in rural areas. Participants answered questions about their experiences with HIV/AIDS
prejudice and discrimination (enacted stigma) and their perceptions of felt HIV/AIDS stigma (disclosure concerns, negative
self-image, and concern with public attitudes). They were also asked about how they coped with HIV/AIDS stigma, and about
their sexual activity during the past 90 days. We hypothesized that using disengagement coping to manage the stress of HIV/AIDS
stigma would be related to risky sexual behavior. Multinomial logistic regression results showed that using disengagement
coping (avoidance, denial, and wishful thinking) coupled with high levels of enacted stigma was associated with less risky rather than more risky sexual behavior. That is, disengagement coping coupled with high stigma increased the odds of
not having vaginal or anal sex versus inconsistently using condoms. Implications for people with HIV/AIDS who use disengagement
coping to manage stress to deal with HIV/AIDS stigma are discussed.
was examined in HIV-positive adults living in rural areas. Participants answered questions about their experiences with HIV/AIDS
prejudice and discrimination (enacted stigma) and their perceptions of felt HIV/AIDS stigma (disclosure concerns, negative
self-image, and concern with public attitudes). They were also asked about how they coped with HIV/AIDS stigma, and about
their sexual activity during the past 90 days. We hypothesized that using disengagement coping to manage the stress of HIV/AIDS
stigma would be related to risky sexual behavior. Multinomial logistic regression results showed that using disengagement
coping (avoidance, denial, and wishful thinking) coupled with high levels of enacted stigma was associated with less risky rather than more risky sexual behavior. That is, disengagement coping coupled with high stigma increased the odds of
not having vaginal or anal sex versus inconsistently using condoms. Implications for people with HIV/AIDS who use disengagement
coping to manage stress to deal with HIV/AIDS stigma are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10461-012-0239-5
- Authors
- Susan E. Varni, Psychology Department, University of Vermont, John Dewey Hall, 2 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- Carol T. Miller, Psychology Department, University of Vermont, John Dewey Hall, 2 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- Sondra E. Solomon, Psychology Department, University of Vermont, John Dewey Hall, 2 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- Journal AIDS and Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-3254
- Print ISSN 1090-7165