RESUMEN
Sensation seeking, the propensity to prefer exciting, optimal, and novel stimulation or arousal, is a potential mediating factor in sexual risk for human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, the most widely used measure of sensation seeking, the Sensation Seeking Scale (Zuckerman, Kolin, Price, & Zoob, 1964), contains numerous culturally outdated items and items that do not pertain to sexual behavior. In this study, 106 homosexually active men completed newly developed measures of sensation seeking related to sexual and nonsexual experiences, as well as a measure of sexual compulsivity. Results show that the new scales were internally consistent and time-stable. Additional analyses demonstrated convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity for these scales, showing them to be of use as mediating variables in models of high-risk sexual behavior. Implications for HIV prevention and behavior change are discussed.
Asunto(s)
Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/prevención & control , Homosexualidad/psicología , Conducta Sexual , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Condones , Seropositividad para VIH/psicología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Asunción de Riesgos , Factores SexualesRESUMEN
Investigates the perceptions and responses of members of five diverse religious congregations to the spiritual needs of people living with AIDS, the impact of AIDS on membership participation, and the beliefs held by different congregations regarding AIDS. Evaluates and compares the AIDS-related perceptions of 204 participants in five congregations (Buddhists, Catholic, Fundamental Christians, Protestants, and Unitarians). Results indicated that congregations differed in how their members responded to the spiritual needs of people living with HIV/AIDS, the level of influence AIDS had on membership participation in formal religions, and whether AIDS was seen as the result of sinful behavior or divine retribution. Concludes that the congregational differences appeared consistent with the core beliefs of the faith communities. Suggests that clergy and congregations need to take specific steps to provide spiritual support to people living with HIV/AIDS consistent with their history of caregiving to all people regardless of the crisis situation.
Asunto(s)
Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/psicología , Infecciones por VIH/psicología , Cuidado Pastoral , Religión y Medicina , Adaptación Psicológica , Recolección de Datos , Encuestas de Atención de la Salud , Necesidades y Demandas de Servicios de Salud , Humanos , Calidad de Vida , Apoyo Social , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Evaluates levels of psychological distress, coping mechanisms, and their relationship with the religious beliefs and spiritual practices of people (N=65) living with HIV and AIDS. Results of the research indicate a strong relationship for spiritual dimensions with mental health, psychological adjustment, and coping. Concludes that a blending of spiritual traditions and mental health approaches are needed to facilitate the coping of people living with HIV and AIDS.