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A test of psychological reactance theory and risk-related sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men

Mason, Tina Lynn
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1070394476

Abstract Details

2003, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Social Work.
Although the incidence of HIV transmission among other groups is rising, men who have sex with men (MSM) account for more than forty percent of all new HIV infections. It stands to reason then, that both HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM continue to engage in unsafe sexual behaviors. Efforts to curtail the spread of HIV infection have included safer sex campaigns, education and prevention programs, and the application of risk reduction models typically designed for HIV-negative individuals. Yet, HIV-positive MSM continue to engage in risk-taking sexual behaviors. The quandary with most HIV prevention programs is that they require an elimination of sexual behaviors that MSM have reported as important, in effect reducing their sexual freedom. Therefore, MSM may be motivated to regain the sexual freedom that existed prior to the HIV epidemic. Psychological reactance (Brehm, 1966) is a framework that describes why individuals become motivated to restore freedoms that have been threatened or eliminated. The purpose of this research was to test the theory of psychological reactance as applied to the risk-related sexual behaviors of HIV-positive MSM. According to the theory, the more important a behavior is, the greater the magnitude of reactance. The crux of this research rests on the premise that sexual importance contributes to MSM engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Psychological reactance was measured by the Therapeutic Reactance Scale (TRS) and the Questionnaire for Measuring Psychological Reactance (QMPR). This research utilized multiple linear regression analysis to test hypotheses asserting that the interaction term (reactance X sexual importance) predicts risk-related sexual behaviors in HIV-positive MSM. Results indicated that sexual importance was the most significant predictor of risk-related sexual behaviors of HIV-positive MSM. The interaction term (TRS X sexual importance) was significant for sexual practices, number of sexual encounters, number of sexual partners, and unprotected anal intercourse. The interaction term (QMPR X sexual importance) was significant for attitude, sexual practices, and unprotected anal intercourse. The implications for behavioral interventions and clinical practice as well as for future research are discussed.
Thomas Gregoire (Advisor)
141 p.
Social Work
psychological reactance; HIV; MSM; sexual behaviors

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Mason, T. L. (2003). A test of psychological reactance theory and risk-related sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1070394476

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Mason, Tina. A test of psychological reactance theory and risk-related sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men. 2003. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1070394476.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Mason, Tina. "A test of psychological reactance theory and risk-related sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2003. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1070394476

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1070394476
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© 2003, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.