Date of Completion
12-1-2016
Embargo Period
11-27-2016
Advisors
Seth Kalichman, Diane Quinn, Lisa Eaton
Field of Study
Psychological Sciences
Degree
Master of Science
Open Access
Open Access
Abstract
This paper explores the role three psychosocial factors influence an at-risk individual’s decision to get tested for HIV. Two of the psychosocial factors, HIV stigma and fatalistic beliefs regarding an HIV positive diagnosis, have been well documented in the literature on HIV testing and psychosocial barriers. However, the third psychosocial factor, the tendency to avoid threatening information, has not been studied in relation to HIV testing. The present paper seeks to explore how each of these factors impact both past and present HIV testing behaviors in gay and bisexual identified men. HIV stigma and fatalistic beliefs related to an HIV positive diagnosis were not found as significant predictors of past or present HIV testing behavior. However, HIV status related information avoidance was a predictor of both past and present HIV testing behavior.
Recommended Citation
Price, Devon Michelle, "HIV Testing Avoidance: A Comparison of Psychosocial Factors Affecting HIV Testing in Gay and Bisexual Men" (2016). Master's Theses. 1020.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/gs_theses/1020
Major Advisor
Seth Kalichman