American Psychologist

Matarazzo, Joseph D.; Bailey, William A.; Kraut, Alan G.; Jones, James M.

doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.43.11.978pmid: N/A

Flora, June A.; Thoresen, Carl E.

doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.43.11.965pmid: N/A

Preventing the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among adolescents is crucial. Urgently needed are prevention programs that influence diverse populations (e.g., men and women, Blacks and Hispanics). Effective AIDS prevention programs and research must draw from promising programs in other health areas (e.g., smoking prevention, prevention of teenage pregnancy). AIDS prevention programs aimed at adolescents should (a) use an expanded cognitive-social learning theory perspective, (b) consider level of intervention and the unit of analysis (e.g., individuals, networks, organizations, and communities), (c) recognize differing goals of primary and secondary prevention, and (d) use social marketing methods in tailoring programs to subgroups.

Coates, Thomas J.; Stall, Ron D.; Kegeles, Susan M.; Lo, Bernard; Morin, Stephen F.; McKusick, Leon

doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.43.11.859pmid: N/A

The focus of much of the current AIDS prevention activity at the federal and state levels has been on using AIDS antibody testing as the primary means of modifying high risk behavior. This focus is inappropriate. Testing can have clear beneficial effects, but it also has negative effects. Prevention campaigns instead should emphasize behavior change—and then determine whether antibody testing has a particular role as a part of that effort. We outline the empirical data on ramifications of AIDS antibody testing, make suggestions for further research questions, and call for public policy that can promote the potential public health benefits of testing without sacrificing civil rights or emotional well-being.

Des Jarlais, Don C.; Friedman, Samuel R.

doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.43.11.865pmid: 3214002

This article reviews studies of AIDS risk reduction among IV drug users that have been conducted through early 1988. Almost all studies report risk reduction among the majority of subjects. Three principles are derived from the studies: Basic AIDS information is needed to generate motivation for behavior change; means for behavior change must be provided; and methods for reinforcing the new behaviors must then be provided.

Reinisch, June Machover; Sanders, Stephanie A.; Ziemba-Davis, Mary

doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.43.11.921pmid: N/A

To create the behavior-change programs essential for limiting the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, we must obtain a precise understanding of the sexual behavior, knowledge, and attitudes of our nation’s various ethnic, racial, social, age, regional, and sexual orientation groups. Such information is necessary for developing the precisely targeted educational programs that currently are our most effective means of reducing risk behaviors and halting the spread of the disease in the United States. These behavioral data are also crucial to biomedical investigations, making possible the identification of appropriate subjects for programs ranging from the testing of vaccines to the evaluation of the threat to pregnant women and their offspring. In this article, we summarize data on sexual behaviors associated with the transmission of the AIDS virus (i.e., human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) and discuss selected issues relevant to the conduct of research on human sexuality.

Hall, Nicholas R. S.

doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.43.11.907pmid: N/A

In the short time since the cause of AIDS was identified, a considerable amount of knowledge has been gathered. The responsible agent, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is a retrovirus that changes the genetic composition of the cells it enters and subsequently destroys. Current knowledge about the virus suggests that it invades cells of the central nervous system, thus contributing to AIDS dementia complex. Vaccines are at present ineffective against the virus, in part because the molecular structure of the protein envelope is so changeable. Psychologists need to understand the virology and immunology of AIDS because components of the virus can alter central nervous system function in ways that have an impact on high-risk behavior. This may be a direct consequence of the virus or an indirect consequence of the production of immune system products in response to the virus. This article discusses the current state of knowledge of HIV and offers ways in which this knowledge may be used by psychologists to formulate a psychosocial and behavioral research agenda and strategies for improved, more effective patient care.

Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K.; Glaser, Ronald

doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.43.11.892pmid: N/A

There is considerable variability in the clinical course of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) virus. Because there is good evidence for psychological mediation of immune function, psychosocial or behavioral variables are among the possible cofactors that may influence HIV infection and disease progression. This article reviews relevant psychoimmunology research and addresses the implications of these data for the lives and medical treatment of HIV-infected people.

Mays, Vickie M.; Cochran, Susan D.

doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.43.11.949pmid: N/A

Although to date most cases of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have occurred among men, AIDS poses a serious threat for Black and Latina women, particularly for those who are poor and live in geographic areas of higher AIDS incidence. Yet many may not perceive themselves to be at risk from what has generally been portrayed as a “White gay disease.” This article examines patterns of AIDS infection in women and factors associated with risk perception and behavior change. In doing so, the influence of ethnic minority culture on the behavior of individual women is explored.

Watkins, Admiral James D.

doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.43.11.849pmid: N/A

Admiral James Watkins (Retired), the chairman of the Presidential Commission on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Epidemic, discusses the work of the commission, including obstacles to progress the nation faces in attempting to respond to the epidemic and recommendations for improving the nation’s response.

Brooks-Gunn, J.; Boyer, Cherrie B.; Hein, Karen

doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.43.11.958pmid: N/A

This article focuses on pediatric and adolescent AIDS. Literature is reviewed on the incidence of AIDS in various age groups, highlighting differences in demographic patterns among pediatric, adolescent, and adult AIDS cases. Behaviors that increase the likelihood that a child or adolescent will contract AIDS, as well as prevention strategies that target the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, are discussed. Finally, recommendations are made for social science research directed toward altering behavior associated with HIV.