Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the effect of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) on homosexual identity in a sample of homosexual men with an active AIDS diagnosis. Forty-two gay men with AIDS and 102 healthy gay men were handed questionnaires measuring various components of homosexual identity, broken down into 9 scales. A comparison of the total scores on these scales indicated that both groups of gay men had similar positive attitudes regarding their homosexuality.

An examination of paired scales between groups provided evidence that men with AIDS are experiencing increased conflicts with heterosexual society, anticipating greater discrimination resulting from the disclosure of their homosexuality and perceive society as less accepting towards homosexuals compared to the healthy respondents. Additionally, the AIDS respondents reported greater social involvement with other homosexuals, were more accustomed to common homosexual practices, and had a history of homosexual relations of longer duration compared to the healthy subjects. There were also indications that the AIDS subjects were experiencing increased anxiety regarding being homosexual. It is believed that this increase is associated with the rejection and ostracism gay men with AIDS are experiencing from society.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1986

Semester

Spring

Advisor

McGuire, John M.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree Program

Clinical Psychology

Format

PDF

Pages

179 p.

Language

English

Rights

Public Domain

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0020338

Contributor (Linked data)

John M. McGuire (Q59421427)

Accessibility Status

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