Psychological and social consequences of HIV exposure: Homosexuals in southern california

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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the psychological and social consequences experienced by apparently healthy homosexual men who learn that they have positive results on the HIV antibody test, but who have not yet developed AIDS or ARC. Employing a census survey of the male membership of three homophile organizations in a Southern California county (n=1905), 30 HIV positives and 55 negatives completed a biographical questionnaire, the IPAT Anxiety Scale Questionnaire, the IPAT Depression Scale, and the Coping Strategies Inventory. Results indicate that HIV positives show considerable disorganization after hearing test results, have clinically high levels of anxiety (n=10), and clinically high levels of depression (n=14) when compared to the normative samples. Positives also reported pervasive changes in their sexual activity (n=30), and experienced negative consequences in social (n=15) and occupational functioning (n=10). Twelve subjects reported suicidal ideation after they heard the results of their testing, with one subject reporting a suicide attempt. The methodological limitations of the study were examined, with an emphasis on the limitations of the survey method. Speculations to account for the reported behaviors were discussed.

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