Magic Johnson and children's conceptions of AIDS.
Longitudinal data for a heterogeneous sample of 609 elementary school children are used to assess the long-term effects of Magic Johnson's announcement on children's HIV and AIDS conceptions. Four hypotheses are tested concerning these relationships, and background variables measured prior to Johnson's announcement are controlled. Findings suggest that Johnson's announcement increased children's HIV and AIDS knowledge and reduced their prejudice toward a hypothetical child with AIDS. No relationship is evident between the announcement and perceived vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. Males are more likely to be aware of Johnson's announcement, but its effects are more pronounced among blacks. Findings from the present research affirm the potential for celebrities like Johnson in HIV and AIDS education campaigns directed toward children.
Quadagno
D
D
Florida State University, Center for the Study of Population, Tallahassec 32306-4063, USA.
Eberstein
I W
IW
Foster
K
K
Sittig
J E
JE
Sly
D F
DF
Kistner
J A
JA
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology*; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001490:Basketball / Q000266:history / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D015988:Cohort Effect; D005197:Famous Persons; D005260:Female; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012737:Sex Factors; D012938:Social Perception; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology