Negative affect and risk for human immunodeficiency virus: one size may not fit all.
OBJECTIVE
Research examining the relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related risk behavior and negative affective states has netted mixed findings. The present study examined the potential moderating role of gender and sexual orientation on negative affect and HIV-related risk behavior.


METHODS
Measures of depression, anxiety, and HIV-related risk behavior were collected from participants at the time of pretest counseling. Analysis of variance was used to examine HIV-related risk behavior as a function of negative affect levels and gender and behavioral sexual orientation.


METHODS
The study was conducted through a community-based, anonymous HIV counseling and testing site.


METHODS
Participants included 185 consecutively recruited men and women presenting for HIV testing.


METHODS
Participants completed a structured interview regarding HIV-related risk behavior, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depressed Mood Scale, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory.


RESULTS
Greater HlV-related risk behavior was associated with high levels of anxiety and moderate or high levels of depression for bisexual women. Greater HIV-related risk behavior was also associated with low levels of anxiety and mild to moderate levels of depression for bisexual men.


CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between negative affective states and HIV-related risk behavior may vary as a function of gender and behavioral sexual orientation. Better understanding of the relationship between negative affect and risk behavior may be achieved through consideration of these sources of variation.
Walch
Susan E
SE
Department of Psychology, The University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida 32514, USA. swalch@uwf.edu
Rudolph
Sandra M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001007:Anxiety / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009341:Negativism; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D019529:Sexuality / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data