A retest of two HIV disclosure theories: the women's story.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of two theories of HIV disclosure previously tested with men. Participants included 125 HIV-positive women enrolled in a larger, longitudinal study of HIV disclosure and mental health. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the proposed theoretical models. The disease progression model contained two single-indicator exogenous variables (disease progression) and one endogenous latent variable (disclosure). The original consequences model contained two single-indicator exogenous variables (disease progression), two single-indicator endogenous variables (consequences), and one endogenous latent variable (disclosure). The revised consequences model contained two single-indicator exogenous variables (consequences) and one endogenous latent variable (disclosure). The results of this study support the revised consequences theory and an earlier claim that disease progression may not be a direct predictor of HIV disclosure. This suggests that women may evaluate the consequences of disclosure to family and friends, particularly the reward, before the disclosure occurs.
Serovich
Julianne M
JM
Department of Human Development and Family Science, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA. serovich.1@osu.edu
Lim
Ji-Young
JY
Mason
Tina L
TL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D014481:United States