title: General self-efficacy in relation to unprotected sexual encounters among persons living with HIV.
abstract: This study examined general self-efficacy in relation to sexual risk behavior among persons living with HIV and evaluated psychometric properties of the Positive Self Questionnaire, a novel measure of general self-efficacy. The Positive Self Questionnaire showed high internal consistency, a factor analysis supported by a single factor structure, and convergent validity supported by significant correlations in predicted directions with indicators of mental health. The Positive Self Questionnaire was related to unprotected sexual encounters, even after controlling for other factors. Results suggest that general self-efficacy is important to examine when assessing sexual risk behavior; an internally consistent measure is available for such endeavors.
authors.affiliation: James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642 , USA. ckamen@gmail.com
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kamen
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Flores
authors.forename: Darryl
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Etter
authors.forename: Rachael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lazar
authors.forename: Rudy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Patrick
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Koopman
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gore-Felton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests / Q000592:standards; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology*