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Online Program

318538
Psychological reactance and HIV stigma among HIV-positive women


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Monique J. Brown, PhD, MPH, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Julianne M. Serovich, PhD, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Judy A. Kimberly, PhD, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Background: Psychological reactance, the drive to reestablish autonomy after it has been threatened or constrained, has been shown to be positively associated with loneliness but negatively related to self-esteem.  Both loneliness and self-esteem have been linked to internalized HIV stigma.  However, research examining the relationship between psychological reactance and HIV stigma among people living with HIV is lacking.  Exploring this association is integral so as to determine additional focal points for interventions geared towards reducing stigma among populations living with HIV.

Objective:To explore the association between psychological reactance and HIV stigma among women living with HIV.

Methods: Data were obtained from 127 HIV-positive women.  Simple and multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association between psychological reactance and four domains of HIV stigma: personalized stigma, disclosure concerns, negative self-image, and concern with public attitudes about people with HIV.

Results:  Psychological reactance was negatively associated with all forms of stigma (personalized: β=-5.51; 95% CI:-2.67, -8.36; disclosure: β=-3.39; 95% CI:-4.88, -1.89; negative self-image: β=-4.25; 95% CI:-2.39, -6.11; and public attitudes: β=-6.67; 95% CI:-3.47, -9.87).  After adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, income and employment status, estimates remained similar in magnitude (personalized: β=-5.70; 95% CI:-2.72, -8.69; disclosure: β=-3.40; 95% CI:-4.50, -1.81; negative self-image: β=-4.41; 95% CI:-2.47, -6.35; and public attitudes: β=-6.94; 95% CI:-3.58, -10.3).

Conclusions: Intervention programs focused on reducing HIV stigma, especially among women living with HIV, should also consider focusing on specific measures of psychological reactance.  Improving autonomy among women living with HIV may help to reduce their HIV stigma.

Learning Areas:

Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Assess the association between psychological reactance and HIV stigma; Identify focal points for intervention programs focused on reducing HIV stigma among HIV populations, especially among women.

Keyword(s): Behavioral Research, Women and HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: At present, I am a postdoctoral research scholar working on projects examining the effectiveness of HIV disclosure interventions among populations living with HIV. I have published research examining risky sexual behavior among vulnerable populations, and have researched the link between HIV and psychopathology. My main research interests include HIV prevention, and how to improve mental and physical health outcomes, and overall quality of life for people living with HIV.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4279.0: People Living With HIV/AIDS