The Psychological and Social Consequences of HTLV-III Infection: Homosexuals in Orange County, CA

• Main Author: Kaisch, Kenneth Burton
• Format: Others
• Published: DigitalCommons@USU 1986
• Subjects: pyschological; social consequences; HTLV-III; homosexual; Orange County; anxiety; depression; Psychology
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/5603; https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6636&context=etd

The purpose of this study was to identify the psychological and social consequences experienced by homosexual men who learn that they have positive results on the HTLV-III antibody test, but who have not yet developed AIDS or ARC. Employing a census survey of the membership of three California homophile organizations (n=l905), 30 HTLV-III positives and 55 negatives completed a biographical questionnaire, the IPAT Anxiety Scale Questionnaire, the IPAT Depression Scale, and the Coping Strategies Inventory. Results indicate that HTLV-III positives show considerable disorganization after hearing test results, have clinically high levels of anxiety (n=lO), and clinically high levels of depression (n=l4). Positives were also quite guarded about sharing the results of their testing, and experienced negative effects in social (n=l5) and occupational functioning (n=lO), and reported pervasive changes in their sexual activity (n=30). Twelve subjects reported suicidal ideation after they heard the results of their testing, but only one subject reported a suicide attempt. The methodological limitations of the study were examined, with an emphasis on the limitations of the survey method and difficulties with the follow-up procedures. Speculations to account for the reported behaviors, implications for counseling HTLV-111 positives, and suggestions for future research with this population were also discussed.