Relationships among Acculturation, Self-positivity Bias, Stigma, and Condom Use in a Sample of Urban College Students

摘要: RELATIONSHIPS AMONG ACCULTURATION, SELF-POSITIVITY BIAS, STIGMA, AND CONDOM USE IN A SAMPLE OF URBAN COLLEGE STUDENTS By Molly Neff, M.S. dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree Doctor Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. University, 2012 Major Director: Rosalie Corona, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department Psychology Despite an increase interventions targeted lowering rate HIV/AIDS among college students, infections has not decreased. The purpose this study was to identify factors (i.e., HIV-sexual knowledge, self-positivity bias, peer norms, acculturation, perceived risk HIV, HIV-related stigma, and condom use) that may affect use students who live area where prevalence HIV is relatively high. current utilized a sexually active sample (N=397) diverse (predominantly African American White) urban setting examine relationships. Path analysis used explore hypotheses. Results indicated endorsed higher levels bias were more likely than other report using condoms last time they had sex perceive themselves less infection. In addition, reported unsupportive norms regarding safe practices HIV/AIDS. With respect gender differences, females stigma towards individuals with males, males females. Lastly, be greater contracting minority White students. emphasize need target personal as well cultural differences might impact use.