The Social Psychology Of Hiv Infection

In the early 1980s we witnessed the birth of one of the most complex and perplexing social problems faced by modern society: the epidemic of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Originally published in 1993 this title looks at the social psychology surrounding HIV and AIDS. The organization of the volume centres upon two themes: The Theoretical Roots of Prevention and The Dilemma of the PWA (person with AIDS). The goal of this volume is not to evaluate previous attempts to answer these social problems, but to provide theoretical analyses of some of the basic sociopsychological processes that underlie the problems. Over 20 years on this is a snapshot of research into HIV and AIDS and attitudes of the time looking at social problems that are very much still with us.

This volume contains a selection of key contributions to the discussion on the psychological and social implications on HIV infection. It contains up-to-date and authoritative papers by senior practitioners and researchers in the field of the psychological and social aspects of HIV infection. The book will appeal to those involved in providing care for people with HIV infections, be they physicians and nurses or psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists, as well as those involved in preventing the spread of the HIV infection. From the start of the HIV epidemic, the psychological and social aspects of the AIDS infection have been recognized. What could have been regarded simply as an infectious disease was soon acknowledged as a global problem that raised important issues about its transmission and prevention; economic, ethical and legal questions regarding the mental health consequences and the need for access to medical and social care.

First Published in 1997. From the start of the HIV epidemic, the psychological and social aspects of the AIDS infection have been recognized. This volume contains a selection of key contributions to the discussion on the psychological and social implications of such infection.

The Theory of reasoned action explores the theory and emphirical reserach in to the factors which influence whether people engage in high-risk practices , with specific reference to AIDS education.

Advances in Experimental Social Psychology continues to be one of the most sought after and most cited series in this field. Containing contributions of major empirical and theoretical interest, this series represents the best and the brightest in new research, theory, and practice in social psychology. The present volume, number 50, features articles on the evolution of human mating strategies, free will in social psychology, social psychology and the fight against AIDS, and more. One of the most sought after and most cited series in this field Contains contributions of major empirical and theoretical interest Represents the best and the brightest in new research, theory, and practice in social psychology

Public health has a legacy of neglect regarding social and behavioral research. Too often, prompted by technical and scientific progress, we have ignored even marginalized-the vital "human element" in health thinking and prac tice. Thus, for example, while family planning programs focused on providing a choice among safe and effective contraceptive methods (a supremely worthy goal), the central issue of sexuality and sexual behavior was generally neglected. Similarly, the enormous and important efforts to develop rapid and reliable diagnostic and treatment methods for sexually transmitted diseases helped divert attention away from the crucial issues of sexual practice. In short, we seem to have difficulty addressing the fundamental behaviors-including sex, drug taking and other intoxications, and violence-that are central to the major causes of preventable morbidity, disability, and premature mortality in the world today. Our collective reluctance to examine and understand ourselves is also expressed in the oft-repeated pipedream that scientific progress will "take care of" the HIV / AIDS pandemic by delivering a preventive vaccine, an effective cure, or both. Yet even a cursory glance at the relationship between scientific/ technical progress and health shows that meeting the scientific challenges is only one step toward effective application of the vaccine or drug. It is typical, not atypical, that hepatitis B vaccine is only now becoming relatively freely available to large populations in the developing world, more than a decade after the vaccine's licensure.

The widespread tragedy of the AIDS epidemic is forcing social scientists to change the way they think about and study subgroups within the majority culture. How is the concept of culture relevant to the study of AIDS? How can social science methods be used to uncover the epidemiology of this deadly disease? And, how can social scientists deploy what they learn to help solve the problems posed by AIDS? The Time of AIDS explores and provides provocative insights on these three critical issues. By examining research conducted with various cultural groups and in different countries, the authors offer insight on how to identify the distinct way different communities respond to the threat of this disease. These studies demonstrate that a single theory and method will not capture the importance of the AIDS epidemic, but a close look at the culture and psychology of a society can inspire more effective ways of education, intervention, and arrest of the transmission of the virus. Researchers and practitioners in anthropology, psychology, sociology, and nursing will benefit from this enlightening volume.

First Published in 1997. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor and Francis, an informa company.