Object relations and self-reported AIDS self-care behavior

This study examined the relationship between object relations and AIDS self-care behavior among 509 urban college students. The literature indicates that maturity of object relations is related to comfort in interpersonal relations and to taking responsibility for self-care. These concepts are widely accepted by psychoanalytic psychologists but have rarely been tested empirically. Object relations, measured by the Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory, was significantly related to AIDS knowledge as measured by the AIDS Prevention Survey of Thomas and to self-reported safer sex behavior, measured by Bassman's HIV Infection Prevention Scale. Knowledge about AIDS correlated with self-reported sexual risk behavior, and with a low level of self-reported social behavior aimed at preventing AIDS. Implications of these findings for public health education policy are discussed.