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The Cognitive Escape Scale: measuring HIV-related thought avoidance
Carol J Nemeroff1, Michael A Hoyt, David M Huebner
1Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA, cnemeroff@usm.maine.edu
This study introduces the Cognitive Escape Scale (CES) to measure how men who have sex with men (MSM) avoid HIV/AIDS thoughts. Findings reveal distinct cognitive escape strategies linked to risky sexual behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Cognitive escape is a model for understanding how individuals avoid distressing thoughts, particularly relevant for HIV/AIDS concerns.
- Men who have sex with men (MSM) face unique challenges related to HIV/AIDS, including cognitive avoidance of related thoughts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate the Cognitive Escape Scale (CES) for measuring HIV-related cognitive avoidance in MSM.
- To examine the psychometric properties and factor structure of the CES.
- To investigate associations between cognitive escape strategies and related psychological and behavioral constructs.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 709 men who have sex with men (MSM) completed the Cognitive Escape Scale (CES) and measures of HIV-related worry, sensation-seeking, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and risky sexual behaviors.
- Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine the factor structure of the CES.
Main Results:
- Factor analyses supported a 3-factor structure for the CES, identifying strategies of fatalism/short-term thinking, thought suppression/distraction, and alcohol/drug use.
- These cognitive escape strategies were differentially associated with variables such as risky sexual behaviors.
- Correlates of the CES differed between HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM.
Conclusions:
- The CES is a psychometrically sound measure for assessing HIV-related cognitive avoidance in MSM.
- Understanding cognitive escape strategies can inform interventions aimed at reducing HIV-related distress and risky behaviors among MSM.
- The findings highlight the need for tailored approaches, considering differences between HIV-negative and HIV-positive individuals.
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