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AIDS victims and heterosexual attitudes
1Department of Psychology, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331-5303.
Journal of Homosexuality
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study developed a reliable Likert scale to measure attitudes toward AIDS victims (ATAV). Findings indicate that attitudes toward homosexuals are central to ATAV, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Attitudes toward individuals with AIDS are influenced by societal stigma.
- A validated scale is needed to accurately measure these attitudes.
- Understanding these attitudes is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a Likert scale measuring attitudes toward AIDS victims (ATAV).
- To examine the relationship between ATAV and attitudes toward related social issues.
Main Methods:
- Development of the ATAV scale through five phases.
- Survey administered to 582 undergraduates (249 males, 333 females).
- Statistical analyses including reliability testing (split-half, alpha coefficients) and correlation analyses, factor analysis.
Main Results:
- The ATAV scale demonstrated high reliability (alpha = .91) and validity.
- Significant correlations were found between ATAV and attitudes toward homosexuals (.60), homosexual parenting (.64), minority groups (.33, .37), capital punishment (-.27), and sexual liberalism (.22, .37, .23).
- Attitudes toward homosexuals emerged as the central component of ATAV, explaining 85.9% of the variance.
Conclusions:
- The developed ATAV scale is a reliable and valid instrument.
- Attitudes toward homosexuals are a primary determinant of attitudes toward AIDS victims.
- Findings inform interventions aimed at reducing stigma and improving support for individuals with AIDS.