Willingness to interact with an AIDS-infected coworker

Date

1989-08

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if knowledge about AIDS translates into a positive attitude towards people with AIDS. Data were collected to determine if individuals with a positive attitude about AIDS will express a greater willingness to interact with an AIDS-infected coworker. This project also investigated the relationship between a willingness to interact with an AIDS-infected coworker and an individual's Holland code scores. Subjects' responses were evaluated to determine if the Holland code scores differentiate between sex role orientation scores as defined by the Bem Sex Role Inventory. This study also investigated the relationship between high Feminine scores and a greater willingness to interact with, and hold a more positive attitude towards people with AIDS. Finally, the data were evaluated to determine if females are more likely than males to express a willingness to interact with, and hold more positive attitudes towards people with AIDS. There were 184 students in this study, 92 males, and 92 females.

It was found that AIDS knowledge does correlate with attitude toward people with AIDS (r (182) = .32). Attitude toward people with AIDS does correlate with a willingness to interact with an AIDS-infected coworker (r(182) = .52). Individuals who expressed a willingness to interact with an AIDS-infected coworker also scored high in the Holland code areas of Artistic (r (182) = .23) and Intellectual (r(182) = .19). These correlations were significant at the p<.05 level. Additionally, scores in Social and Realistic correlated with Feminine scores (r182) = .51 and r(182)= .35, p<.05, respectively). Only scores in Enterprising correlated with Masculine scores (r(182) = .38, p<.0 5). Individuals with high Feminine scores expressed a willingness to work with (r(182)=.21, p < .05) , and had a more positive attitude towards people with AIDS (r(182)=.33, p<.05) than those individuals with high Masculine scores. Females expressed a greater willingness to interact with (t = 5.30) , and held a more positive attitude toward people with AIDS (t = 3.66) than the males. These differences were each significatnt at the p<.05 level

Description

Keywords

AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects, Sex differences (Psychology), AIDS (Disease) -- Public opinion

Citation