Although, in the United States HIV infectivity has increased, survival rates have also improved due to highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART). Adherence to HAART successfully prevents the progression of AIDS and AIDS-related morbidity for many living with HIV. Unfortunately, HAART’s permeability into the central nervous system (CNS) is limited; thus, the prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) still persists. The health belief model (HBM) is the theory often used to explain and predict behavior in relation to chronic illness. This model incorporates perceptions of susceptibility, vulnerability, and severity towards a particular illness, and beliefs regarding perceived efficacy and benefits of treatment. This study expands the existing model. Many who live with HIV have a long history of negative experiences, such as stigmatization, traumatic events, and discrimination. I examined supplementary psychosocial and physiological predictor variables, such as stigma, trauma, ethnicity, general medical conditions, HIV-opportunistic infections, and falls; all relevant to disease progression in HIV. Previous researchers found links between stigma and immune function, trauma and memory, ethnicity and neuropsychological impairment, and symptom load and CNS-related alterations. Therefore, this study examined how these different psychosocial predictor variables are associated with HIV-related neurocognitive impairment. My model explained 38.6% of the variance in the outcome variable, and I found that trauma (B = -.15, OR = .87; CI 95% = .75, 1.0, p = .05), ethnicity (B = 2.2, OR = 9.0, CI 95% = 1.68, 48.48, p =.01), general medical conditions (B = .30, OR = 1.34; CI 95% = 1.0, 1.81, p = .05), and falls (B = 2.0, OR = 7.2; CI 95% = 1.1, 47.0, p = .04), were all significant predictors of HIV-related neurocognitive impairment. However, contrary to my hypothesis, HIV-related opportunistic infections and HIV-related stigma were not significant predictors of HIV-related neurocognitive impairment. I hope that my results will contribute to revisions of older health models as well as suggest avenues for primary and secondary prevention and intervention to address those living with HIV/AIDS.

Master of Arts / Department of Communication Studies, Theatre, and Dance / Soo-Hye Han / Many LGBT members are caught between two seemingly conflicting identities: their religious identity and their sexual identity as a homosexual. This study specifically examines how Christian LGBT individuals attempt to reconcile their identities. In order to uncover the lived experience of LGBT members, qualitative interviews were conducted with eleven members of the LGBT community. Using a thematic analysis, results indicate that 1) some LGBT individuals compartmentalize their sexual and religious identities through cost/benefit analysis and self-silencing and 2) others reconcile their two identities through broadening their concept of religion, emphasizing the relational connections with God, and distinguishing between Biblical literalists and God. Further, discussion of Spiral of Silence, Muted Group Theory, and Null Persona as the theoretical lenses are used to draw implications of these findings. This study seeks to open up dialogue concerning sexuality and religion in order to garner a more welcoming environment for LGBT Christians.

The purpose of this study was to empirically evaluate hypothesized risk factors for the perpetration of antigay aggression. Specifically, the independent and interactive effects of endorsement of hegemonic male role norms and peer group relational factors (i.e., closeness) were examined as individual and situational risk factors for antigay aggression, within the framework of the General Aggression Model (GAM). Dyads of friends were recruited for participation in the study. Participants completed questionnaires that included measures of hegemonic masculinity and friendship closeness. The dyads of friends then viewed a video depicting male-male intimacy and competed in the TAP together against a fictitious gay opponent. Results showed that endorsement of the toughness norm was associated with both higher average shock intensity and proportion of highest shock selected. However, neither measure of relationship closeness served as a significant moderator of this relation.

Three studies examine the influence of sexual orientation employment antidiscrimination legislation on sexual orientation prejudice and discrimination, including interpersonal measures of discrimination. Although previous research has found evidence of greater perceived discrimination in areas without anti-discrimination legislation (Ragins & Cornwell, 2001), the causality of the relationship is unclear. Building on previous research we use three different paradigms (resume survey, field study, and lab experiment) that equalize the extent of sexual orientation disclosure with and without legal protections. Additionally, we expand the form of discrimination studied to include not only traditional formal measures but also more subtle, interpersonal measures. We balance internal and external validity concerns by triangulating from (i) a resume study in which human resource managers across the U.S. in areas with and without antidiscrimination legislation evaluate hypothetical matched applicants that differ only in presumed sexual orientation, (ii) a field study in which the same applicants portray themselves as gay (lesbian) or non-gay while applying for retail jobs in neighboring cities with or without legislation, and (iii) a lab experiment in which prior to interviewing a gay or lesbian confederate applicant for a management position, participants are led to believe that their area does or does not have sexual orientation anti-discrimination legislation. We propose that, in combination, we can inform legislative debate with empirically-based research estimates for the likely efficacy of pending national legislation (i.e. ENDA).

<p> The study examined how Black lesbian women perceive risks to their sexual health and how community discourse shapes these perceptions. Data from interviews with 28 Black lesbian women in Southern California were qualitatively analyzed and 10 were used in this study. It was expected that their sexual health risk perceptions would be shaped by discourse they heard from their peers in their communities. Results showed that participants define sexual health in terms of both psychological and physical aspects. Also, results showed that beliefs in physiological likelihood, generational experiences, and gender expression differences in attitudes toward casual sex shape how participants perceive risks to their sexual health. Results showed that community discourse did not directly shape risk perceptions, rather participants expressed processes of contradiction, negotiation, and disidentification in this relationship. The importance of these findings on resources for this community is also discussed. </p>

<p> The Internet has long been utilized by gay men and men who have sex with men (MSM) as a space for the seeking-out of deviant behaviors such as condomless sex and the use of popular "party drugs." Within criminal justice, however, there is a tendency to separate such deviant sex- and drug-related behaviors from culture; thus, these behaviors often become criminalized without recognizing the meaning they may have for the "offenders"; meaning that, in addition to being borne out of oppression and marginalization, is also borne out of stigmatizing experiences.</p><p> Through an exploration of gay culture, this thesis explores the underlying meanings of a subset of drug-seeking gay men who "party and play" (PnP). Such an analysis is important not only for criminal justice, but also for the field of cultural criminology, which seeks to inform both the criminal justice system and law enforcement professionals of the need for cultural sensitivity.</p>

<p> <b>Background:</b> HIV testing saves lives. It is fundamental to combating the global HIV epidemic. Key populations at higher risk for HIV in Mozambique, including Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), Female Sex Workers (FSW) and mineworkers, are in urgent need of effective HIV prevention strategies. This is the first analysis ever conducted in Mozambique to identify levels of HIV testing and associated factors that inform these strategies. </p><p> <b>Methods:</b> This analysis used data from seven cross-sectional surveys conducted between 2011-2012 among MSM, FSW and Mineworkers in Mozambique. Participants completed a questionnaire and provided blood samples for HIV testing. MSM and FSW were recruited used Respondent Driven Sampling in Maputo, Beira and Nampula. Mineworkers were recruited using Time Location Sampling in Ressano-Garcia. Participants with previous HIV-positive tests or missing HIV test histories were excluded (&lt;5% overall). Weighted logistic regression was used to measure associations with recent HIV testing (&lt;12 months). Theory-driven multivariate logistic regression was conducted in R v2.15 using the Health Behavior Model as a conceptual framework. </p><p> <b>Results:</b> The prevalence of recent testing for HIV ranged from 29.8-59.5%, yet 4.4-25.0% had HIV and did not know it. Between 11.9-57.4% had never been tested, and fear was given as the primary barrier. Recent HIV testing was positively associated with knowledge of ARV drugs, knowing the HIV status of a sexual partner, knowing where to go to get tested, and having had contact with a peer educator. It was negatively associated with having had a genital sore or ulcer and unprotected sex. Between 32.1-90.0% of HIV-positive undiagnosed, key population members had used a healthcare service in the previous 12 months and 23.4-47.5% had tested negative for HIV in that time period. </p><p> <b>Conclusion:</b> Routine testing with strengthened post-test counseling encouraging key populations to have annual HIV screenings need to be implemented in Mozambique.</p>

<p> Existing research has shown that gender stereotypes regarding characteristics of men and women influence others' perceptions of their fit with organizational roles, including leadership roles (cf. Eagly &amp; Karau, 2002). However, little research has examined stereotypes regarding other demographic characteristics (e.g., race, sexual orientation) and how they may interact with gender stereotypes to influence leadership evaluations. The current study examined whether leader gender and sexual orientation interact to influence subordinates' evaluations of leader effectiveness, likability, and boss desirability using an experimental design. In addition to examining whether leader gender and sexual orientation interacted to predict leader evaluations, the present study also examined why, or the mechanisms, that underlie these effects. Specifically, the present study evaluated two potential mediators: (1) role incongruity, perceptions that there is a misfit between the characteristics of an individual and the role on communality (or warmth) and agency (or competence) and (2) moral outrage, affective reactions of contempt, anger, and disgust toward individuals and/or groups who violate societal mores. Results indicate that gay and lesbian leaders were perceived to be less agentic and more communal than their heterosexual counterparts, though leader gender and sexual orientation did not interact in predicting perceptions of agency and communality. Furthermore, in the full sample, leader gender and sexual orientation interacted to predict moral outrage. When examining moderated mediation analyses, moral outrage mediated the relationship between leader demographics and evaluations of leader effectiveness (but not leader likability) for gay male leaders. Results from the present study helps to inform researchers and practitioners regarding how and why stereotypes influence others' leadership evaluations and suggest entry points for interventions designed to minimize discrimination against sexual minorities in organizational settings.</p>

<p> Abstract not available.</p>

<p> This qualitative study investigated the information culture and beliefs within two United Church of Christ congregations in Northeast Ohio. One congregation was Open and Affirming (ONA), and one congregation was not. ONA refers to a congregation's decision to be listed as a place where LGBT individuals&mdash;in particular&mdash;are welcomed and accepted. Using a purposive sampling technique, 8 focus groups of 4-8 participants each were asked to discuss content derived from three research question areas: participant beliefs, information that participants used to inform these beliefs, and how this information was used.</p><p> Analysis found that both congregations espoused the superiority of their beliefs about inclusivity, thus creating a paradox whereby their inclusivity involved excluding beliefs of exclusion. Because the ONA congregation preferred a personal expression of belief, they were more comfortable with the potential divisions caused by this paradox than the non-ONA congregation, which preferred a communal expression of belief. </p><p> Analysis also found that most participants relied heavily and placed great authority in information from internal sources, e.g., prayer, meditation, and emotion. The ONA congregation reflected the presence of more unique information, indicating that they approached the Bible and other common religious information critically and with more freedom to come to different conclusions than fundamentalists and biblical literalists. </p><p> Despite these differences in belief expression and information type, the analysis found that both groups showed evidence of Chatman's Small Worlds theory. First, participants showed evidence of unmet information needs. Many lacked confidence in the ability to articulate personal beliefs. Second, participants noted the presence of long-term attendees who determined the relevancy of incoming information. Finally, participants tended to guard against disclosing information about personal problems to other congregants, preferring to anonymously seek out answers. </p><p> The research highlights the social nature of belief formation and the impact of religious tradition, pastoral sermons, and external information on these beliefs. It contains important implications for pluralistic communication and the social nature of organizational legitimization. It extends the literature on belief formation and information science by developing mid-range theories about the processes by which individuals in religious communities use information to form beliefs.</p>