Getty G, Stern P; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 781 (abstract no. D.539).
University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, N.B. Canada
OBJECTIVE: To explore the perceptions of gay men regarding; a) the problems they encounter while maintaining their health; and b) their views on how these problems can be solved. METHODS: Data was gathered from a) unstructured interviews with 34 healthy gay men in the Maritimes; b) a log maintained while nursing people with AIDS; and, c) participant observation during 18 months of educating people about AIDS. A substantive conceptual framework was developed using the constant comparative analysis method of grounded theory. RESULTS: The basic social psychological process of trusting enables gay men to attain holistic health, as they achieve four developmental tasks: (a) unlearning the myths about homosexuality, (b) searching for lovers and friends, (c) reconciling their heterosexual network with their gay identity, and (d) managing health risks. The response of gay men to the threat of AIDS depended upon their achievement of these developmental tasks, and the amount of trust developed. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of the level of achievement of developmental tasks of gay men, allows educational programs and counselling approaches to be tailored to their particular needs.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Counseling
- Friends
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Homosexuality
- Homosexuality, Male
- Humans
- Male
- Social Support
- Trust
Other ID:
UI: 102180019
From Meeting Abstracts