Lazzari C, Di Bari D, Costigliola P, De Ronchi D, Carlozzo BM, Chiodo F; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1993 Jun 6-11; 9: 878 (abstract no. PO-D20-3965).
University of Bologna, Italy.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible existence of personality and psychopathological disorders in heterosexuals failing to adopt safe sex norms although informed about the routes of transmission of HIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observations were made on HIV discordant stable couples (N = 30) (one partner being HIV+ve and the other HIV-ve), and on heterosexuals calling at the Italian AIDS Green Line Phone (about 240 phone calls weekly, where 69.95% are from heterosexuals). Couples were assessed according to the frequency of the use of condoms (only 45.5% used condoms always) and psychopathological traits (DSM-IIIR) while, a psychodynamic explanation was given to define psychological traits in HIV-ve partners, and heterosexuals calling at the Green Line Phone. RESULTS: In 20/30 HIV-ve females, stable partners of HIV+ve males, we found self-defeating and borderline personality disorders (DSM-IIIR). Although informed about the risk of contagion through unsafe-sex, they said non to be scared of dying from AIDS and felt guilty of being HIV-ve. Main defence psychological mechanisms were rationalization and valliant "surrender altruism" where direct gratification is obtained by fulfilling the need of others to the detriment of self and by introjection. The wish to die for the good of others (HIV+ve partner) was considered as being a form of Durkheim's "altruistic voluntary suicide". In HIV-ve males (n = 10/30), partners of HIV+ve females, the scanty use of condoms was justified by them by the having a good health which could prevent them from contagion. Omnipotence traits and borderline personality disorder was often diagnosed. In the heterosexuals calling the Green Line (95% males and 5% females), we observed the "day after fright", they felt worried about contagion with HIV just soon after having sex with an occasional partner at risk (females drug users and prostitutes) although informed about AIDS since before it. CONCLUSIONS: Actually, the prevention of AIDS diffusion, and the adoption of safe sex norms, in the Italian heterosexual population, is hindered by people who, although aware of being at risk for AIDS, show borderline and masochistic traits, with conscious and unconscious self-harming and suicidal intentions, and difficulties in delaying gratification.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Behavior
- Condoms
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Male
- Personality Disorders
- Safe Sex
Other ID:
UI: 102207264
From Meeting Abstracts