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Biomedical subjects

L E Bassman

Publications and source records attributed to L E Bassman.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Reality testing and self-reported AIDS self-care behavior.

This investigation examined the relationship between reality testing and AIDS self-care behavior for 509 urban college students. It was hypothesized that reality testing may become impaired in sexual interactions that carry the risk of HIV infection, leading to imperfect adoption of safer sex practices. Reality testing, measured by the Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory, was significantly related to AIDS knowledge as measured by the AIDS Prevention Survey of Thomas and not significantly related to self-reported safer sex behavior, measured by Bassman's HIV Infection Prevention Scale.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Object relations and self-reported AIDS self-care behavior.

This study examined the relationship between object relations and AIDS self-care behavior among 509 urban college students. The literature indicates that maturity of object relations is related to comfort in interpersonal relations and to taking responsibility for self-care. These concepts are widely accepted by psychoanalytic psychologists but have rarely been tested empirically. Object relations, measured by the Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory, was significantly related to AIDS knowledge as measured by the AIDS Prevention Survey of Thomas and to self-reported safer sex behavior, measured by Bassman's HIV Infection Prevention Scale. Knowledge about AIDS correlated with self-reported sexual risk behavior, and with a low level of self-reported social behavior aimed at preventing AIDS. Implications of these findings for public health education policy are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome