PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S C Kalichman

Publications and source records attributed to S C Kalichman.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Perceptions of AIDS susceptibility among minority and nonminority women at risk for HIV infection.

Two hundred seventy-two women sampled from mass transit waiting areas in an urban center completed anonymous surveys of AIDS-related risk behavior, perceptions of susceptibility, and knowledge. Variable patterns of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors were identified, with 22% of women reporting high-risk behavior. Perceptions of susceptibility were associated with an interaction between ethnicity and level of risk; nonminority women at high risk reported greater concern about AIDS than did minority women at high risk, who did not differ from women at low risk. With an array of life problems and inaccurate information about HIV transmission, minority women were found to be at continued risk for AIDS-related behavior. Implications for culturally sensitive and relevant AIDS prevention efforts are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

The effects of statutory requirements on child maltreatment reporting: a comparison of two state laws.

Two studies investigated the effects on reporting of child abuse by licensed psychologists from two states of a) different indicators of abuse and b) different state mandatory reporting requirements. Results of both studies showed an increased tendency to report with more available evidence of abuse. However, while both sets of mandatory requirements appeared to increase reporting in the first study scenario, they had divergent effects within the second study scenario.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The disclosure of celebrity HIV infection: its effects on public attitudes.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the magnitude of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, studies have shown low levels of public concern about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. We investigated the effects of celebrity disclosure of HIV infection on the AIDS-related perceptions of urban men. METHODS: Measures of AIDS-related perceptions were collected from 361 men waiting for mass transportation in downtown Chicago; 252 were assessed at three time points prior to and 109 were assessed at two time points after professional basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson's disclosure of his HIV infection. RESULTS: Significant increases in concern about AIDS, interest in AIDS information, and talking with friends about AIDS occurred after celebrity disclosure of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Celebrity disclosure of HIV seropositivity demonstrated a marked change in AIDS-related perceptions among the men surveyed. Changes in awareness due to celebrity disclosure may lead to increased readiness to reduce risk and could be viewed as a window of opportunity for HIV prevention efforts.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Community AIDS/HIV risk reduction: the effects of endorsements by popular people in three cities.

OBJECTIVES: It is critical to extend community-level acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention efforts beyond education alone and to develop models that better encourage behavioral changes. Gay men in small cities are vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection due to continued high rates of risk behavior. This research introduced an intervention that trained popular people to serve as behavioral change endorsers to peers sequentially across three different cities. METHODS: Populationwide surveys were conducted of all men patronizing gay clubs in each city to establish risk behavior base rates. After a small cadre of popular "trendsetters" were identified, they received training in approaches for peer education and then contracted to communicate risk reduction recommendations and endorsements to friends. Surveys were repeated at regular intervals in all cities, with the same intervention introduced in lagged fashion across each community. RESULTS: Intervention consistently produced systematic reductions in the population's high-risk behavior (unprotected anal intercourse) of 15% to 29% from baseline levels, with the same pattern of effects sequentially replicated in all three cities. CONCLUSIONS: This constitutes the first controlled, multiple-city test of an HIV prevention model targeting communities. The results support the utility of norm-changing approaches to reduce HIV risk behavior.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

Psychopathology and personality characteristics of criminal sexual offenders as a function of victim age.

The affective, personality and psychopathological characteristics of incarcerated adult sex offenders was studied. Subjects were 144 men divided into three groups based on the age of their victims: prepubescent children, postpubescent adolescents, and adults. Results indicated significant differences between groups in trait anxiety and anger, self-esteem, and 7 of 13 MMPI scales. Results suggest a linear relationship between victim age and psychopathology, with child offenders displaying the greatest affective and thought disturbance. Adolescent offenders scored between child and adult offenders on most measures. Results are discussed in the context of theoretical explanations for sexual aggression and treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Situational factors associated with AIDS risk behavior lapses and coping strategies used by gay men who successfully avoid lapses.

While most gay men have reduced behavior practices at high risk for HIV infection, there is growing evidence that many also lapse to unsafe sex. This study examined situational factors related to risk behavior lapses as well as coping strategies used by men who successfully resist lapse urges. A convenience sample of 470 men patronizing gay bars or attending social organization meetings in four cities was surveyed. Forty-five percent of men were classified as "lapsers" (those who had had unprotected anal intercourse in the previous 6 months) and 24% were classified as "resisters" (those who successfully resisted urges to engage in this behavior). All provided information concerning the importance of factors related to the most recent occurrence of either unsafe sex or resisting unsafe urges. Most episodes of unsafe sex occurred outside monogamous relationships and with partners of unknown HIV serostatus, although simply inquiring about partner serostatus was relatively common. Lapsers rated affectionate feelings and wishing to please a partner as well as spontaneity of unsafe sex as the most important situational factors surrounding high-risk behavior. Resisters of unsafe sex urges reported active cognitive self-guidance, experience in safe sex, and recall of both AIDS fears and safety benefits as their most important coping strategies. Gay men who continue high-risk behavior may be overrelying on partner reports of negative serostatus. Lapse prevention approaches tailored to situations that create increased risk vulnerability must be developed. Teaching skills already used by men who successfully resist unsafe sex urges might be one approach.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

HIV risk behavior reduction following intervention with key opinion leaders of population: an experimental analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Peer norms influence the adoption of behavior changes to reduce risk for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. By experimentally intervening at a community level to modify risk behavior norms, it may be possible to promote generalized reductions in HIV risk practices within a population. METHODS: We trained persons reliably identified as popular opinion leaders among gay men in a small city to serve as behavior change endorsers to their peers. The opinion leaders acquired social skills for making these endorsements and complied in talking frequently with friends and acquaintances. Before and after intervention, we conducted surveys of men patronizing gay clubs in the intervention city and in two matched comparison cities. RESULTS: In the intervention city, the proportion of men who engaged in any unprotected anal intercourse in a two-month period decreased from 36.9 percent to 27.5 percent (-25 percent from baseline), with a reduction from 27.1 percent to 19.0 percent (-30 percent from baseline) for unprotected receptive anal intercourse. Relative to baseline levels, there was a 16 percent increase in condom use during anal intercourse and an 18 percent decrease in the proportion of men with more than one sexual partner. Little or no change was observed among men in the comparison cities over the same period of time. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions that employ peer leaders to endorse change may produce or accelerate population behavior changes to lessen risk for HIV infection.

Community Participation↗
PubMed1991

MMPI profile subtypes of incarcerated sex offenders against children.

Sex offenders are heterogeneous in personality and behavioral characteristics. The present study was conducted to identify homogeneous subgroups of incarcerated sexual offenders against children on the basis of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Subjects were 90 men undergoing initial evaluation for a treatment program conducted through a state department of corrections. Hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in the identification of four profile subgroups. While two subgroups presented mean profiles within normal limits, the patterns indicated differences in personality functioning: one presenting signs of sociopathy and the other emotional disturbance. In contrast, the other two profile subgroups presented several scale elevations: One subgroup indicated anger and aggression and the other severe psychopathology. Both of the latter subgroups were similar to two rapist subtypes identified in previous research. Subgroups were further differentiated on the basis of psychosexual, affective, and psychosocial variables. Results suggest the existence of homogeneous subgroups of incarcerated sexual offenders against children as delineated by the MPPI.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Sexually deviant behavior and schizotypy: a theoretical perspective with supportive data.

Sexual offenses against adults and children continue to increase annually. Although theory and research have helped explain the personality functioning and motivation of sexual offenders, most treatment approaches have been found to have high recidivism rates and have failed to address the heterogeneity of sex offender populations. In the present paper, we utilize the growing literature on schizotypic personality organization to describe a subgroup of sex offenders. Data from the sex offender personality literature which indicates signs of thought disturbances among some sex offenders are reviewed in the context schizotypy. We conclude that treatment programs which address the heterogeneity of sex offenders and employ interventions to treat cognitive disturbances will likely result in greater efficacy.

Humans↗
PubMed1990

Affective and personality characteristics of MMPI profile subgroups of incarcerated rapists.

Psychometric studies attempting to understand adult rapists have primarily used the MMPI and have been of limited use. Also, psychodynamic theories have failed to provide objective criteria for classification. The present study attempted to integrate these two approaches. Using multivariate clustering procedures, five MMPI profile subgroups were identified. Subgroups replicated those identified in earlier studies. Subgroups were also differentiated along several sexual, affective, and personality measures independent of the MMPI. Results are integrated with psychodynamic theories of rape and implications of the findings and the utility of a classification system for rapists are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Professionals' adherence to mandatory child abuse reporting laws: effects of responsibility attribution, confidence ratings, and situational factors.

This study investigated the relationship between responsibility attribution and tendency to report child sexual abuse among practicing psychologists. Two hundred ninety-five licensed psychologists from two states completed vignettes in which the sex of the child and the father's admission or denial of alleged sexual abuse were systematically manipulated. Subjects assigned relative percentages of responsibility to the father, mother, child, and society for the abuse and indicated their tendency to report and their level of confidence that abuse was occurring. Results indicated a significant effect for responsibility to the mother which varied as a function of the father's response to the allegation of abuse. Mothers were blamed significantly more for the abuse when the father denied being abusive. Responsibility attribution did not predict reporting, while confidence in the occurrence of abuse did. Also, sex differences were found among participants where male subjects assigned significantly more responsibility to the abusive father than female participants, and the females blamed the mother more than the males. Results are discussed in the context of previous research on responsibility attribution in child abuse.

Attitude↗
PubMed1989

Cluster analytically derived MMPI profile subgroups of incarcerated adult rapists.

Sex offenders are known to be heterogeneous in their patterns of personality functioning and behavior. The present study conducted a multivariate cluster analysis on the MMPIs of 120 incarcerated adult male rapists. The analysis resulted in the identification of five MMPI profile subgroups. Additional differences among subgroups were identified in the circumstances of the crime and responses to the Multiphasic Sex Inventory. Levels of psychopathology, as indicated by the MMPI, ranged from slight to extreme. Results are discussed with reference to previous MMPI research with sex offenders. Suggestions for future research are offered.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Verbal coercive sexual behavior among college students.

Coercive sexual behavior exists at alarming rates on college campuses. Researchers attempting to identify factors related to sexual coercion have primarily investigated either the coercing college male or the coerced college female, independent of relationship factors. The present study investigated the prevalence of verbal sexual coercion, the beliefs and attitudes of sexually coercive and noncoercive men, and the differences in affective states between groups and at different stages of relationship development. Undergraduate students were grouped on the basis of their self-reported sexual experience history as being sexually inexperienced, having had consensual sexual relationships only, or having had coercive sexual relationships. Also, subjects who reported having been sexually experienced were asked to rate the nature of their relationship to their sexual partner. Subjects completed measures referring to sexual attitudes, sexual arousal patterns, and the emotional components of a sexual encounter. Analyses indicated that 42% of the males in the sample had engaged in verbal sexual coercion. Differences on the measures were found between the sexual experience groups and the relationship type subgroups. Results are discussed in the context of the situational model, in which the coercive male plays an active role in shaping his environment.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Empirically derived MMPI profile subgroups of incarcerated homicide offenders.

Several classification systems have been developed to identify subgroups of criminals. Recently, investigations have attempted to derive empirical classifications of specific types of offenders. The present study investigated the occurrence of MMPI profile subgroups in a sample of incarcerated homicide offenders. One hundred and eighteen convicted male homicide offenders were the subjects. MMPIs were collected as a part of evaluations to determine eligibility for a work release program. Results identified four distinct profile subgroups, which ranged in levels of psychopathology from normal to severely disturbed. Subgroups are discussed with reference to previous research and the development of a taxonomic system for homicide offenders.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Mental health professionals and suspected cases of child abuse: an investigation of factors influencing reporting.

The prevalence and effects of child abuse have been reported in numerous studies. Although mandatory reporting laws require professionals to report suspected cases of child abuse, studies have indicated that large percentages of mental health professionals report selectively. The present study investigates professionals' tendency to report and attribution of responsibility for child abuse. One-hundred and one mental health clinicians working within three community mental health centers (CMHCs) completed experimentally controlled vignettes manipulating victim age, type of abuse, and victim reactions during an interview. Results indicated 81% of the clinicians tended to report the presented case of child abuse. Clinicians' tendency to report depended on the level of certainty they had that abuse was occurring. Professionals' attribution of responsibility to the father and mother varied as a function of the type of abuse occurring. The impact of victim characteristics on clinicians' reporting is discussed.

Child↗
PubMed1988

MMPI profile of women and men convicted of domestic homicide.

The present study investigated the psychological characteristics of men and women convicted of domestic homicide. Demographic information and MMPIs were collected from women (n = 16) and men (n = 20) convicted of murdering their partners and men (n = 19) convicted of murdering strangers during the course of a crime. Analyses of variance indicated that women had significantly higher elevations of MMPI scales PA and SI than both groups of men, while men convicted of murdering strangers had higher elevations on scale MA than men convicted of domestic murder. These findings suggest different patterns of psychopathology among homicide offenders depending on the offender's relationship to the victim. Results are discussed with reference to previous research on domestic murderers and female offenders.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sexual compulsivity and substance use in HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men: prevalence and predictors of high-risk behaviors.

Most persons aware of their HIV-positive serostatus refrain from sexual behavior that could transmit HIV infection to others. However, a minority of men who test HIV-seropositive continue to engage in transmission risk behavior. One factor that may play a role in high-risk sexual activity involves sexual behavior self-management. The present study investigated the role of sexual compulsivity as a contributing factor to high-risk sexual behavior in HIV seropositive men who have sex with men (N = 112). Participants also completed measures of factors known to be related to risky sexual behavior including: personal substance use, sexual partner substance use, pleasure associated with high-risk activities, beliefs about transmission risks, intentions to avoid future instances of risky behavior, and self-esteem. Men scoring high on sexual compulsivity reported engaging in more frequent unprotected sexual acts with more partners, reported greater use of cocaine in conjunction with sexual activity, rated high-risk sexual acts as more pleasurable, and reported lower self-esteem. Mediational analyses indicated that the relationship between sexual compulsivity and high-risk sexual behavior was partially mediated by both personal cocaine use and partner cocaine use in conjunction with sexual activity. The results suggest a need to integrate HIV risk-reduction services and substance use treatment for those persons living with HIV who have difficulty avoiding transmission risk behavior.

Adult↗