Research and Theoreis on HIV Therapy

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(1) What theories and research in social psychology could be applied to the spread of HIV?

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening infectious disease associated with human immune deficiency viruses which are transmitted from person to person sexually [including via anal, oral, and vaginal intercourse, both heterosexually and homosexually] (Drotman, n.d.). A report from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides estimates for approximately 1.1 million persons, who are living with HIV in the United States. Based on the report, as HIV continues to increase among gay and bi-sexual men with HIV, the transmission of the disease and the number of people contracting AIDS will continue to rise. For example, individuals who engage in illicit substance use are vulnerable through risky sexual practices, particularly those living in low-income urban areas. Several theories have been applied to address the problem of AIDS treatment and prevention including models of social and behavior theories which are addressed in this discussion.

(a) The Social Action Theory

In their study, Reynolds, Magidson, Bornovalova, Gwadz, Ewart, Daughters & Lejuez (2010) utilized the Social Action theory as an integrative model to address HIV/AIDS among substance abusers and addressing AIDS as a public health problem. The Social Action theory (SAT) focuses on existing HIV-related social cognitive models that emphasize cognitive appraisals and beliefs (Bandura, 1994 as cited in Reynolds et al, 2010). SAT related to the treatment and prevention of Aid highlights ways in which important self-goals, emotional competence and social influences affect ...