Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Reba Glidewell

Abstract

The over-representation of HIV infections among Black populations relative to the mainstream population continues to be documented in Canada. Previous research has implicated cultural factors in the transmission of HIV in addition to linking HIV/AIDS to psychological distress. Some studies established a link between awareness of increased HIV/AIDS risk and vulnerability to distress, and others indicated cultural differences in the experiences of cognitive dissonance as a function of cultural variations in beliefs and practices. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine cultural variables associated with cognitive dissonance (dependent variable) arousal as a function of cultural sexual gender-role socialization (SGRS, independent variable) in relation to HIV/AIDS between Black African and White Canadians. The sample consisted of 236 participants born in sub-Saharan countries (n = 118 Black African Canadians) and born in Canada (n = 118 White Canadians). The association between SGRS and cognitive dissonance in relation to HIV/AIDS was assessed through regression analyses. Findings from this study indicated a link between cultural SGRS adherence and HIV/AIDS-related cognitive dissonance arousal despite one’s gender between the Black African and White Canadian participants. These results can assist health care providers in development of effective population-specific HIV/AIDS prevention strategies.

Download

Share

 
COinS