Experimenting the Effect of Psychological Inoculation as Intervention to Enhanced Self-Disclosure Outcomes Among Recently Diagnosed People Living with HIV

Abstract

Non-disclosure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been linked to medical (e.g. infection/treatment recuperation rate) and social (e.g. social support) related problems, and there is paucity of literature addressing the role of behavioral intervention in improving self-disclosure. This study examined the efficacy of Psychological Inoculation (PI) in enhancing self-disclosure. A randomized-clinical-trial design was adopted. Fifty-five respondents (39.5 ± 10.5 years) who scored below the mean ($\overline{X}$ = 45.30) on HIV-Self-disclosure Index were purposively assigned to study groups. The PI was effective in enhancing self-disclosure (effect size (n_p²) = 0.35). However, individuals who received the refutation preemption variant ($\overline{X}$ = 78.18) and the supportive variant of PI ($\overline{X}$ = 75.18) reported higher disclosure than those who did not ($\overline{X}$ = 72.39). Psychological Inoculation was reported effective in enhancing self-disclosure. Psychological Inoculation should be incorporated into the existing treatment for HIV/AIDS.

Disclosure statement

The authors whose names are listed as contributors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest, or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge, or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript that could conflict interest of integrity.