Psychological Sequelae of Avoiding HIV-Serostatus Information

Abstract

The psychological sequelae of choosing to learn or not to learn one's HIV serostatus were examined in a group of 224 men who had been tested for HIV. Correlates of this avoidance were measured (a) when both groups had been tested and given the opportunity to receive the test results, and (b) after the group that initially chose to avoid HIV-serostatus information had learned their test results (and an equivalent time point for those who had already learned their HIV serostatus). Results indicate that those who kept themselves unaware of their serostatus had AIDS-related worries and concerns significantly higher than individuals aware that they were HIV seronegative and equivalent to individuals aware that they were HIV seropositive, at the first time point. Thus, unaware seronegative men suffered unnecessary worries and concerns. Both HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative men who were initially unaware showed a decline in mood disturbance on learning their HIV status. These findings suggest that learning threatening information may be more psychologically beneficial than avoiding it.