The narratives of gay men regarding testing for the human immuno-deficiency virus : a social constructionist perspective

M.A. (Clinical Psychology)The present study explores the personal narratives of eight gay South African men regarding testing for the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) which causes AIDS. The narratives are described within a social constructionist perspective. Two tape-recorded conversations were held with each of the participants in this study, all .of whom had never tested HIV positive. The elicited narratives are related to the men's ideas about HIV, AIDS and gay..sexual identity, and are situated in the South African context. In addition, a reflexive approach is used, farina as the narratives are related to the reflections of the research participants, the researcher and the supervisor about the research process. The narratives suggest that the gay men in the study see decision making regarding HIV testing as involving personal choice and individual responsibility. The participants seem well informed of safe-sex precautions necessary to prevent the transmission of HIV. However, in accordance with the research literature, they appear to employ individual heuristics which allow for unsafe sexual practices, usually in the context of long-term relationships. Empirical research is required in order to determine whether or not these findings can be generalized to the general population of gay South African men. The need for safe-sex education to take account of such individual heuristics is emphasized. In addition, it is suggested that gay men may benefit from assertiveness training which empowers them to decline engaging in sexual behavior which puts them at risk of contracting HIV