Stealing thunder from HIV: Understanding the processes behind timing the disclosure of HIV to potential relationship partners

Stealing thunder is a technique used in the courtroom that involves the defendant revealing self-incriminating negative information ( thunder ) before it is revealed by the prosecution in order to reduce its potential negative impact on the jury (Williams, Bourgeois, & Croyle, 1993). The goal of the present research was to examine if stealing thunder would be useful in understanding relationship processes and address mechanisms that could account for its effectiveness. I examined whether stealing thunder with one\u27s HIV+ status could affect an individual\u27s dating potential. Responding to an online survey, 657 gay males read two online profiles, one written by an HIV+ romantic prospect (Alex) and one written by Alex\u27s friend. Participants were randomly assigned to revealer (i.e., who revealed HIV+ status: target, friend, both, or neither) and which profile (Alex\u27s or Alex\u27s friend) they read first. Results indicated that among participants reading the Alex-written profile first, stealing thunder diminished the negative impact of his HIV+ status, resulting in a greater willingness to date and the effect was mediated by Alex\u27s perceived honesty and credibility. These results support the honesty mechanism, while also contributing a real-world strategy for HIV+ males in meeting potential partners. Implications for theory and policy are discussed