| Abstrakt: |
This exploratory study investigated the relationship between specific dimensions of spirituality and various HIV-related risk factors. A convenience sample of 95 young Black college students participated in the study. Primary measures assessed whether spirituality (i.e., prayer, a positive world view, and belief in the spirit world) was related to HIV self-efficacy and HIV-related risk factors (i.e., attitudes toward safer sex, peer norms endorsing safer sex, perceived susceptibility to HIV, substance use, intention to practice safer sex, and an expectation to practice safer sex). Regression findings indicated that higher levels of prayer were associated with greater HIV self-efficacy and a decreased perception of being at risk for contracting HIV. In addition, a positive world view was associated with greater peer norms endorsing safer sex. Findings indicated a direct relationship between specific components of spirituality and various HIV-related domains. Implications for social work research and practice are discussed in the context of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
