Dating with HIV: A Content Analysis of Gay Male HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Personal Advertisements

Abstract

One hundred personal advertisements from homosexual men who disclosed their HIV-status were analyzed for content. Results supported the hypotheses that HIV-negative men would be more likely to specify positive characteristics for their partners, prescribe a seriousness for the relationship, be older and write longer ads. HIV-positive men were more likely to discuss health issues in their ads. Results are interpreted in light of case study and survey research on HIV-positive gay men. The use of personal advertisements as an alternative ecological methodology is also discussed.

Keywords

gay community HIV status personal advertisements

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