The Relationship Between Attitudes Toward Persons Who Are Gay and Persons With AIDS, and HIV and AIDS Knowledge

Abstract

A total of 86 counseling students were assessed on their attitudes toward persons who are gay, attitudes toward persons with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), and level of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS knowledge. Demographic data consisted of sex, age, and HIV‐ and AIDS‐related training. Results indicated that the attitudinal and knowledge variables were correlated so that positive attitudes toward both groups corresponded with high levels of knowledge. There were no significant differences among these variables on the demographic factors. Implications of these results are discussed, with special emphasis placed on counselor education.