Components of Body Image in Gay Men with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

The current study examined group differences in various components of body image within a group of gay men. Three groups of gay men were compared: AIDS diagnosed, HIV positive (without an AIDS diagnosis), and HIV negative. Participants were 254 men who responded to an online survey. Results revealed significant group differences on the components of illness orientation and fitness/health evaluation. These results indicated that participants in the AIDS and HIV positive groups reported more awareness of and vulnerability to illness compared with the HIV negative group. Furthermore, men in the AIDS group reported being less fit and in poorer health than HIV positive and HIV negative men. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences between groups on appearance evaluation, suggesting that previous reports of high levels of body dissatisfaction among men living with HIV/AIDS may be because of disproportionate rates of gay (or MSM) men affected by the disease.