Fear and Loathing in the Workplace: Reactions to AIDS-Infected Co-workers

Abstract

The effects of persuasive messages on attitudes toward having an AIDS-infected co-worker are explored. A message addressing the instrumental considerations of interacting with AIDS-infected co-workers produced attitude change only in individuals who did not hold negative attitudes toward homosexuality. To account for these findings, the authors propose that attitudes toward AIDS-related issues can serve both instrumental and symbolic functions. The expression of a negative attitude toward a person infected with AIDS may reflect a response to the possible consequences of interacting with this person or a response to what AIDS symbolizes. For those who hold negatiue attitudes toward homosexuality, AIDS may symbolize homosexual promiscuity and moral decadence. The results are discussed with regard to their relevance for AIDS education programs.