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Journal of Pediatric Psychology 19(1) pp. 3-17, 1994
© 1994 Society of Pediatric Psychology

research-article

Preadolescents' Perceptions of AIDS Before and After Earvin Magic Johnson's Announcement1

Carol K. Whalen2, Barbara Henker, Robin O'Neil, Judy Hollingshead, Alison Holman and Barbara Moore

University of California Irvine, University of California Los Angeles, University of California Irvine

2All correspondence should be sent to Carol K. Whalen, Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California 92717

Compared sixth graders' AIDS concerns before and after Magic Johnson announced that he tested HIV-positive. Examined perceptions of self other vulnerability (optimistic bias) using questionnaires (Study A) and interviews (Study B). Also examined AIDS worries mentioned in open-ended interviews (Study C). Studies A and B revealed a substantial degree of optimistic bias. Study C showed that AIDS is a prime concern of school-age students, mentioned under free or context-cued conditions by about 50%. There was little detectable effect of the publicity; the sole before-after difference in three studies was one increase in self- and other-vulnerability to AIDS-an increase attributable, with marginal significance, only to girls. Discussed implications for health promotion and differences between assessment approaches.

Key words: AIDS; preadolescents; worries; perceived vulnerability; optimistic bias.


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