Brian P. Lewis

Motivational Strategies Can Augment HIV-Risk Reduction Programs

This article advances the view that motivational strategies can augment the effectiveness of skills-based HIV risk reduction interventions. We articulate the empirical and theoretical rationale for a motivational approach and describe how we developed a motivationally based HIV risk reduction intervention. We also describe the strategic exercises and the therapeutic style that constitutes this approach, and then present detailed reviews of three clinical trials that have evaluated HIV-preventive motivational interventions. Results of these trials provide promising evidence for the integration of motivational approaches with traditional skills-based approaches. We recognize the limitations of existing research and provide suggestions for future investigations.

HIV Risk Behavior and Psychological Correlates among Native American Women: An Exploratory Investigation

Native American women are at increased risk for HIV infection, but few studies have studied this threat. To address this gap in the literature, we assessed HIV risk behavior and explored the hypothesized psychological antecedents of risk behavior in 53 Native American women. Survey results indicated that womens HIV-related knowledge was incomplete and many women still held misconceptions about HIV. One third of the sample reported having two to five sexual partners in the past 5 years, and 30% of the women reported alcohol use prior to sexual intercourse. Women who were classified at higher risk, that is, who did not use condoms consistently, felt less vulnerable to HIV and were less ready to change their risky sexual behaviors compared with their lower-risk counterparts. These findings indicate that Native American women are at risk for HIV infection and can no longer be neglected by those seeking to prevent HIV infections. Culturally congruent and gender-specific interventions that provide information and behavioral skills to Native American women as well as increase their motivation to adopt safer sexual behaviors are needed.

Mixing, Matching, and Mating: Demonstrating the Effect of Contrast on Relationship Satisfaction

We extended earlier demonstrations of the matching phenomenon (individuals choose romantic partners who tend to match them on a variety of traits) to demonstrate several relationship issues including contrast effects, the impact of alternative mates on relationship satisfaction, and social exchange and equity theories. Students first place playing cards of differing values on their foreheads and pair with another student to achieve the highest combined card value. Students are unaware of their own card value. After all have paired, a student with a more valuable card is introduced to the mix. Students then reassess their pairings and relationship satisfaction and the process is repeated. Data indicated that this demonstration significantly enhances student knowledge of the subject material.