Associations between individual and relationship characteristics and genital herpes disclosure. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Myers, Jaime L; Buhi, Eric R; Marhefka, Stephanie; Daley, Ellen; Dedrick, Robert
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 21:Number 10(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 2283
• Page End: 2293
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: disclosure -- genital herpes -- herpes simplex virus -- interpersonal relationships -- stigma; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105315575039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

Disclosure is often a challenge for individuals living with genital herpes. This study explores determinants of genital herpes disclosure with one's most recent sexual partner using an online questionnaire ( n = 93). The majority of participants reported (80.4%) disclosure. Among non-disclosers, fear of negative partner reactions was the primary reason for non-disclosure. Age, relationship commitment, time in relationship, and expectations of partner's reaction were statistically significant predictors at the bivariate level. Reaction expectations and relationship commitment remained significant in the multivariate logistic regression model. Findings indicate that future disclosure research should focus on relationship context and managing negative expectations to increase disclosure.