HIV-infection and the HIV-infected: peculiarities of social perceptions in two age groups
The contribution examines the problem of HIV-infection and the HIV-infected from the position of the social perceptions theory. It discusses the specifics of development of the disease's epidemic in Russia in comparison with the majority of western countries where the main part of works in social sciences was carried out, in particular - in social psychology. It also proposes an analysis of perceptions of HIV and the HIV-infected in two age groups which was made in within the framework of structural approach of social perceptions theory (which presumes identification of a central core and periphery in the structure of perception). The center of attention is the protective function of social perceptions in two age groups which belong to one target audience of prophylactic and preventive programs in the field of HIV-infection. 141 respondents aged from 14 to 18 and from 36 to 48 participated in the research. The results are discussed from the positions of the social perceptions theory. The prospects of further research of the problem are specified.