Psychosocial Predictors of Self-Esteem in a Multiethnic Sample of Women Over 50 at Risk for HIV

Abstract

Self-esteem is linked to high-risk behaviors in other populations but has not been examined in women aged 50 and older. This study explored how self-esteem is related to variables that can influence high-risk sexual behaviors in women over 50. A multiethnic community-based sample of 572 women aged 50 and older completed an anonymous questionnaire on sexual behaviors, sociodemographic characteristics, and psychosocial measures relevant to midlife and older women. Regression analysis showed sensation-seeking, HIV stigma, sexual assertiveness, and self-silencing predicted self-esteem in women over 50 (F = 43.632, p < .001). Factors such as relational context, interpersonal power, and silencing can affect self-esteem and may be contributing to HIV risk in this group.

Predictors of HIV risk behaviors among older adults : a multilevel analysis.

“…As a result, risk behaviors may go unnoticed (Jacobs & Kane, 2011;Longfield et al, 2004). It is believed that those who do not have a medical provider, an important external support, increases the odds that any HIV risk behavior can go unnoticed.…”

“…Subjective well-being affects individuals socially, physically, and economically, influencing their physical and mental health (Pangman & Seguire, 2000) and in terms of HIV risk behavior, can dictate the dynamics of relationships (Jacobs & Kane, 2011), gender role context (Logan et al, 2002), and interpersonal power (Jacobs & Kane, 2011). It has been suggested that those who report experiencing a lower quality of life engage in more risk taking behaviors, and in combination with other vulnerable characteristics, that risk is higher (Aronowitz et al, 2007;El-Bassel et al, 2009).…”

“…Gender influences the distribution of resources in general and power and access through social institutions and social mechanisms (Greig & Koopman, 2003;Jacobs, 2011). States that have a higher percentage of women will have more of an imbalance in the male-to-female ratio, which influences partner status for women, presenting a gendered issue that can increase women's exposure to HIV risk behaviors.…”

“…They also have higher self-efficacy in communicating and negotiating about sexual practices due to increased independence that is associated with being economically secure because they have overall improved autonomy (Dworkin & Blankenship, 2009;Jacobs & Kane, 2011) . Given these reasons it is believed that lower levels of income are associated with increased exposure to HIV risk behaviors, especially for groups who experience economic disadvantage.…”

“…Relational contexts include incentives for engaging in relationships, interpersonal power, silencing, (Jacobs & Kane, 2011;Longfield, Glick, Waithaka, & Berman, 2004) intimate partner violence (IPV) (Rivara et al, 2007), gender differences regarding sexual acts (Birnbaum & Laser-Brandt, 2002) and perceived risk (Cole, Logan, & Shannon, 2008). Protective skills such as condom use, condom negotiation, communication, and strategies that address gender and power imbalances in relationships have been discussed and shown to influence African American women's sexual attitudes and participation in risk behaviors (Longfield et al, 2004;Oser et al, 2008 (Stankiewicz & Rosselli, 2008).…”