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Discussions of sexual health testing: Applying the theory of motivated information management
Author(s) -
DILLOW MEGAN R.,
LABELLE SARA
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
personal relationships
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.81
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1475-6811
pISSN - 1350-4126
DOI - 10.1111/pere.12057
Subject(s) - seekers , psychology , outcome (game theory) , information seeking , social psychology , applied psychology , clinical psychology , computer science , mathematics , mathematical economics , library science , political science , law
To investigate how individuals seek and disclose information related to testing for sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ) in sexual relationships, this study utilizes the revised theory of motivated information management ( TMIM ; Afifi & Morse, 2009). As part of a longitudinal design, 199 participants completed questionnaires assessing TMIM constructs. The hypothesized model was supported for individuals as seekers and providers of information regarding STI testing behaviors, and efficacy emerged as a mediator of seekers' negative emotional response and indirect information seeking and of providers' outcome expectancies and indirect information provision. Findings from this investigation support the workings of the revised TMIM and illustrate the importance of efficacy in information management decisions regarding STI testing behaviors between sexual partners.