Magic Johnson and children's conceptions of AIDS
Quadagno, D.; Eberstein, I.W.; Foster, K.; Sittig, J.E.; Sly, D.F.; Kistner, J.A.; Johnson, E.
Aids Education and Prevention Official Publication of the International Society for Aids Education 9(4): 359-372
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-9546 PMID: 9376209 Document Number: 474288
Longitudinal data for a heterogeneous sample of 609 elementary school children are used to assess the long-term effects of Magic Johnson's announcement on children's HIV and AIDS conceptions. 4 hypotheses are tested concerning these relationships, and background variables measured prior to Johnson's announcement are controlled. Findings suggest that Johnson's announcement increased children's HIV and AIDS knowledge and reduced their prejudice toward a hypothetical child with AIDS. No relationship is evident between the announcement and perceived vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. Males were more likely to be aware of Johnson's announcement, but its effects are more pronounced among blacks. Findings from the present research affirm the potential for celebrities like Johnson in HIV and AIDS education campaigns directed toward children.