CYNICISM, FEAR, COMMUNICATION, AND KNOWLEDGE OF ACQUIRED-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-SYNDROME (AIDS) AMONG JUVENILE DELINQUENTS

Understanding altitudes toward AIDS among institutionalized juveniles is a crucial issue for administrators of health education programs. Th is study examined cynicism, fear communication skills, and the impact of AIDS education. The results indicated that education is significant ly related to objective knowledge and to cynicism about AIDS, but is n ot related to other attitudes about AIDS. Membership in racial minorit y groups was correlated with lower objective knowledge scores and grea ter cynicism. Although females possessed slightly less knowledge about AIDS, they were less cynical and reported practicing more precautiona ry behavior than males. Implications of these findings for juvenile co rrectional policy are discussed.