PREADOLESCENTS PERCEPTIONS OF AIDS BEFORE AND AFTER JOHNSON,EARVIN,MAGIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Compared sixth graders' AIDS concerns before and after Magic Johnson a nnounced that he tested HIV-positive. Examined perceptions of self/oth er vulnerability (optimistic bias) using questionnaires (Study A) and interviews (Study B). Also examined AIDS worries mentioned in open-end ed interviews (Study C). Studies A and B revealed a substantial degree of optimistic bias. Study C showed that AIDS is a prime concern of sc hool-age students, mentioned under free or context-cued conditions by about 50%. There was little detectable effect of the publicity; the so le before-after difference in three studies was one increase in self- and other-vulnerability to AIDS-an increase attributable, with margina l significance, only to girls. Discussed implications for health promo tion and differences between assessment approaches.