The possible selves of African American men as a mediator of condom use and negotiation

Abstract

This paper seeks to expand upon the available methods for developing HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns by utilizing Possible Selves theory. A detailed look at representations of African American men in U.S. television media since 1980 is provided from which implications for possible selves are extrapolated. Next interview transcripts from 12 HIV-positive African American men in Athens, GA are analyzed to determine a range of possible selves articulated. Comparisons are made between the two analyses and recommendations are made for the use of possible selves theory in HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns.