Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

This Is Herpes: A Qualitative Investigation Of The Disclosure Patterns Of Hsv2 Individuals, Katrina Miles

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

It is estimated that by 2025, 49% of the female population and 39% of the male population, aged 15-39, will have contracted herpes simplex virus 2, or as it is more commonly known, genital herpes (Fisman, Lipsitch, Hook & Goldie, 2002). However, little is understood about the ways that those with genital herpes communicate their condition with potential partners, friends, or family members. Using in-depth qualitative interviews this research focuses on understanding the unique patterns that individuals with genital herpes engage to disclose their status to significant others. Utilizing the theories of Communication Privacy Management and the Disclosure Decision-Making Model …