In this paper we discuss the complexities of interview transcription. While often seen as a behindthe-scenes task, we suggest that transcription is a powerful act of representation. Transcription is practiced in multiple ways, often using naturalism, in which every utterance is captured in as much detail as possible, and/or denaturalism, in which grammar is corrected, interview noise (e.g., stutters, pauses, etc.) is removed and nonstandard accents (i.e., non-majority) are standardized. In this article, we discuss the constraints and opportunities of our transcription decisions and point to an intermediate, reflective step. We suggest that researchers incorporate reflection into their research design by interrogating their transcription decisions and the possible impact these decisions may have on participants and research outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to examine two theories of HIV disclosure. The first is a disease progression theory and the second is the theory of competing consequences. Participants were 138 HIV-positive gay men involved in a larger study of HIV disclosure. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze each model, with the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and the nonnormed fit index (NNFI) used to evaluate goodness of fit. The RMSEA for the disease progression model was .031 and the NNFI was .932. The RMSEA for the consequences model was . 018 and NNFI was .978. Both indices are considered to be a close fit; however, the parameter estimates for disease progression to disclosure in the disease model and disease progression to consequences in the consequences model were nonsignificant, suggesting that disease progression may not play a role in the decision to disclose an HIV diagnosis. Researchers may want to focus on the intentions and possible outcomes from disclosure as predictive factors.

No abstract

The purpose of this paper is to compare the ways in which perceived and actual social support affect the mental health of gay men, straight or bisexual men, and women living with HIV/AIDS. Participants included 125 women and 232 men with an HIV-positive or AIDS diagnosis involved in three larger investigations of HIV, disclosure and mental health. Results suggest each sub-group experienced perceived social support as significantly predictive of better mental health while the effect of actual social support was minimal.

No abstract