| Abstract: | Comments on the article by H. Amaro (see record 1995-34352-001) regarding the problem of women's risk for HIV infection. The authors argue that Amaro's article has a major shortcoming in the argument that rather than focusing on current realities, long-term ideal solutions are emphasized. The authors believe that empowerment-based solutions contradict the current realities of many dyadic relationships. The authors found that dyadic sociocultural issues in both college students and adolescents are far too complex to be framed in terms of the individualistic change models cited by Amaro. The authors agree that empowerment may be the ideal ultimate solution, but that a more immediate strategy is also necessary. Thus, they advocate focusing on the woman's right to protect herself against HIV infection and pregnancy by methods that would not require the knowledge nor the consent of her partner. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
