The more you know? Knowledge about genital herpes and factors affecting adjustment

Abstract

Genital herpes (herpes simplex virus) is a relatively common and recurrent sexually transmitted infection. Despite its high prevalence, knowledge about the condition can be lacking and many individuals suffer significant psychological distress upon diagnosis. As such, it is necessary to evaluate knowledge about herpes and examine factors that may contribute to adjustment. Participants ( N = 401) completed online measures of genital herpes knowledge, erotophobia–erotophilia, and psychological adjustment. In addition, participants were asked to rate their current herpes knowledge as well as their knowledge prior to diagnosis. Knowledge was high among those diagnosed ( M = 91.41, SD = 7.34); however, knowledge scores were not associated with any differences in psychological adjustment. Despite this, individuals who self-rated their current knowledge more favourably had greater psychological adjustment ( p = .001). Similarly, participants who rated themselves as being knowledgeable about herpes prior to diagnosis were significantly more adjusted ( p = .008). Erotophobia–erotophilia was found to moderate the relation between self-rated knowledge and psychological adjustment such that their positive relation was stronger for those high in erotophilia ( W ≤ 17.42). Greater efforts are needed to educate people about genital herpes prior to diagnosis. More positive psychological outcomes can be expected if people feel well informed about genital herpes. Positive sexual attitudes may play a critical role in educational efforts to improve adjustment to genital herpes and other sexually transmitted infections.