Predicting PrEP acceptability and self‐efficacy among men who have sex with men in the UK: The roles of identity resilience, science mistrust, and stigma

Results indicate that the decision to take PrEP is associated with the constructs of identity worth (i.e., self-esteem, self-efficacy, and distinctiveness) rather than risk-based appraisals alone. The reasons for accessing and using PrEP may no longer be motivated by an inherent perceived risk of HIV acquisition. When trying to increase PrEP uptake, addressing specific parts of identity resilience may be beneficial. For example, therapeutic interventions (e.g., counselling) could include interventions to improve positive sexual identities and self-esteem.