This study explored concern aboutAIDS and relationship appraisals ofAfricanAmerican and White dating couples. Partners independently rated their relationship commitment, relationship satisfaction, liking for the partner, and loving for the partner. In addition, partners rated their fear of contracting AIDS, the extent to which fear of AIDS had changed their dating behavior, and the likelihood thatfear of AIDS had increased their partner's and their own relationship commitment. African American couples were more likely than White couples to report (inaccurately) thatfear of AIDS had increased their partner's commitment. In addition, males andfemales differed in the ways in whichAIDS concerns were related to relationship appraisals. Males, but not females, appeared to distinguish between feelings of being trapped in the relationship and feelings of being abandoned by theirpartners. Results show thatfearof contractingAIDShasa significant impact on dating dynamics among this college sample.
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