Introduction: Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is medication used to prevent the spread of HIV. Populations with increased need of HIV prevention (e.g., men who have sex with men [MSM]) are eligible for free PrEP in the UK. However, HIV surveillance reports indicate stagnated uptake of the drug, alongside increasing rates of HIV acquisition. As such, psychosocial research is needed to explore the social barriers to PrEP uptake. This study aimed to explore the role of identity resilience (i.e., ability to maintain a positive and stable sense of self) as a predictor for PrEP usage. We hypothesized that PrEP self‐efficacy (i.e., belief in one's ability to take PrEP) would be positively predicted by PrEP acceptability. We also hypothesized that identity worth and identity continuity (components of identity resilience) would be associated with PrEP acceptability and PrEP self‐efficacy. These would be mediated by mistrust in science, PrEP stigma, and perceived risk of HIV. Methods: In total, 500 MSM who were assigned male at birth, were aged ≥18 years, and did not have HIV participated in an online cross‐sectional, psychometric study between June and September 2023. Participants had to be based in the UK but could either be PrEP users or non‐users. Structural equation modelling was used to explore a model of best fit to test the hypotheses. Results: Participants were aged 18–73 years (mean 35.61, standard deviation [SD] 9.95), mostly (91.2%) white, educated to an undergraduate level or above (70.9%), and non‐users of PrEP (58.2%). Model fit was satisfactory: χ ² = 4.51, degrees of freedom = 3, p ‐value = 0.209, comparative fit index 0.997, Tucker Lewis Index 0.972, root mean square of approximation 0.032, and standardized root mean square residual 0.011. Identity worth was positively associated with PrEP self‐efficacy. Identity worth was indirectly associated with PrEP acceptability and PrEP self‐efficacy. The positive association of identity worth and PrEP acceptability was mediated through lower mistrust of science and lower PrEP stigma but not perceived risk of HIV. Conclusions: 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.

Background: Despite the clinical efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV, uptake remains suboptimal among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United Kingdom (UK). Sustaining progress in the PrEP cascade requires more than biomedical availability; it demands effective, psychologically informed interventions that address persistent barriers. Psychological factors, such as medical mistrust, low PrEP self-efficacy, and identity-related processes, continue to undermine engagement. This study tested whether narrative persuasion and message framing could influence these barriers. Method: A sample of 253 MSM was recruited to participate in an online experiment and completed baseline measures of identity resilience before being randomly allocated to either the gain-framed (N = 122) or loss-framed (N = 124) narrative condition and then completing post-manipulation measures of medical mistrust and PrEP self-efficacy. After excluding 7 cases due to ineligibility, data from 246 participants were analysed using mediation analysis. Results: Participants in the gain-framed condition reported lower medical mistrust than those in the loss-framed condition. Medical mistrust was, in turn, associated with lower PrEP self-efficacy. Identity resilience was associated with lower medical mistrust and higher PrEP self-efficacy. Discussion: These findings provide novel causal evidence that gain-framed health narratives can reduce mistrust and indirectly enhance PrEP self-efficacy. Identity resilience also emerges as a key psychological factor influencing trust and behavioural confidence. Conclusions: Interventions to improve and sustain PrEP uptake should combine gain-framed, narrative-based messaging with strategies to bolster identity resilience. Such approaches may address psychosocial barriers more effectively and promote equitable PrEP uptake among MSM.

Most research assessing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) anxiety relies on single-item measures or psychometric measures that are outdated in terms of concepts and language. There is a critical need for a robust, reliable, and contemporary measure to identify populations at risk of avoiding HIV testing, treatment, and prevention, thereby supporting global HIV eradication goals. Focus groups informed the initial development of the HIV Anxiety Scale (HAS), revised through expert feedback. The factor structure was assessed in two studies. In Study 1, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted with 251 participants. In Study 2, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with 200 participants was performed alongside validity, internal consistency, and measurement invariance assessments. Studies 1 and 2 elicited a 3-factor model, resulting in a 16-item measure with the following subscales: Psychosocial Implications of HIV, Lifestyle Implications of HIV, and HIV Testing Anxiety. The HAS demonstrated a good factor structure, acceptable validity and excellent internal consistency across diverse groups in Study 2. The HAS provides a contemporary, robust measure of HIV anxiety, addressing limitations of previous tools and contributing to efforts to identify and support populations at risk of HIV avoidance behaviours. We recommend that future research continue to validate and test this new measure, but it offers a standardised tool to inform targeted interventions for HIV testing, prevention, and treatment.