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M94A2091.TXT
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1994-10-24
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Document 2091
DOCN M94A2091
TI HIV positivity: initial reactions of HIV-positive women.
DT 9412
AU Morris A; Thompson C; Salvato P; Weil J; Hasheeve D; Couvaras S; Houston
Immuno. Institute, TX.
SO Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):383 (abstract no. PD0141). Unique
Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370484
AB OBJECTIVE: To elucidate initial thoughts and feelings experienced by
women when informed of their HIV-seropositivity. METHODS: A
phenomenological methodology was utilized. The sample included 29 women.
27 heterosexual and 2 bisexual, ranging in age from 22 to 59. Subjects
were ask to respond to the open-ended question. When you were told that
you were HIV positive, what were your initial thoughts or feelings?
Analysis included the clustering of responses to reveal major
psychological themes. RESULTS: The major psychological themes identified
were fear, shame/guilt, isolation, hopelessness, and sadness/depression.
Fear and shame/guilt were the most prevalent themes. Examples of
responses illustrative of each theme are as follows: Fear--When would I
get sick and die; Shame/Guilt--I felt as though I was being punished for
my past behaviors; Isolation--I remember feeling very different, as if
the world around me completely changes; Hopelessness--Killing myself
because I didn't want to die a slow death; Anger--I felt betrayed ... I
was not promiscuous; and, Sadness/Depression--I might not be able to see
my child grow up. CONCLUSIONS: Being told one is HIV-positive is an
emotionally devastating experience. The primary psychological task of
coping with a life-threatening diagnosis such as HIV is adaptation to
death and dying. By understanding psychological themes prevalent in
HIV-positive women, HCW's can facilitate the process of grieving which
is necessary for adaptation.
DE *Adaptation, Psychological Adult Attitude to Death AIDS
Serodiagnosis/*PSYCHOLOGY Emotions Female Human HIV
Seropositivity/*PSYCHOLOGY Middle Age *Sick Role MEETING ABSTRACT
SOURCE: National Library of Medicine. NOTICE: This material may be
protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).