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The Relationship Between Internalised HIV-Related Stigma and Posttraumatic Growth

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Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG), an improvement in functioning as a trauma outcome, and internalised HIV-related stigma (IHRS), the acceptance of societal devaluation by a person living with HIV. Cross-sectional data were gathered from 56 males and 18 females infected with HIV, recruited though five HIV-support agencies in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Multiple regression analyses revealed that (A) IHRS was associated with poorer outcomes in the PTG domains associated with veridical growth, (B) mode of transmission of HIV was associated with outcomes in all PTG domains, with the least stigmatised mode of transmission being associated with the greatest degree of growth, and (C) resilience was significantly and positively associated with outcomes in two domains of PTG. The results highlight the relevance of stigma for clinicians wishing to promote growth among those living with HIV. Clinical implications, limitations, and areas for future research are discussed.

Resumen

Este estudio investigado la relación entre el Crecimiento Postraumático (CPT), una mejoría en el funcionamiento como resultado de un trauma, y el Estigma Relacionado al VIH Internalizado (ERVI), la aceptación por una persona que vive con el VIH de la devaluación social. Se recopilaron de manera transversal los datos de 56 hombres y 18 mujeres infectados con VIH, reclutados por medio de cinco agencias en la Republica de Irlanda e Irlanda del Norte que brindan apoyo a personas con el VIH. El análisis de regresión múltiple reveló que (A) el ERVI estuvo asociado con resultados desfavorables en los dominios del CPT asociados con crecimiento verídico, (B) el modo de trasmisión del VIH estuvo asociado con resultados en todos los dominios del CPT, con la manera de trasmisión menos estigmatizada siendo asociada con el grado más alto de crecimiento, y (C) la capacidad de recuperación fue asociada significativamente y positivamente con los resultados en dos dominios de CPT. Los resultados destacan la relevancia del estigma para los médicos quienes están tratando de promover crecimiento entre las personas que viven con el VIH. Implicaciones clínicas, limitaciones, y áreas de investigación en el futuro son discutidas.

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Acknowledgments

This research was conducted with the support of the staff and membership of the following HIV support agencies: Open Heart House, Dublin; Dublin AIDS Alliance, Dublin; AIDS West, Galway; The Sexual Health Centre, Cork; the HIV Support Centre, Belfast. A special thank you goes to James O’Connor of Open Heart House.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

    Patrick J. Murphy

  2. Centre for Psychological Health, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland

    David Hevey

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  1. Patrick J. Murphy
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  2. David Hevey
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Correspondence to Patrick J. Murphy.

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Murphy, P.J., Hevey, D. The Relationship Between Internalised HIV-Related Stigma and Posttraumatic Growth. AIDS Behav 17, 1809–1818 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0482-4

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