Working with denial: a critical aspect in AIDS risk intervention.
Denial as a defense against anxiety can block the effectiveness of education and confrontation in work with clients manifesting AIDS risk behavior. The mechanism of denial is explored with reference to its role in supporting sexual acting out of unconscious conflicts. Clinical illustrations demonstrate the importance of work with denial as a prestage to effective AIDS risk intervention. Work with heterosexual and homosexual men and women is cited.
Rosenberger
J
J
Hunter College School of Social Work, New York, NY 10021.
Wineburgh
M
M
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior