title: The paradox of HIV/AIDS as expanding consciousness.
abstract: A heuristic approach employing Newman's method for pattern identification was used to examine the theory of health as expanding consciousness in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Themes derived from the interview of nine gay men portrayed a pattern of alienation during childhood, followed by a breaking away from family, and progressing to cycles of aloneness and searching. Recognition of HIV/AIDS in their lives brought them to a turning point of more meaningful connectedness. This pattern is viewed as expanding consciousness and possibly a phenomenon of cultural evolution.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
authors.forename: F P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Lamendola
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003243:Consciousness; D003468:Cultural Evolution; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016294:Models, Nursing; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012752:Shame; D012918:Social Alienation