title: Group psychotherapy for persons with HIV and AIDS-related illnesses.
abstract: Although some individuals are able to cope well with the challenges posed by HIV and AIDS, others experience psychological difficulties. This article reviews factors that facilitate or hinder successful coping with HIV including preexisting psychological functioning, medical health status, quality and adequacy of social support, stress-and-coping style, and perceived expected benefits of treatment. The article reviews studies evaluating the effects of group psychotherapy intervention for persons living with HIV. The article then describes clinical issues encountered in therapy groups for persons with HIV. These clinical issues include the presence of coexisting problems unrelated to HIV/AIDS, disclosure of HIV-positive serostatus to others, making changes in transmission-risk-behavior practices, AIDS-related bereavement and caregiving stress, establishing social supports, adhering to medical care regimens, and developing a positive self-identity as a person living with HIV. Practical considerations of group therapy for HIV-positive clients are also described.
authors.affiliation: Center for AIDS Intervention Research (CAIR), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support; D014342:Truth Disclosure