title: A female perspective on living with HIV disease.
abstract: The study discussed in this article explored women's views of the positive and negative aspects of life with HIV. Even in the face of a stigmatizing physical illness and with elevated levels of depression and anxiety, the 55 women interviewed for the study were able to identify a large number of positive events; for many, HIV served as a motivating force for positive change. Common negative experiences included physical symptoms, a limited life span, alienation, and stigma. Results suggest that whereas women demonstrate a remarkable capacity to adapt, there are a number of specific areas where social services and community interventions can be targeted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Missouri, 5301 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA. goggink@umkc.edu
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Goggin
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Catley
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Brisco
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Engelson
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Rabkin
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Kotler
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D009519:New York City; D012649:Self Concept; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*