Gay men with AIDS: perceptions of social support and adaptational outcome.
Using a multivariate design, this study examined social support as a mediating variable between the stressor of AIDS and adaptational outcome in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse sample of 60 urban gay men with AIDS. Whereas earlier studies have suggested that social support for gay men with AIDS is often lacking or ineffective, findings in this study indicated that family of origin and friends may provide more support to gay men with AIDS than has been generally recognized. Both family of origin and friend support were strongly correlated with positive outcomes, indicating that social support was not only forthcoming but was also effective. The relationship between family of origin support and positive outcomes was particularly strong.
Waller
M A
MA
Arizona State University, College of Public Programs, School of Social Work,  Tempe 85287-1802, USA. margi.waller@asu.edu
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological