From neglect to care: a theory to guide HIV-positive incarcerated women in self-care.
Self-care was investigated in this grounded theory study of 22 HIV-positive women incarcerated in a medium security prison in the southeastern United States. Findings revealed four phases in a social-psychological process of movement from neglect of health to self-care. Phases I and II revealed five social-psychological cofactors that constrained self-care and promoted vulnerability to poor physical and emotional health over time. Phase I, "Recurring Memories of Abuse," focused on the damage of abuse histories; Phase II, "Repeating Harmful Coping Behaviors," described maladaptive coping behaviors that put women at risk for HIV infection and incarceration; Phase III, "Searching for Self-Care," exposed the shock of incarceration and the HIV-positive diagnosis and symbolized a turning point in thinking about health and self-care. During Phase III, women discovered the possibility for better health through self-care. In Phase IV, "Connecting in Caring Relationships," women described their need for relationships that would help them promote and sustain self-care.
University of Kansas School of Nursing, USA.
Mary Hobbs
MH
Leenerts
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011329:Prisoners / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015144:Southeastern United States; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*