Effects of quality of life and coping on depression among adults living with HIV/AIDS.
This prospective study examined the effect of maladaptive coping strategies and psychological quality of life (QOL) on depression at two time points in a diverse sample of persons living with HIV/AIDS (N = 85). The use of maladaptive coping strategies to deal with the stress of living with HIV/AIDS, particularly engaging in various kinds of avoidant behaviors, was significantly associated with greater depression at baseline and increased depression at three months. QOL was the single most important predictor of depression. In an effort to develop effective clinical methods aimed at decreasing depression among adults living with HIV, future studies need to focus on improving quality of life and increasing adaptive coping strategies associated with the stress of living with HIV/AIDS.
Gore-Felton
Cheryl
C
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. cgore@stanford.edu
Koopman
Cheryl
C
Spiegel
David
D
Vosvick
Mark
M
Brondino
Michael
M
Winningham
April
A
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications