Accepting being poz: the incorporation of the HIV identity into the self.
In a previous study, the first author of the current study examined how people who were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) when it was considered a terminal illness incorporated their HIV/AIDS identity into the self over time. In the qualitative study reported here, we examined HIV identity incorporation in participants diagnosed with HIV after 1996, when it was considered a chronic illness in the United States. We uncovered a three-step process: diagnosis, a postdiagnosis turning point, and integration. We compared and contrasted the results to those from the previous study and studies of other chronic illnesses. The findings advance our understanding of HIV/AIDS, chronic illness, and identity. Practical implications for HIV/AIDS educators are also discussed.
Baumgartner
Lisa M
LM
Counseling, Adult and Higher Education Department, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115, USA. lbaumgartner@niu.edu
David
Keegan N
KN
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D012649:Self Concept